Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
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PhD in Forest Pathology: Biotic Risks to Birch Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Sweden
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Employment as a doctoral student for a 4-year programme. Doctoral student salaries follow the local collective agreement and salary progression is fixed.
Deadline
Oct 31, 2026
Country
Sweden
University
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
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About this position
PhD opportunity at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in forest pathology, with a focus on biotic risks to birch. The project is based at the Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre in Alnarp, Sweden, and is part of Trees For Me, a Centre of Excellence focused on fast-growing broadleaved trees for sustainable forests, materials and energy.
The doctoral project will investigate two connected research tracks: damage in newly planted birch stands (including browsing, insects, pathogens, and abiotic stress) and an emerging decline syndrome in older birch stands where crown deterioration and mortality are observed. The work combines field experiments, forest health surveys, disease and damage assessment, fungal isolation and culturing, molecular diagnostics, and ecological/statistical data analysis.
The doctoral student will plan and carry out field and laboratory studies, analyse and interpret data, write scientific articles, present at conferences, and engage with academic, public-sector, and private-sector partners. The position includes substantial fieldwork across Sweden and laboratory work in Alnarp.
Eligibility highlights: a Master’s degree or equivalent; at least 90 credits in subjects relevant to forest management, including at least 30 credits at second-cycle level; and English proficiency equivalent to Engelska B/6. Desired experience includes forest health inventories, field experiments, fungal or microbiological methods, molecular lab methods or DNA-based analyses, and ecological/statistical analysis. Swedish or another Scandinavian language is an advantage, and a valid driving licence is desirable.
Funding: employment as a doctoral student for 4 years, with salary according to the local collective agreement and fixed salary progression.
Application deadline: 31 October 2026.
Funding details
Employment as a doctoral student for a 4-year programme. Doctoral student salaries follow the local collective agreement and salary progression is fixed.
What's required
Applicants must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification, or equivalent, and meet the general Swedish doctoral entry requirements. Specific entry requirements are at least 90 credits in subjects relevant to forest management, including at least 30 credits at second-cycle level. English proficiency equivalent to Swedish upper-secondary Engelska B/6 is required. A Master’s degree in forest pathology, biology, forest science, or another relevant subject is expected. Desired qualifications include fieldwork experience, forest health inventories or field experiments, fungal isolation or microbiological methods, molecular laboratory methods or DNA-based analyses, ecological or statistical data analysis, knowledge of Swedish or another Scandinavian language (or willingness to learn Swedish), and a valid driving licence. Strong communication skills, independence, teamwork, curiosity, initiative, reliability, and organisational ability are important.
How to apply
Submit the application through the provided application link before the deadline. Review the listed attachments and application instructions on SLU’s doctoral education page before applying. Eligible applicants are selected based on the submitted documents and ability to complete the programme within the allotted time.
More information can be found here
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