Postdoctoral Fellowship: Postdoctoral Researcher: Psychology of Forest Management and Biodiversity

About the Role

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), in collaboration with Umeå University and the University of Massachusetts, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join an interdisciplinary project funded by the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation. This position addresses the human dimensions of forest management as Sweden and the EU pursue ambitious biodiversity and ecosystem restoration goals. The postdoc will investigate how family forest owners—who own approximately 50% of Sweden’s forestland—can be supported in adopting biodiversity-enhancing practices.

The project focuses on three core research questions:

• What salient elements in cognitive models represent family forest owners’ perceptions and judgment strategies regarding forest biodiversity?
• Do family forest owners have the capability, opportunity, and motivation to change toward biodiversity-enhancing forest management behaviors?
• Can interventions involving financial compensation encourage family forest owners to adopt biodiversity-enhancing forest management behaviors?

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct empirical research on cognitive models, decision-making, and behavioral change among family forest owners.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team spanning psychology, economics, and forestry at SLU, Umeå University, and the University of Massachusetts.
• Analyze survey and interview data using advanced statistical software.
• Contribute to the dissemination of findings through scientific manuscripts and presentations.
• Engage in project meetings and contribute to the development of intervention strategies.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential Qualifications

• A Ph.D. (obtained within the last three years) in a relevant field such as applied economics, cognitive sciences, psychology, or a strong interdisciplinary program.
• Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, show initiative, and collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary and international research environments.
• Clear motivation to pursue an academic career.
• Exceptional circumstances (e.g., illness, parental leave, trade union trust positions, military service, or clinical/service assignments) may allow for an earlier degree date.

Desirable Merits

• Ability to integrate behavioral concepts into decision-making research.
• Experience writing scientific manuscripts.
• Advanced, documented proficiency in R, Stata, or similar analytical software for modeling.
• Working knowledge of Swedish.
• Experience conducting surveys and/or interviews as data collection methods.

About the Department

The Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology at SLU brings together expertise in technology, natural and social sciences. It provides a world-class interdisciplinary environment for research and education in the circular bioeconomy, with activities at campuses in Umeå and Uppsala as well as nationally and internationally. The department’s work spans the entire forest-based bioeconomy value chain—from resource use and governance to developing sustainable materials and industrial processes. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral education and collaborates closely with industry and academia worldwide.

What We Offer

• An international, interdisciplinary research environment at the intersection of psychology, economics, and forestry.
• Opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers at SLU, Umeå University, and the University of Massachusetts.
• Access to excellent research facilities and data from Swedish family forest owners.
• Possibility to contribute meaningfully to biodiversity policy and sustainable forest management.
• Support for career development and academic networking.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should contact Carola Haggstrom ([email protected]) or Francisco Aguilar ([email protected]) for inquiries. Applications must include a CV, a cover letter outlining your research interests and fit for the project, and contact information for two references. Additional application instructions are available on the SLU careers page.

Original vacancy