PhD student in silviculture of planted 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 stand treatments and site selection to create vital and productive planted stands.

This four-year doctoral project will investigate the silviculture of planted birch and builds upon research initiated during the first phase of Trees For Me. The project will study growth and stand treatments, including thinning, weeding, and fertilization, as well as comparisons between tree species that can improve recommendations for site selection.

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. Methods include field experiments and forestry inventories, measurements of stand development and tree growth, spatial data and GIS, as well as statistical analysis in R.

Tasks:

The doctoral student will plan and conduct field experiments and inventories, manage and analyze spatial and experimental data, and communicate results through scientific articles, conference presentations, and dialogue with the project's partners. The work includes significant fieldwork at locations throughout Sweden, with an office position in Alnarp. The doctoral student will complete relevant doctoral courses and is expected to develop increasing independence in the planning and execution 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 of English corresponding to a passing grade in English B/6 from a Swedish gymnasium.

Your background:

We are looking for a motivated candidate with a strong interest in silviculture, planted forests, and the management of deciduous trees.

The following requirements are set:

A Master's degree in forest science, forestry, or another relevant subject that meets the special eligibility in forestry. The ability to communicate scientific work clearly in speech and writing in English. The ability to work both independently and together with others in field-based and interdisciplinary research environments.

The following are meritorious:

Experience in fieldwork, especially forestry inventories or field experiments. Experience with GIS and analysis of spatial data. Experience with statistical analysis in R. 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, precision, 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 silviculture.

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/.

Form of employment and salary:

Employment as a doctoral student (4 years of education) // Other form of employment.

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 qualified applicants is based on the attachments included in the application and shall be made with consideration 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) has 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 the 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 equitable and inclusive work environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences forms the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the position.