PhD student in Technology - Accounting for Unexpected Events When Optimizing the Climate Effects of Broadleaf Tree Production

Department of Energy and Technology

Technology

Description of the doctoral project

We are searching for a motivated PhD student to develop knowledge on how production systems for fast-growing broadleaf trees should change to better adapt to a future where both the risk of unexpected events as well as their adverse effects increase. The focus of the work is on the climate effects of these unexpected events. The project is part of the activities in the competence center Trees for Me.

Changes in our surrounding world linked to the consequences of a changing climate and political instability have become clearer and more definitive in recent years. Fires, storms, and insect attacks, as examples, have increased in scope and the consequences in the forest area have in some cases been catastrophic. However, there are measures available that reduce the risk of and/or the effects from the majority of aforementioned events, for examples changes in tree selection and management strategies.

The measures to reduce the occurrence and effects of unexpected unwanted events are normally linked to increased costs and/or reduced revenues in a short-term perspective. They also affect the system's total climate effects. A change in forest management to eliminate the effects of all possible disturbances is not feasible, and measures must be weighed against the risk that a disturbance occurs and potential associated damages.

Trees for Me is a center of excellence on fast growing broadleaves, i.e., poplar, aspen, hybrid aspen and birch, for sustainable forests, materials and energy. Approx. twenty partner organizations representing academic and research institutes, and the enterprise and public sectors collaborate in the center. The center’s goal is to develop science-based, innovative solutions for, and build future competence in, a new and resilient forest biomass supply system for conversion to high-value material and energy products. In the second phase of Trees for Me approx. Ten new PhD students and postdocs will now be recruited, and they will collaborate with stakeholders representing the whole forest-based value chain, to build research excellence and knowledge for the energy and forest sectors.

About the position

The candidate is expected to read and critically evaluate scientific literature in English and publish and present results in scientific journals and at conferences. The candidate will also participate in doctoral courses and contribute to departmental activities

Requirements

To meet the general entry requirements you must have been awarded a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification, satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad (Higher Education Ordinance 1993:100, Chapter 7, Section 39).

Specific entry requirements for the third-cycle courses and study programme in Technology is granted to applicants who have knowledge equivalent to at least 90 credits in courses relevant to the field of Technology. These studies must include an independent degree project/thesis, and at least 30 credits must be at second cycle (Master’s) level. In other cases, specific eligibility will be assessed individually regarding the research project.

You must also meet the equivalent English language requirements as those necessary for the Swedish upper-secondary qualification Engelska B/6.

Your profile

Requirements

• Degree at second-cycle level (Master of Science) in Forestry, Engineering, Natural resource economics, or a related field. 
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

Meritorious qualifications

• Knowledge of Agriculture and Forestry
• Bio-based products and energy
• Risk analysis
• Life cycle assessment (LCA) and modeling
  
  Should one or two of these components be lacking, it is nonetheless possible to supplement the knowledge base after the admission.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as collaboration skills, analytical and problem-solving aptitude, motivation and the capacity for independent work.

About us

The Department of Energy and Technology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) offers a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment with both national and international focus. Our research in this area focus on studies of technical solutions and systems related to how resources can be used efficiently and sustainably for production of fuels, electricity, heat and biomaterial. The department and involved researchers have extensive experience in doctoral education and supervision.

More information about the department of Energy and Technology, SLU https://www.slu.se/en/departments/energy-technology/
Read more about staff benefits and life as an SLU employee on https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ 

Read more about third-cycle courses and study programmes on www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/.

Form of employment / Funding
Employment as a doctoral student (4-year programme).

Doctoral student’s salaries are set following the local collective agreement. Salary progression is fixed.

Location:
Uppsala.

Scope:
100%.

Start date:
Upon agreement, but not later than in December 2026.

Application and selection:
Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is 25 September 2026.

Read more about the attachments that your application should include at  https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/how-can-i-become-a-doctoral-student/application/

Selection among eligible applicants is based on the documents attached to the application, and is carried out with regard to the applicant’s ability to complete the programme within the allotted time.

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.