PhD student in technology

Department of Energy and Technology

Research education subject:

Technology

Description of the doctoral project:

We are seeking a motivated PhD student to develop knowledge on how production systems for fast-growing deciduous trees should change to better adapt to a future where both the risk of and the effects of unexpected events – as well as their negative consequences – are increasing. The work focuses on the climate impact of these unexpected events. The project is part of the activities at the competence center Trees for Me.

Changes in the surrounding world linked to the consequences of a changing climate and political instability have become increasingly clear and tangible in recent years. For example, the extent of forest fires, storms, and insect attacks has increased, and the consequences for the forest have in some cases been catastrophic. However, there are measures that can reduce the risk of, and/or the effects of, most of these events; examples of such measures are changes in tree species selection and forest management strategies.

Measures to reduce the occurrence and effects of unexpected, undesirable events normally involve increased costs and/or decreased revenues in the short term. They also affect the total climate impact of the system. Reforming forest management to completely eliminate the effects of all conceivable disturbances is not feasible; instead, measures must be weighed against the risk of a disturbance occurring and the potential damage such an event could entail.

Trees for Me is a competence center focusing on fast-growing deciduous trees – such as poplar, aspen, hybrid aspen, and birch – for sustainable forests, materials, and energy. Around 20 partner organizations from academia, research institutes, industry, and the public sector collaborate within the center. The goal is to develop scientifically grounded, innovative solutions for – as well as build future competence around – a new and resilient system for the supply of forest biomass, intended for processing into high-value material and energy products. In the second phase of Trees for Me, about ten new PhD students and postdocs are now to be recruited. They will collaborate with actors from the entire forestry value chain to build research competence and knowledge for the benefit of the energy and forestry sectors.

Tasks:

The PhD student is expected to read and critically review scientific literature in English, as well as publish and present results in scientific journals and at conferences. The PhD student shall also participate in doctoral courses and contribute to the department's activities.

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 the doctoral program in the subject Technology is granted to those who have knowledge equivalent to at least 90 higher education credits in courses in subjects relevant to technology. These must include an independent project, and at least 30 credits must be at an advanced level. For others, special eligibility is assessed in each individual case with regard to the research task.

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:

Qualification requirements:

• An advanced level degree (civil engineering or master's degree) in forest science, engineering, natural resource economics, or a related field.
• Very good ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing.

Merit qualifications:

• Knowledge in agriculture and forestry
• Bio-based products and energy
• Risk analysis
• Life cycle assessment (LCA) and modeling

If one or two of these competencies are missing, it is possible to supplement the knowledge base after admission.

Great importance is placed on personal qualities, such as ability to cooperate, analytical ability, and problem-solving ability, motivation, as well as the ability to work independently.

About us:

The Department of Energy and Technology at the Department of Soil and Water, Environment and Land (MVM) offers a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment with both national and international focus. Our research in the field focuses on technical solutions and systems for how resources can be used efficiently and sustainably for the production of fuels, electricity, heat, and biomaterials. The department and the participating researchers have extensive experience in doctoral education and supervision.

More information about the Department of Energy and Technology: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/energi-teknik

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 PhD student (4 years of education).

The salary for the PhD student position follows a local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.

Extent:

100%.

Location:

Uppsala.

Commencement:

By agreement, but no later than December 2026.

Application and selection:

Welcome with your application via the application button below no later than 2026-09-25.

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) 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 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 activities 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 conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position. </body>