PhD in Forest Restoration and Ecosystem Services — SLU, Sweden

Original title: Doktorand inom skoglig restaurering och ekosystemtjänster

About the role

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) invites applications for a PhD student position in forest restoration and ecosystem services. The position is based at the Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre in Alnarp, Sweden. The employment is full-time for four years, with a start date of 1 December 2026 or by agreement. The research subject is forest management.

About the research project

Swedish society is debating the long-term ability of even-aged, conifer-dominated forests to sustainably produce biomass while maintaining a broad range of ecosystem services. This has sparked interest in alternative production strategies, such as restoration of broadleaf forests. Increasing such alternatives could strengthen the overall resilience of Swedish forests to expected climate change, improve the balance of forest ecosystem services, and provide vital habitats for biodiversity. The EU Nature Restoration Regulation and Sweden’s national environmental goals also recognise the urgent need to restore and enhance the ecological status of forest ecosystems across Europe.

This project aims to identify cost-effective pathways for regenerating and restoring new mixed forests with broadleaf trees as dominant species. To address these questions, the PhD student will compare passive and active restoration methods using existing experiments, chronosequences, and inventory data to evaluate effects on ecosystem services. The work will be carried out in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of international researchers. The candidate is welcome to bring their own ideas to shape the final direction of the PhD studies.

Responsibilities

• Compare passive and active restoration approaches for developing diversified forests.
• Analyse existing experimental, chronosequence, and inventory data.
• Assess the effects of restoration on ecosystem services.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary international research team.
• Contribute to shaping the specific research focus within the project framework.

Qualifications

Basic eligibility

• A degree at advanced level (master’s level).
• Completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 at advanced level.
• Or equivalent knowledge acquired within or outside Sweden.
• English skills equivalent to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school.

Required background and skills

• A master’s degree in forest science, biology, ecology, or equivalent at the time of admission.
• Strong interest in forest ecosystems.
• Interest in working with large datasets.
• Driver’s license (required for field work).

Meriting qualifications

• Research experience in forestry, ecology, or related fields.
• Experience in field-based forest research, interdisciplinary studies, and ecosystem service assessments.
• Documented ability to express oneself in English, both orally and in writing.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, and ability to work independently.

About the department and university

SLU is one of the world’s top-ranked universities in several subject areas, ranked #1 in forest science (CWUR). The Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre is an interdisciplinary department conducting research and teaching on sustainable forest management, including forest ecology, pathology, policy, planning, and silviculture. The department works with various stakeholders and actively disseminates research findings. SLU’s main campuses are in Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, with additional research stations across Sweden. The university has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral candidates, and an annual turnover exceeding SEK 4.5 billion. SLU strives for a gender-equal and inclusive work environment.

Employment conditions

• Type of employment: Full-time PhD student position (4-year doctoral education).
• Salary: According to local collective agreement, with fixed salary steps.
• Placement: Alnarp, Sweden.
• Start date: 1 December 2026, or by agreement.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted no later than 14 September 2026. The application must include the required documents as specified in SLU’s guidelines for PhD application (see university website). Selection among eligible applicants is based on the submitted documents and focuses on the ability to complete the doctoral education within the stipulated time.

Reference number: SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2029

For more information, please contact:
Magnus Löf, Professor, +46 70-383 53 86
Adam Felton, Professor, +46 73-051 61 80

Original vacancy