SLU is one of the world's highest ranked universities in several subject areas and is ranked #1 in forestry (CWUR). At our centre we carry out research, teaching and dissemination of scientific findings with direct application to the sustainable management of forests. We have a multidisciplinary profile, with global relevance and specialized expertise on forests and forestry as complex socio-ecological systems. We closely collaborate with multiple stakeholders and conduct applied research in silviculture, forest ecology, pathology, policy and planning. We teach bachelor, Masters and PhD level courses addressing all of these subject areas.
Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https: // www. slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/
The potential of Douglas fir in a future climate Research subject: Forest management Description:Forestry in Sweden is challenged by a changing climate. Many tree species are native to Sweden, but in reality Swedish forestry relies mainly on only two conifer species, Norway spruce and Scots pine, which of course makes it highly susceptible to any changes. The industry is heavily dependent on conifer species, thus a species with similar traits and wood properties as the native conifers would be an optimal alternative. Douglas fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ), with an origin in north America, is an interesting tree species with a high growth potential and valuable wood properties. Douglas fir can be a good complement to Norway spruce in a changed climate as it is considered to be better adapted to a warmer and drier climate, and it can be seen as an alternative tree species on drier sites where it is not suitable to grow Scots pine.
Douglas fir is grown on a large scale in many European countries with good experience. The choice of planting material has been an important issue ever since it first introduced, but also the establishment of Douglas fir stands can be a challenge as young plants are sensitive to, among other things, pine weevil damage, browsing, frost damage and winter desiccation.
The overall aim of the project is to develop knowledge about the establishment of Douglas fir with a focus on the origin of the planting material, but also to increase knowledge in general about the tree species' ecology and management in southern Sweden. The project is carried out in collaboration between SLU, Linnaeus University and Skogforsk as well as in close collaboration with the forestry industry, partly via the Douglas fir network that was built with the aim of stimulating interest in the silviculture of Douglas fir and exchanging knowledge and experience.
Qualifications:The applicant must by the date of admission to PhD studies have a MSc degree in silviculture or related forest sciences, biology or a related discipline with focus on forest management.
Other beneficial qualifications are experience of statistics, working with larger data sets and appropriate software, and good communications skills in both oral and written English.
Driving license is a requirement. Experience of tree improvement and forest regeneration is a merit. Communication skills in Swedish is desirable but not a requirement.
Place of work:Alnarp
Forms for funding or employment:Employment (4 years)
Starting date:According to agreement.
Application:Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2024-09-30.
To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master's) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.
Applicants will be selected based on their written application incl a letter with expectations on the position and what you personally find interesting within the silviculture research subject (max 1 page) and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: https: // www. slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral- studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/english-language-requirements/
Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport's information page containing their photograph and personal details.
Read about the PhD education at SLU at www. slu.se/en/education/programmes- courses/doctoral-studies/
Academic union representatives:https: // internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner- vid-rekrytering/
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for 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 societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.
SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Contact person
Karin Hjelm
Universitetslektor
+4640415330