PhD Position in Forest Management and Restoration of Broadleaved Forests Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Sweden

The Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is offering a PhD position in Forest Management, focusing on the restoration and regeneration of mixed broadleaved forests. This doctoral project addresses the urgent societal debate regarding the long-term sustainability of even-aged conifer-dominated forestry in Sweden, particularly its capacity to produce biomass and sustain a wide range of ecosystem services under climate change. The project aims to explore alternative approaches, such as broadleaved forest restoration, to enhance resilience, biodiversity, and ecosystem service delivery.

Sweden’s national environmental goals and the EU Nature Restoration Regulation highlight the need to restore and improve forest ecosystems. The research will identify cost-effective strategies for regenerating and restoring mixed broadleaved forests, contrasting passive and active restoration pathways. The project will utilize existing experiments, chronosequences, and survey data to evaluate restoration effects on ecosystem services, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of international researchers.

SLU is globally recognized for its expertise in forestry and sustainable management of forests, with a multidisciplinary profile and strong stakeholder collaboration. The centre conducts applied research in silviculture, forest ecology, pathology, policy, and planning, and offers teaching at bachelor, master, and PhD levels.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree in forest science, biology, ecology, or equivalent, and meet English language requirements equivalent to Swedish upper-secondary qualification Engelska B/6. A driver’s license is required. Beneficial qualifications include research experience in forestry, ecology, field-based forest research, transdisciplinary studies, ecosystem service assessments, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in English communication.

The position is a 4-year doctoral employment with salary progression according to the local collective agreement. The location is Alnarp, with a start date of December 1, 2026 or as agreed. SLU offers a supportive, inclusive work environment and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds.

To apply, submit your application via the provided link by September 14, 2026. Ensure all required documents are attached as specified on the SLU doctoral education application page. Selection is based on eligibility and the ability to complete the programme within the allotted time.

For more information about staff benefits, doctoral education, and union representatives, visit the provided SLU links.