PhD student in forest restoration and ecosystem services

Department of Southern Swedish Forestry

Research education subject:

Forestry

Description of the doctoral project:

Swedish society is discussing the long-term ability of even-aged, conifer-dominated forests to sustainably produce biomass in the future while simultaneously maintaining the breadth of ecosystem services that society increasingly demands from the forest. Alternative strategies for production forests, such as the restoration of deciduous forests, therefore raise growing interest. Increased use of such alternatives can strengthen the overall resilience of Swedish forests against expected climate change, create a better balance in the provision of forest ecosystem services, provide vital habitats for forest biodiversity, and thus contribute to ensuring the provision of forest ecosystem services in the future.

The EU Nature Restoration Law and Sweden's national environmental goals imply a recognition of the urgent need to restore and improve the ecological state of forest ecosystems across Europe. Our goal with this project is to identify cost-effective ways forward for the regeneration and restoration of new mixed forests with deciduous trees as the dominant tree species.

Tasks:

Compare passive and active methods for restoring diversified forests. To address these questions, we will use existing experiments, chrono-sequences, and inventory data to evaluate the effects of restoration on ecosystem services and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of international researchers. We are looking for a person who, within the framework of a doctoral education, will take on these challenges, but we also welcome applicants who have their own ideas that can shape the final direction of the doctoral studies.

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).

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

Your background:

At the time of admission to doctoral studies, the applicant must have a master's degree in forest science, biology, ecology, or equivalent. You should have a strong interest in forest ecosystems and be interested in working with large datasets. A driver's license is a requirement for the tasks.

Research experience in forestry, ecology, and similar subjects is meritorious. Experience in field-based forest research, interdisciplinary studies, and assessments of ecosystem services is also meritorious. The focus is on your analytical and problem-solving abilities as well as your ability to work independently. A documented ability to express yourself in English, both orally and in writing, is also meritorious.

About us:

SLU is one of the world's highest-ranked universities in several subject areas and is ranked #1 in forest science (CWUR). We are an interdisciplinary institution, where we research and teach in many subjects concerning sustainable forestry. Our work has global relevance and we have particular expertise regarding the forest and forestry as complex socio-ecological systems. Our research areas include forest management, forest ecology, pathology, policy, and planning. We collaborate with various types of stakeholders and actively disseminate our research findings to relevant actors. Our courses at undergraduate and advanced levels cover all the aforementioned areas.

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)

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

Extent:

100%

Location:

Alnarp

Start date:

1 December 2026 or as agreed.

Application and selection:

Welcome with your application via the application button below no later than 2026-09-14.

Read more about the attachments that 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 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 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.