Are you passionate about forest conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable environmental practices? The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Sweden is offering 15 exciting PhD positions in various research areas related to sustainable forest use and biodiversity. These positions are part of the WIFORCE Research School, which focuses on addressing the growing global challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change through cutting-edge scientific research.
About the WIFORCE Research School
WIFORCE, short for Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research, is an innovative research school established at SLU to tackle complex environmental challenges. The program aims to:
- Develop sustainable forest management practices.
- Conserve biodiversity.
- Build advanced tools for monitoring and analyzing forest ecosystems.
Through a combination of basic science research and new analytical tools, the program trains researchers to generate impactful solutions to protect and sustainably use forests.
Key Features of the Program
- Focus on Sustainability – Explore sustainable solutions for forest use while preserving biodiversity.
- Cutting-Edge Research Tools – Engage in studies involving AI maps, aerial eDNA analysis, and remote sensing.
- Wide Research Areas – From soil carbon dynamics to insect biodiversity and riparian forest ecosystems.
- Employment – Four years of funded PhD employment.
- Multiple Locations – Based in Umeå, Uppsala, and Ultuna in Sweden.
Application Deadline: 21 January 2025
PhD Opportunities by Department
Department of Ecology (Uppsala)
- Aerial eDNA for Forest Biodiversity Surveys – Apply environmental DNA techniques to assess forest biodiversity. (Supervisor:
Aino Hämäläinen) - Functional Forest Landscapes for Pollinating Insects – Study pollinator dynamics and habitat use in forest ecosystems. (Supervisor:
Erik Öckinger) - Insect Biodiversity Dynamics in Production Forests – Investigate the role of production forests in maintaining insect diversity. (Supervisor: Thomas Ranius)
Department of Forest Ecology and Management (Umeå)
- Carbon Balance and Biodiversity in Boreal Forests – Analyze how carbon and biodiversity interact in boreal ecosystems. (Supervisor: Matthias Peichl)
- Peatland Forestry Using AI Maps – Use AI-generated maps to improve peatland forest management. (Supervisor: Anneli Ågren)
- Riparian Forest Biodiversity and Microclimate – Assess the impact of microclimates on biodiversity in riparian forests. (Supervisor: Eliza Maher Hasselqvist)
- Seedling Ecophysiology in Mixed-Species Forests – Study seedling growth and adaptation in multilayered forests. (Supervisor: Torgny Näsholm)
- Role of Herbivores in Forest Landscapes – Investigate how herbivores influence biodiversity. (Supervisor: Maja Sundqvist)
- Soil Carbon Dynamics – Quantify soil carbon changes and their impact on sustainability. (Supervisor: Michael Gundale)
Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology (Uppsala)
- Tree Genotype and Soil Mycobiome – Study how soil fungi interact with tree genetics and influence soil processes. (Supervisor: Petra Fransson)
Department of Forest Resource Management (Umeå)
- Remote Sensing for Biodiversity Assessment – Use satellite technology to monitor forest biodiversity. (Supervisor: Eva Lindberg)
- Remote Sensing and Earth System Models – Integrate remote sensing data into climate and ecological models. (Supervisor: Rubén Valbuena)
- Radar Imaging for Forest Monitoring – Develop radar-based imaging for monitoring forest health. (Supervisor: Henrik Persson)
Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies (Umeå)
- Multi-Taxon Biodiversity Assessment – Analyze multiple species groups to assess forest health. (Supervisor: Jörgen Sjögren)
Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre (Alnarp)
- Forest Ecology with Focus on Carbon Dynamics – Study carbon flow and storage within forest ecosystems. (Supervisor: Igor Drobyshev)
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications by 21 January 2025. Detailed descriptions and application links for each position can be found on the SLU website.
You may also be interested in other PhD positions at Bio Careers Hub