Postdoc in isotope hydrology and ecohydrology of boreal landscapes

Department of Forest Ecology and Management  

We are delighted to announce the availability of a 2-year postdoc (with possibility of extension for a third year) at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Umeå. The postdoc will work as part of a collaborative team led by James Kirchner (ETH Zurich) and Hjalmar Laudon (SLU), investigating catchment hydrology and ecohydrology of boreal landscapes using isotopic and hydrometric data. The overall objective is to understand how climate change (particularly acceleration of snowmelt and increasing evaporative demand) may affect both water availability and forest health in boreal landscapes. The specific focus of the work can be aligned with the successful candidate's interests, through discussion with the research team.  Field data and state-of-the-art research infrastructure of the Krycklan Catchment Study (www.slu.se/Krycklan) are available for the project, which may also draw on data from other experimental catchments and large-sample databases.

About the position

This work will be a central component of the project “Intensification of water in northern forests” which aims to improve our understanding of the eco-hydrological underpinnings of tree growth and forest management methods. Ultimately, the results will be used to guide the adaptation of forest management to climate change and societal demands.  The position will be based at SLU in Umeå. 

Your profile

You will become part of a cross-disciplinary research team, and requires good communications skills in English. It is necessary to have experience in hydrology, ecohydrology and water isotopes. As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, hence we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most. Please do not hesitate to contact us before you apply, should you have questions regarding qualifications or potential research ideas. 

About us  

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 working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

Umeå

Form of employment:  

Temporary employment 24 months, with a possibility of extension of another year

Scope:

100%

Start date:

During summer/early autumn of 2025 or by agreement  

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 30 June 2025. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

The application should be written in English and contain: 1) Cover letter describing the applicant’s skills and qualifications that are relevant for this job. Optionally, you are welcome to present preliminary ideas for the model development and research. 2) C.V. including the list of your published work, and names and contact information for two references. 3) Copies of transcripts of academic records, or a link to/copy of doctoral thesis. 4) Your PhD certificate/diploma.

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 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 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.