Job for Researchers: Professor in Zooecology — Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Umeå

Original title: Professor i zooekologi

About the position

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) invites applications for a permanent, full-time professorship in zooecology at the Faculty of Forest Sciences, Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, based in Umeå, Västerbotten County. The position is co-financed for five years by the Önnesjö Foundation.

The subject of the position is zooecology with a focus on plant–animal interactions in temperate and boreal forest ecosystems, within the applied areas of forestry, wildlife management and forest damage. The subject develops the knowledge base on animal ecology and animal interactions with people, landscape and climate.

Duties

The holder is responsible for developing research in zooecology, both generally and within the specific focus, in collaboration with researchers at the faculty and university, and is expected to contribute to pedagogical development in the subject. Duties include:

• acting in accordance with SLU’s vision, goals and values;
• contributing to the strategic development of the department, faculty and university;
• developing and leading an internationally prominent research environment;
• integrating zooecological research with forestry, wildlife management and forest damage;
• publishing in international peer-reviewed journals;
• seeking external research funding nationally and internationally;
• supervising doctoral students and mentoring postdoctoral researchers;
• developing, leading and participating in teaching at basic, advanced and doctoral levels;
• collaborating with researchers within SLU and with national and international partners;
• developing networks with the surrounding society regionally, nationally and internationally;
• communicating research results and carrying out administrative assignments.

The department has a parallel-language working environment, and most tasks can be performed in English. Swedish is SLU’s main language. Non-Swedish-speaking staff are expected to acquire sufficient Swedish within four years to take part in information in Swedish, and the department will support the holder in achieving this.

Eligibility requirements

• Doctoral degree in a subject relevant to the position, or equivalent scientific competence;
• scientific skill within the subject of the position;
• pedagogical skill;
• demonstrated leadership skill;
• good knowledge of English.

Assessment criteria

The primary assessment grounds are the degree of skill required for the position. The appointment is offered after a qualitative overall assessment of the applicant’s ability to carry out and develop the duties.

Scientific expertise

• completed research efforts and ongoing research on plant–animal interactions in temperate and boreal forest ecosystems;
• ability to integrate zooecological research with forestry, wildlife management and forest damage;
• expertise in wildlife management and forest damage;
• future research vision for the subject;
• ability to independently initiate and conduct prominent research;
• ability to obtain external research funding in competition;
• ability to supervise and examine doctoral students and to mentor postdoctoral researchers.

Pedagogical expertise

• ability to plan, conduct and evaluate teaching at all levels;
• ability to supervise and examine students at basic, advanced and doctoral levels;
• ability to communicate and implement a pedagogical vision;
• ability to integrate current research and a scientific approach into teaching.

Other assessment criteria

• ability to develop and lead academic activities and staff;
• leadership vision and collaborative ability;
• ability to cooperate with external stakeholders and the surrounding society;
• ability to communicate research results and development work.

Employment conditions

The appointment is permanent and full-time with day working hours. Start date is by agreement. The position is located in Umeå. The reference number is SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-1925. Publication date: 16 June 2026. Last application date: 1 October 2026.

About SLU

SLU plays a key role in developing sustainable life, founded on science and education. The university has about 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students, and an annual turnover of over SEK 4.5 billion. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, with additional activities at research stations, experimental areas and educational sites across Sweden. SLU works for an equal and inclusive working environment and welcomes applicants with different backgrounds and perspectives.

How to apply

Applications should preferably be written in English, as they will be assessed by experts in Sweden and abroad. Applicants are referred to SLU’s appointment regulations and application guidelines for professor and lecturer positions. The application must be submitted by 1 October 2026, with reference number SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-1925.

Contact persons

Anders Alanärä, Head of Department: 090-786 82 15, [email protected]

Ulrika Ganeteg, Research Secretary: 076-527 87 97, [email protected]

Original vacancy