Job for Researchers: PhD Student in Forest Restoration and Ecosystem Services — SLU, Sweden

About the position

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) invites applications for a PhD student position in forest restoration and ecosystem services, based at the Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre in Alnarp. This doctoral project addresses the growing debate on the long-term capacity of even-aged, conifer-dominated forestry in Sweden to sustainably produce biomass and deliver a broad range of ecosystem services under future climate change. Alternative forest management approaches, such as the restoration of mixed broadleaved forests, are gaining interest for their potential to enhance resilience, balance ecosystem services, and support biodiversity. The EU Nature Restoration Regulation and Sweden’s national environmental goals further underscore the urgent need to improve the ecological condition of forest ecosystems.

Doctoral project

The project aims to identify cost-effective pathways for regenerating and restoring mixed broadleaved-dominated forests. It will contrast passive versus active restoration approaches using existing experiments, chronosequences, and survey data to evaluate effects on ecosystem services. The PhD candidate will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of international researchers and is encouraged to bring specific research interests that can shape the project’s direction.

Requirements

To meet the general entry requirements, applicants must hold a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification, or have completed at least 240 credits including 60 credits at second-cycle level, or have equivalent knowledge acquired in Sweden or abroad. English proficiency equivalent to Swedish upper-secondary Engelska B/6 is required.

Your profile

• A Master’s degree in forest science, biology, ecology, or equivalent by the date of admission.
• Strong interest in forest ecosystems and willingness to work with large datasets.
• A valid driver’s licence is necessary for fieldwork.
• Beneficial qualifications include research experience in forestry, ecology, or related subjects, as well as experience in field-based forest research, transdisciplinary studies, and ecosystem service assessments.
• Emphasis is placed on analytical and problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to express yourself in English, both orally and in writing, is advantageous.

About the research environment

SLU is ranked number one globally in forestry (CWUR) and is one of the world’s highest ranked universities in several subject areas. The Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre conducts research, teaching, and dissemination with direct application to sustainable forest management. The centre has a multidisciplinary profile with global relevance, focusing on forests and forestry as complex socio-ecological systems. Research areas include silviculture, forest ecology, pathology, policy, and planning. The centre offers courses at bachelor, Master, and PhD levels.

Employment conditions

• Full-time employment as a doctoral student for a 4-year programme.
• Salary according to the local collective agreement, with fixed salary progression.
• Location: Alnarp, Skåne län, Sweden.
• Start date: 1 December 2026 or according to agreement.
• Scope: 100%.

How to apply

Submit your application via the SLU application system by 14 September 2026. The application must include the documents specified for doctoral studies at SLU. Selection is based on the applicant’s ability to complete the programme within the allotted time. Reference number: SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2029.

For further information, contact Professor Adam Felton or Professor Magnus Löf at the Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre.

Original vacancy