PhD position in Forest Biodiversity – Methods for Inventory and Measurement

Department of Forest Ecology and Management

WIFORCE Research School

Do you want to contribute to the future sustainable use of forests? Apply to join WIFORCE Research School!

Biodiversity and the role of forests in climate change are now key social issues that require more knowledge. In order to both sustainably use and safeguard forest biodiversity, a coherent basic science research program is needed that addresses large and complex issues and develops new analytical tools. That’s why the WIFORCE Research School, part of the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (www.slu.se/en/wiforce), was created. 

The PhD will be employed at The Department of Forest ecology and management. The department includes about 115 people of which 9 are professors. Our mission is to advance the understanding of forest ecosystems and how these should be managed today and in the future.

For more information: http://www.slu.se/en/departments/forest-ecology-management/

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Name of research project/thesis:

Methods for Measuring and Monitoring Biodiversity in Forests

Research subject: 

Biology

Description:

Biodiversity is a fundamental prerequisite for the ecological functioning, resilience, and long-term sustainability of forests. At the same time, new methods are rapidly evolving – ranging from remote sensing and automated sensors to genetic techniques and classical field-based inventories. This PhD project focuses on how biodiversity in forests can be measured, monitored, and analysed.  

The position is intentionally broad and open. As a PhD student, you are expected to formulate and further develop your own research plan within the overarching theme of measuring and inventorying forest biodiversity. Possible areas include:

• indicators of functional or taxonomic diversity
• species-specific or habitat-based monitoring
• combinations of field data, remote sensing, and modelling
• new techniques for detecting and quantifying organism groups
• method development linked to forest management planning or conservation  

Your background, creativity, and research ideas will play a central role in shaping the project.  

Duties

As a PhD student, you will: 

• develop a research plan in dialogue with the supervisory team
• collect, analyse and synthesise data on forest biodiversity
• write scientific articles and a doctoral thesis
• present results at national and international conferences
• participate in the research environment at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management

Qualifications:

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in biodiversity, ecological measurement methods, and forest systems.  

Required qualifications:

• a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, ecology, forestry, or a related field
• strong ability to formulate scientific research questions
• good command of spoken and written English
• drivers’ licence  

Merits:

• experience in field inventories of species or habitats
• knowledge of data analysis, statistical modelling or remote sensing
• experience with GIS, programming (R/Python) or handling large datasets
• demonstrated interest in method development or biodiversity research  

Great emphasis will be placed on your ability to conduct an independent research project.  

Place of work:      

Umeå

Forms for funding or employment:

Employment as PhD student (4 years of education)

Starting date:

According to agreement

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 2026-02-10. You can submit your application by clicking the button below. 

The application must include:

• a statement summarising your expectations for the position and describing your interest in the subject and how it relates to the position (max 1 page)
• a brief proposal (max 1 page) outlining which aspect of measuring/inventorying forest biodiversity you would like to develop in your PhD plan
• CV
• a copy of your Master’s thesis
• copies of degree certificates
• transcripts of previous studies at Bachelor’s and Master’s level
• contact information for two references
• proof of English language proficiency  

To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.

Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/

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.