Postdoc in Soil Science

Department of Forest Ecology and Management

A 2-year postdoctoral position (with possible possibility for extension for a third year) is available at Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) in Umeå. The postdoc will work within the project SMART MARK - AI-driven soil mapping for future robust infrastructure and sustainable mobility. The project is led by Anneli Ågren, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) and is carried out in close cooperation with Sveriges geologiska undersökning (SGU), with Trafikverket, Skogsstyrelsen, Sveaskog and Komatsu Forest as strategic collaboration partners. The work is linked to the transformation lab "Leveraging momentum in large transformation projects" and aims to develop, test and implement a new generation of AI-based soil maps for climate adaptation of transport infrastructure and sustainable use of soil resources.

About the job

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of advanced methods based on deep learning, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing and high-resolution laser data to map soil types. The models are trained with data from SLU's soil inventories.

Your background

The qualifications required for this position are:

A doctoral degree in soil science, geosciences or an equivalent relevant field of study. Experience in modeling using machine learning, demonstrated through relevant publications. Experience in data analysis within the field of soil. Experience with laser data. Experience in programming and working with supercomputers (High Performance Computing - HPC). Very good knowledge of English, both written and spoken.

The employment is intended for a junior researcher and we are primarily seeking individuals who obtained their doctoral degree no more than three years ago. If there are special reasons, such a degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust within trade unions, service within the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical service or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

About us

The postdoc will be employed at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management at Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) in Umeå. The department consists of approximately 115 people, of whom 9 are professors. Our mission is to work towards increased understanding of forest ecosystems as well as how forest ecosystems can best be managed today and in the future.

For more information about the department, see: http://www.slu.se/institutioner/skogens-ekologi-skotsel/

Read 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

Employment form:

Fixed-term employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Extent:

100%

Start date:

Autumn 2026, by agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below no later than 2026-09-15.

To attach the application:

Your application must be written in English and include: (1) A cover letter summarizing your research results and how you can contribute to the research project, (2) Curriculum Vitae, (3) List of publications, (4) Degree certificates and publications, as well as (5) Contact information for 2-3 references.

Union contact persons:

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

Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) plays a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on 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 4000 employees, 6000 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 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 position in question.