PhD in Assessment and Valuation of Forest Based Recreation

This PhD position at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) focuses on the assessment and valuation of forest-based recreation (OFR) within forest ecosystems under both natural and human-induced stress. The research is part of the FORFUS doctoral training unit, a collaborative initiative between LIST, the University of Luxembourg, and the Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, aimed at providing science-based recommendations for forest management. The project involves four interlinked research clusters, with this position emphasizing the prediction and valuation of forest functions. The candidate will develop improved evaluation approaches for OFR, quantify its value in Luxembourg, assess the impact of forest disturbances, estimate supply and demand, and support the valuation of other ecosystem services. Methodologies will include survey-based approaches in collaboration with STATEC, using both revealed and stated preference techniques, spatial analysis to identify recreational hotspots, and benefit transfer methods for ecosystem service valuation. The candidate will be part of the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) group within the SUSTAIN unit and will be enrolled as a PhD candidate at the University of Luxembourg. The position offers a temporary contract (14+22+12 months), a competitive salary, statutory health insurance, generous leave, flexible working hours, and other benefits. Applicants must have a relevant MSc degree, strong skills in modelling, data analysis, GIS, and Python scripting, and be fluent in English (and French). The successful candidate will join a diverse, inclusive, and multidisciplinary research environment, with opportunities for professional development and collaboration. Applications are accepted online and reviewed continuously until the position is filled. University enrolment fees must be covered by the student, and the master diploma must be recognized in Luxembourg.