Postdoctoral Researcher: Psychology of Forest Management and Biodiversity

Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology

We are seeking an engaged and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join an interdisciplinary research collaboration between the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Umeå University, and the University of Massachusetts. As Sweden and the EU work towards ambitious biodiversity and ecosystem restoration goals, understanding the human dimensions of forest management is increasingly important. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research at the intersection of psychology, economics, and forestry, helping to inform decisions towards more resilient forest landscapes.

About the position

The EU Nature Restoration Law and Sweden’s environmental quality goals stipulate societal demands for more biodiverse landscapes. In Sweden, some 300,000 individuals and families own about 50% of the forestland that spans across two-thirds of the country. These family forest owners will need to undertake the preponderance of actions for creating more biodiverse forests in Sweden.

In an interdisciplinary project funded by the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation, we pose three specific research questions:

1. What salient elements in cognitive models represent family forest owners’ perceptions and judgement strategies about forest biodiversity on their ownerships?
2. Do family forest owners have the capability, opportunity and motivation to change towards biodiversity-enhancing forest management behaviors?
3. Can interventions providing financial compensation encourage family forest owners’ change toward adopting biodiversity-enhancing forest management behaviors?

To help answer these questions, we seek to recruit a postdoctoral researcher to join researchers in applied economics, psychology, and forestry. The candidate will support the integration of behavioral science principles and natural resource management knowledge into relevant research designs; developing research questions; applying appropriate analytical methods; and writing scientific manuscripts. This is a two-year full-time post. A specific task is the development of protocols to engage in interviews with family forest owners, support data collection, and lead analyses.  The workplace is the SLU campus in Umeå.

Your profile

An eligible candidate should hold a Ph.D. obtained within the last three years in a relevant field (e.g. applied economics, cognitive sciences, psychology), or a strong interdisciplinary program. In exceptional circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. Exceptional circumstances include leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust within trade unions, service in the armed forces, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken, and a clear motivation to pursue an academic career. The ability to work independently, show initiative, and collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary and international research environments is essential. Additional merits include demonstrated ability to integrate behavioral concepts into decision-making research, experience in writing scientific manuscripts, and advanced, documented proficiency in R, Stata, or similar analytical software used for modeling. Further advantages include working knowledge of Swedish and experience in conducting surveys and/or interviews as data collection methods.

About us

The Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology at SLU brings together expertise in technology, natural and social sciences. The department provides world-class interdisciplinary environment for research and education in the circular bioeconomy, with activities at the campuses in Umeå and Uppsala, and nationally and internationally. Our work spans the entire value chain of the forest-based bioeconomy – from analysing how resources can be used and governed to developing technologies, materials, and industrial processes for sustainable bio-based products and systems. The Department is responsible for education at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels and collaborates closely with both industry and academia nationally and internationally. With us, you can help shape a more sustainable bio-based society.

For more information about the department or division visit: Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

Umeå, Sweden. 

Form of employment:

Temporary employment for 24 months.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

As soon as possible, negotiable, upon agreement. 

Application:

We welcome applications until 30 September 2026 using the button below. Candidates are encouraged to review research by Francisco X. Aguilar, Professor (available here and on Google Scholar), and coinvestigator Linus Andersson, Associate Professor, Docent (available here and on Google Scholar). Please read an overview of the project available here before applying.

Applicants must submit:

• a CV
• a two-page research statement describing how the candidate can be an integral part of the team answering the three specific research questions
• copies of degrees and transcripts of all academic records
• contact information for at least two referees familiar with the applicant's qualifications
• certified knowledge of the English language, and current knowledge of the Swedish language
• if relevant, copies of scholarly publications.

Final selection will be conducted after an interview. By the time of the interview, shortlisted applicants shall provide certified true copies of certificates, diplomas and transcripts from previous studies at an internationally recognized higher education institution (university or university college) and transcripts. If the applicant is a foreign citizen, SLU requires a certified copy of the passport page disclosing personal data and photograph.

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.