PhD student in forest pathology: damage risks for birch

Department of Southern Swedish Forestry

Doctoral subject:

Forestry

Description of the doctoral project:

Birch is becoming increasingly important in Swedish forestry as a complement to conifers and as part of a climate-adapted diversification of the forest. However, broader use requires better knowledge of the interaction between the biotic and abiotic threats that affect young plantations and older stands.

This four-year doctoral project will investigate damage risks associated with birch and builds upon research initiated during the first phase of Trees For Me. The project combines two interconnected research tracks: damage in newly planted birch stands, including wildlife browsing, insects, pathogens, and abiotic stress, as well as an emerging vitality problem in older birch stands where trees exhibit severely declined crowns or mortality and the causes are still unknown.

The project is located at the Department of Southern Swedish Forestry in Alnarp and is part of Trees For Me, a competence center focusing on fast-growing deciduous trees for sustainable forests, materials, and energy. The doctoral student will become part of an interdisciplinary forestry research environment and collaborate with academic, public, and private partners. The project combines field experiments and forest health inventories with the assessment of diseases and damage, isolation and cultivation of fungi, molecular diagnostics, as well as ecological and statistical data analysis.

Tasks:

The doctoral student will plan and conduct field and laboratory studies, analyze and interpret data, and communicate the results through scientific articles, conference presentations, and dialogue with the project's partners. The work includes significant fieldwork at sites throughout Sweden as well as laboratory work in Alnarp. The doctoral student will complete relevant doctoral courses and is expected to develop increasing independence in the planning and implementation of research as well as in scientific writing.

Eligibility:

Basic eligibility is granted to those who have completed a degree at an advanced level, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at an advanced level, or who have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country (the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39).

Special eligibility to be admitted to doctoral studies in the subject of forestry is granted to those who have at least 90 credits in subjects relevant to forestry, of which at least 30 credits are at an advanced level.

Additionally, you are required to have knowledge in English corresponding to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school.

Your background:

We are seeking a motivated candidate with a strong interest in forest health and the interaction between trees, pests, and environmental stress.

The following requirements are set:

Master's degree in forest pathology, biology, forest science, or another relevant subject that fulfills the special eligibility in forestry. Ability to communicate scientific work clearly in speech and writing in English. Ability to work both independently and together with others in field, laboratory, and interdisciplinary research environments.

The following are meritorious:

Experience in fieldwork, especially forest health inventories or field experiments. Experience in fungal isolation or other microbiological methods, molecular laboratory methods, or DNA-based analyses. Experience in ecological or statistical data analysis. Knowledge of Swedish or another Scandinavian language, or a willingness to learn Swedish. A valid driver's license.

Great importance will be placed on personal qualities such as curiosity, initiative, thoroughness, organizational skills, and a willingness to cooperate.

About us:

The Department of Southern Swedish Forestry is an interdisciplinary department that conducts research and teaching within a wide spectrum of subjects related to sustainable forestry. Our work has global relevance, with particular expertise in forests and forestry as complex socio-ecological systems. Our research areas include silviculture, forest ecology, forest pathology, as well as forestry policy and planning. We collaborate closely with various societal actors and offer a collegial and international research environment at SLU's campus in Alnarp.

Trees For Me brings together academic, public, and private partners to develop knowledge and competence for resilient and diversified forest landscapes. The doctoral student will become part of this active network and the department's research environment within forest pathology.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/

Read more about SLU's doctoral education at http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/.

Terms of employment and salary:

Employment as a doctoral student (4 years of education)

The salary for the doctoral position follows local collective agreements with fixed salary steps.

Extent:

100%

Location:

Alnarp

Start date:

January 11, 2027, or as agreed.

Application and selection:

Welcome with your application via the application button below no later than 2026-10-31.

Read more about the attachments your application must contain at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/

Selection among eligible applicants is based on the attachments included in the application, and shall be made with regard to the ability to complete the education within the specified time.

Union contact persons

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/

Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) plays a key role in the development for sustainable life, founded in science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems and a responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campus areas. We work for an equal and inclusive work environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences lays the foundation for scientificity, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position. </body>