PhD in forest management of planted birch

Department of Southern Swedish Forest Science

Doctoral studies subject:

Forest management

Description of the doctoral project:

Björk is becoming increasingly important in Swedish forestry as a complement to coniferous trees and as part of a climate-friendly diversification of the forest. Broader use, however, requires better knowledge of stock treatment and stock selection in order to create vital and productive planted stocks.

This four-year doctoral project will investigate forest management of planted birch and builds on research that began during the first phase of Trees For Me. The project will study growth and stock treatments, including clearing, thinning and fertilisation, as well as comparisons between tree species that can improve the recommendations for tree selection.

The project is located at the Department of Southern Swedish Forest Science in Alnarp and is part of Trees For Me, a competence centre focusing on fast growing deciduous trees for sustainable forests, materials and energy. The PhD student becomes part of an interdisciplinary forest research environment and collaborates with academic, public and private partners. The methods include field trials and forest inventories, measurements of stock development and tree growth, spatial data and GIS, and statistical analysis in R.

Tasks:

The doctoral student shall plan and conduct field trials and inventories, manage and analyse spatial and experimental data, and communicate the results through scientific articles, conference presentations and dialogue with the project partners. The work includes significant field work in locations throughout Sweden, with office space in Alnarp. The doctoral student will carry out relevant doctoral courses and is expected to develop an increasing autonomy in planning and conducting research as well as in scientific writing.

Competence:

Basic permissions if you have completed a second-cycle degree, have completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at second-cycle level, or have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7 § 39).

Specific jurisdiction to be admitted to doctoral studies in the subject of forest management has at least 90 credits in subjects relevant to forest management, of which at least 30 credits at second cycle.

In addition, you must have knowledge of English that corresponds to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school.

Your background:

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

The following requirements are imposed:

• Master's degree in forest science, forestry or other relevant subject that meets the specific eligibility in forest management.
• Ability to communicate scientific work clearly in speech and writing in English.
• Ability to work both independently and together with others in field and interdisciplinary research environments.

The following are meritorious:

• experience of field work, in particular forest inventories or field trials;
• Experience with GIS and analysis of spatial data.
• Experience of statistical analysis in R.
• Knowledge of Swedish or another Scandinavian language, or willingness to learn Swedish.
• Valid driving licence.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as curiosity, initiative, accuracy, organizational ability and willingness to cooperate.

About us:

The Department of Southern Swedish Forest Science is an interdisciplinary institution that researches and teaches in a wide range of topics related to sustainable forestry. Our work has global relevance, with special expertise on forests and forestry as complex socio-ecological systems. Our research areas include forest management, forest ecology, forest pathology and forest policy and planning. We work closely with various social actors and offer a collegial and international research environment at SLU campus in Alnarp.

Trees For Me brings together academic, public and private partners to develop knowledge and expertise for resilient and diversified forest landscapes. The doctoral student becomes part of this active network and the department's research environment in forest management.

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

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

Form of supply and remuneration:

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

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

Scope:

100%

Location:

Alnarp

Access:

11 January 2027 or by agreement.

Application and selection:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2026-10-31.

Read more about the appendices that your application should contain on https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/

Selection of qualified applicants is based on the appendices attached to the application, and shall be made taking into account the ability to complete the training within the time allowed.

Trade unions

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

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role to play in the development of sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable social development and good living conditions on our planet. The main locations are Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also carried out at research stations, pilot parks and educational centres throughout the country. SLU has more than 4000 employees, 6000 students and graduate students and a turnover of over 4,5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We work for an equal and inclusive working environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for science, creativity and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.