Postdoctoral Fellow: Psychology, Forest Management, and Biological Diversity

Description:

Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology We are seeking an engaged and motivated postdoctoral researcher who wishes to participate in an interdisciplinary research collaboration between the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Umeå University, and University of Massachusetts. As Sweden and the EU work toward ambitious goals for biological diversity and ecosystem restoration, understanding the human dimensions of forest management becomes increasingly important. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research at the intersection of psychology, economics, and forestry, with the aim of supporting decision-making for more resilient and sustainable forest landscapes. The full job announcement can be found at: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/lediga-jobb/ About the position The EU's Nature Restoration Regulation and Sweden's environmental quality objectives place increasing demands for landscapes with greater biological diversity. In Sweden, approximately 300,000 individuals and families own about 50 percent of productive forest land, which covers roughly two-thirds of the country's area. These family forest owners will need to implement a large portion of the measures required to strengthen biological diversity in Sweden's forests. Within the framework of an interdisciplinary research project funded by the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation, we are investigating three central research questions: What prominent elements in family forest owners' cognitive models describe their perceptions of and assessment strategies regarding biological diversity in their own forest holdings? Do family forest owners have the ability, opportunities, and motivation to change their behavior toward forest management practices that enhance biological diversity? Can interventions offering economic compensation promote family forest owners' transition to forest management practices that enhance biological diversity? To address these questions, we are seeking a postdoctoral researcher who wishes to work with researchers in applied economics, psychology, and forest science. The selected candidate will contribute to integrating behavioral science perspectives and knowledge of natural resource management into relevant research designs, developing research questions, applying appropriate analytical methods, and writing scientific publications. The position is a full-time appointment for two years. An important task is to develop interview protocols for studies with family forest owners, support data collection, and lead analyses of the collected data. The position is based at SLU campus in Umeå. Your background Applicants must hold a doctoral degree obtained within the past three years in a relevant field, such as applied economics, cognitive science, psychology, or a strong interdisciplinary program. If there are special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. Special circumstances include leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust within trade union organizations, military service, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or relevant service/assignments for the field. Applicants are expected to have excellent ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing, and a clear motivation to pursue an academic career. The ability to work independently, take own initiatives, and collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary and international research environments is of great importance. Advantageous qualifications include documented ability to integrate behavioral science perspectives in research on decision-making, experience writing scientific manuscripts, and advanced and documented knowledge in R, Stata, or equivalent analytical software for statistical modeling. Good knowledge of Swedish and experience using surveys and/or interviews as data collection methods are also advantageous. About us The Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology at SLU brings together broad expertise in engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences. By combining interdisciplinary perspectives, we conduct research that encompasses the entire forest value chain and examines how raw materials, materials, processes, and systems can be developed to contribute to sustainable development of forest resources and a circular bioeconomy. The department is located on campuses in both Umeå and Uppsala. More information about the department/division: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/skoglig-bioekonomi-och-teknologi/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21086656031&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwMj3yOmalQMVdluRBR3n7yxAEAAYASAAEgKD_fD_BwE Learn 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 Type of employment: Fixed-term position for 24 months. Fulltime commitment: 100% Start date: As soon as possible, by agreement. Application: We welcome applications until September 30, 2026 through the button below. Candidates are encouraged to review the research of Francisco X. Aguilar, Professor (available at https://www.slu.se/en/profilepages/c/francisco-aguilar/ and at https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=GD4lKi8AAAAJ&hl=en), and co-investigator Linus Andersson, Associate Professor (available at https://www.umu.se/personal/linus-andersson/ and at https://scholar.google.se/citations?user=TzmSEKsAAAAJ&hl=sv&oi=sra). Please review an overview of the project at https://mmw.wallenberg.org/en/project/how-private-forest-owners-choices-shape-swedens-forest-biodiversity before applying. Applicants must submit: a CV a two-page research plan describing how the candidate can contribute as an integrated part of the team in addressing the three specific research questions copies of diplomas and transcripts from all academic studies contact information for at least two references who have good knowledge of the applicant's qualifications proof of English proficiency and current knowledge of Swedish if applicable, copies of scientific publications Final selection will be made after interviews. Prior to the interview, applicants who advance to the final selection must be able to provide certified copies of certificates, diplomas, and transcripts from previous studies at an internationally recognized educational institution (university or college). If the applicant is a foreign national, SLU requires a certified copy of the passport page with personal information and photograph. Trade union representatives: https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology We are seeking an engaged and motivated postdoctoral researcher who wishes to participate in an interdisciplinary research collaboration between the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Umeå University, and University of Massachusetts. As Sweden and the EU work toward ambitious goals for biological diversity and ecosystem restoration, understanding the human dimensions of forest management becomes increasingly important. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research at the intersection of psychology, economics,…

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job

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active

Visibility

public

City

Umeå

Address

Skogsmarksgränd 17

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63.821014653899, 20.314013766888copyopen in

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7

Published

3. 7. 2026

Edited

30. 7. 2026

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