Postdoctor in Tropical Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services, and Trait Based Tree Species Selection University of Gothenburg in Sweden

The University of Gothenburg invites applications for a postdoctoral position in Tropical Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services, and Trait Based Tree Species Selection, hosted at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv). This interdisciplinary research opportunity focuses on advancing biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service assessment to support the selection of native tree species for climate-adapted forest restoration and agroforestry within the Albertine Rift region in Africa. The position is embedded in a vibrant research environment spanning ecology, remote sensing, socio-ecological systems, and climate adaptation, with strong collaborative links to African partner institutions, restoration practitioners, and local communities.

The postdoctor will lead key components of the project ‘Optimization of Tree Species Selection for Improved Ecosystem Services in Tropical Forest Restoration and Agroforestry’, funded by the Swedish research council Formas. Responsibilities include synthesizing biodiversity, ecosystem service, and environmental suitability data to support climate-adapted species recommendations, conducting systematic literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data from diverse forest restoration, tree plantations, and agroforestry systems, and validating remote sensing assessments of plantation success. The role also involves analyzing ecological, trait-based, and environmental datasets to establish species–environment relationships and assess tree species sensitivity to climate stressors using global databases and experimental data, including those from the Rwanda TREE project.

Collaboration is central to this position, with close ties to the OpTIBES project and its partners across Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Rwanda, Burundi, and the DR Congo. The postdoctor will contribute to scientific publications, reporting, and dissemination activities, translating research results into actionable recommendations for restoration and agroforestry. The working environment supports independent initiative, cross-disciplinary integration, and the translation of scientific insights into guidance for sustainable forest landscape restoration. Opportunities exist to co-supervise MSc and BSc students, and a teaching agreement may be negotiated for up to 20% of a full-time position, potentially extending employment duration.

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in Plant Ecology, Forest Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Agroforestry, Conservation Biology, or a closely related field. Essential qualifications include excellent communication skills in English, analytical skills in handling biological and socio-ecological data, experience in field-based ecological or forestry research (preferably in tropical or sub-tropical environments), and willingness to conduct socio-ecological field work in tropical Africa. Desirable qualifications include a strong publication record in tropical forest ecology, tree ecophysiology, tree mortality, or forest ecosystem services; background in restoration ecology, agroforestry systems, or forest management planning; experience in biodiversity assessment and/or ecosystem service evaluation; field work in the tropics; ability to work with diverse stakeholders; independent and collaborative work in international teams; experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis using R; teaching and mentoring experience; familiarity with participatory research methods; and science outreach. Speaking French is an asset but not required.

The position is a temporary employment for two years, 100% full time, with the possibility of extension up to three years. The University of Gothenburg offers state authority benefits, including more holidays and a great pension. Salaries are set individually. The starting date is September 15th, 2026, or upon agreement. Applications must be submitted via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by July 2nd, 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Göran Wallin ([email protected]) or Åsa Arrhenius ([email protected]). Additional details about the department, research projects, and international applicant support can be found at the provided links.