Postdoctoral Researcher in Freshwater Ecology and Climate Change

Department of Forest Ecology and Management Project Description: Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of droughts, floods, heat waves, and storms. Small streams and their surrounding riparian zones are particularly vulnerable to these changes, especially in managed forests where streams are already impacted by forestry. Buffer zones along streams represent the primary forestry tool for reducing the impact of forest management on aquatic environments, but many buffer zones are inadequately designed to maintain important ecological functions, especially in a changing climate. The project addresses three interconnected research questions: 1) How climate-driven extreme events affect streams and riparian zones in managed forests. 2) Which characteristics of riparian zones best increase resilience and recovery capacity against such extreme events. 3) How scientific knowledge about riparian zones is translated into practical guidelines and policy instruments for climate adaptation in forestry. This is a time-limited knowledge synthesis project that integrates scientific and applied knowledge on climate-adapted management of riparian zones, with a focus on boreal and hemiboreal forest ecosystems. The project will compile and evaluate scientific literature, forestry guidelines, policy documents, and/or available data to produce scientific publications and other project outputs. About the Position The postdoctoral researcher will work within the CLIMRIP project (Climate-adapted riparian buffer management: a synthesis of boreal ecosystems and implications for practice), funded by Formas and led by principal investigator Associate Professor Lenka Kuglerová. The project team is interdisciplinary and includes expertise in hydrology, ecology, limnology, microclimate, and social science. The project also has support from the SLU Library. The postdoctoral researcher will also be part of the larger scientific network around the Krycklan Catchment Study. The postdoctoral researcher's primary task is to compile and synthesize knowledge related to the project's three main research questions. Work responsibilities include: Planning and conducting systematic literature reviews, rapid evidence reviews, meta-analyses, and/or evidence mapping of scientific literature on the effects of climate change on boreal streams and riparian zones, as well as on the design of climate-adapted riparian zones, Compiling and analyzing forestry guidelines and policy documents to evaluate how scientific knowledge about riparian zones is translated into practical forest management and policy, Leading the work of writing and publishing scientific articles based on the synthesis work, as well as contributing to other project deliverables, such as reports, Collaborating with the project team to integrate results from different disciplines and contribute to practical recommendations for climate-adapted forestry, Presenting project results at project meetings and scientific conferences. Your Background We seek an engaged and motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong natural science background, particularly in freshwater ecology or related fields. The applicant should hold a PhD in natural science, for example in ecology, physical geography, forest science, or equivalent, preferably with a focus on freshwater ecology, limnology, or similar subject areas. We seek a candidate with demonstrated experience leading scientific publication processes and who can demonstrate a strong ability to publish scientific articles in English. Experience with literature reviews, meta-analyses, or other knowledge synthesis methods is meritable. The following experiences are also meritable: research in boreal ecosystems, research on the effects of climate change, knowledge of riparian zone management along watercourses, ability to read Swedish, experience working in interdisciplinary research projects. We place great emphasis on personal qualities. The applicant should be well-organized and structured, able to work independently and proactively, and have good collaboration and communication skills. This position is intended for a junior researcher, and we primarily seek individuals who completed their PhD no more than three years ago. If there are special reasons, such a degree may have been completed earlier. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust within labor organizations, military service, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or relevant practice/positions for the subject area. About Us The postdoctoral researcher will be employed at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Umeå. The Department consists of approximately 115 people, of whom 9 are professors. Our mission is to promote increased understanding of forest ecosystems and how forest ecosystems can best be managed today and in the future. For more information about the Department, see: http://www.slu.se/institutioner/skogens-ekologi-skotsel/ Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ Location: Umeå Employment Type: Fixed-term position, 24 months, with possibility of extension. Full-time Equivalent: 100% Start Date: January 1, 2027 or by agreement. Application: Welcome to submit your application via the application button below by September 28, 2026. The application should contain a CV including relevant publications (max 3 pages), a cover letter (max 1 page), a research statement describing your qualifications and how they fit the project (max 3 pages). A diploma for your doctoral degree should also be attached. Trade Union Representatives: https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in developing sustainable life, grounded in science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between people, animals, and ecosystems, and responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental forests, and educational facilities throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students, and an annual turnover exceeding 4.5 billion SEK. The University invests in attractive environments on its campus areas. We work towards an equal and inclusive work environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences forms the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development.

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