Postdoctoral Position in Tropical Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services, and Stakeholder-Driven Tree Species Selection University of Gothenburg in Sweden

The University of Gothenburg is offering a fully funded postdoctoral position in Tropical Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services, and Stakeholder-Driven Tree Species Selection, as part of the Biodiversa+ project 'OpTIBES.' The research focuses on advancing biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service assessment to support the selection of native tree species for climate-adapted forest restoration and agroforestry, particularly within the Albertine Rift region in Africa. The postdoc will integrate ecological, climatic, and social factors to evaluate species’ adaptability, environmental benefits, and ecosystem service provisioning, collaborating with stakeholders to ensure socially grounded recommendations.

The position is based at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, under the supervision of Prof. Göran Wallin, with collaboration from Prof. Johan Uddling and Assoc. Prof. Aida Cuni-Sanchez (Norwegian University of Life Sciences). The project is interdisciplinary, involving ecology, remote sensing, socio-ecological systems, and climate adaptation, and offers opportunities to engage with African partner institutions, restoration practitioners, and local communities.

Key duties include synthesizing biodiversity and environmental data, conducting systematic literature reviews, mapping and engaging stakeholder groups, coordinating participatory workshops, and analyzing ecological and environmental datasets. The postdoc will also contribute to scientific publications and dissemination activities, supporting actionable restoration and agroforestry recommendations. The position allows for co-supervision of students and may include up to 20% teaching, potentially extending the contract duration.

Eligibility requires a doctoral degree in Plant Ecology, Forest Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Agroforestry, Conservation Biology, or a closely related field. Applicants should have strong English communication skills, analytical abilities, experience in field-based ecological or forestry research (preferably in tropical or sub-tropical environments), and willingness to conduct fieldwork in tropical Africa. Desirable qualifications include a strong publication record, background in restoration ecology or agroforestry, experience in biodiversity assessment, stakeholder engagement, data analysis using R, teaching or mentoring, and participatory research methods. French language skills and science outreach experience are assets.

The position is fully funded for two years, with Swedish state authority benefits. The application deadline is January 20, 2026. Applications must be submitted via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal, including a cover letter, CV, PhD certificate, and publication list. For more information, contact Prof. Göran Wallin or the department HR.