Irina Mancheva

PhD Position in Social Dimensions of Ecosystem Restoration at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) , Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Umeå, Sweden. This doctoral project sits at the intersection of environmental science , sociology , geography , and political science , with a strong focus on forest management , ecosystem restoration , forest policy , and the social dimensions of implementing the EU’s Nature Restoration Law/Regulation in Sweden. The project examines the needs, values, aspirations, and decision-making of individual private forest owners, and how restoration can support both biodiversity and human well-being across rural landscapes. The PhD student will work with Harry Fischer (main supervisor), Irina Mancheva (co-supervisor), Eliza Maher Hasselquist , and others, and will be part of a broader research effort including Restoration Futures in Sweden’s forests for biodiversity & human well-being , the WIFORCE program, and interdisciplinary collaboration with ecological research in the Blue Leads Green project. The project is explicitly social scientific, but interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged. Possible research directions include stakeholder values and perceptions, governance and policy implementation, alternative forest management strategies, knowledge extension for forest owners, and broader visions for sustainable rural landscapes. The student will join a collaborative and inclusive research environment and may also engage with seminars and intellectual life at Umeå University’s Environmental and Natural Resource Politics Research Group. Funding: 4-year PhD employment at 100% with salary according to the local collective agreement. The position is time-limited and may be extended if departmental teaching/administration duties are assigned (up to 20%). Eligibility highlights: Master’s degree or equivalent (240 credits with 60 at second-cycle level), qualitative social science research experience, strong English skills, very high Swedish proficiency, valid driver’s license, and ability to conduct extended fieldwork in remote locations. Application deadline: 18 May 2026. Apply online and upload the required CV, cover letter, research idea, degree documents, thesis, relevant manuscripts, language certificate if needed, and two references.

This PhD position at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is based in the Department of Forest Ecology and Management, focusing on the social dimensions of ecosystem restoration within Sweden’s forests. The doctoral project is part of the broader 'Restoration Futures in Sweden’s forests for biodiversity & human well-being' initiative, which aims to explore how Sweden can scale up the European Union’s Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) and address the needs and values of individual private forest owners. The research will connect human and environmental goals across rural landscapes, engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration with ecological analysis from the 'Blue Leads Green' project and the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (WIFORCE). The PhD student will have the opportunity to co-design their research, potentially investigating topics such as stakeholder needs, values, and aspirations, the relationship between human perceptions and ecological restoration, adoption of alternative forest management strategies, multilevel governance, and integration of societal processes in restoration science. The project encourages interdisciplinary approaches, combining social scientific analysis with natural scientific research. The research environment is diverse, collaborative, and inclusive. The main supervisor is Associate Professor Harry Fischer (SLU), with co-supervision from Assistant Professor Irina Mancheva (Umeå University). Both supervisors are social scientists and will support the student in developing strong foundations within environmental social sciences. The student will join the 'Restoration Futures' research group and participate in seminars and intellectual activities at SLU and Umeå University. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in a social scientific field related to sustainability, or at least 240 credits with a minimum of 60 credits at second-cycle level. Experience with qualitative social scientific methods, English language proficiency (English B/6 or equivalent international qualification), a valid driver’s license, and fluency in Swedish are required. The position involves extensive fieldwork in remote locations and the ability to travel for up to one month at a time. Evaluation criteria include academic performance, writing samples, project plans, analytical and communicative skills, independence, and ability to complete tasks within deadlines. Additional merits include knowledge of forestry and forest policy, experience with human values for nature, interest in EU politics and policy, proficiency in qualitative/ethnographic methods, basic forest ecology, teamwork, and a passion for science. The PhD student will be employed for four years, with salary progression set by local collective agreement. The position is based in Umeå, Sweden, with a 100% scope and preferred start date in fall 2026. The department comprises about 115 people, including 9 professors, and is committed to advancing the understanding and management of forest ecosystems. SLU offers a supportive work environment characterized by inclusivity and gender equality, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds. To apply, submit your application via the provided link by May 18, 2026. Required documents include a CV, cover letter, research project idea, copies of degrees and certificates, master’s thesis, relevant publications, and contact information for two professional references. Applications must be written in English. Applicants invited to interview must provide attested copies of degree certificates and transcripts. For more information about the department, research environment, and application process, visit the provided URLs.