The department is looking for two new postdocs, one in forest health and one in silviculture. The projects are part of the research program Trees for the Future (T4F) in which the objective is to build strong research teams in strategic subjects in forest sciences.
The department have a strong group in Forest health, which study the biology, ecology and epidemiology of endemic and exotic invasive pests and pathogens, and how to manage damage from biotic agents to ensure sustainable production and multiple ecosystem benefits from forests.
Silviculture and forest management have a central role at the department with 3 professors and 3 associate professors. The research projects cover forest modelling, silviculture of temperate and boreal forests, regeneration and climate change adaptation strategies.
Within T4F the department is responsible for the theme forest composition and will primarily investigate alternatives to coniferous monocultures, mixed- and mono-species alternatives, and forest management adapted to forest health.
We are looking for two motivated Postdoc researchers who will contribute to building the knowledge of the future forest composition in Sweden.
Exotic tree species have been implicated as an important option in climate adaptation efforts in Sweden to diversify forests, finding alternatives to Norway spruce. Several exotic conifers and broadleaved trees have been introduced to Sweden but are currently restricted to small areas. Larch (Larix spp.) is an important consideration for commercial forestry in the future. The postdoc position will be focused on forest health risks and damage associated with Siberian, European and hybrid larch in southern Sweden. The postdoc will also explore the resistance biology of the different larch species to larch canker disease and advanced phenotyping techniques for selecting elite genotypes.
The candidate will perform analysis of forest experiments designed for evaluation of species-specific growth and yield in conifer stands and likewise for mixtures. The project includes long-term experiments from the whole of Sweden and, although environmental variables and habitat structures play an important role, the focus will be on tree and stand growth and treatment responses. The main objective is to investigate when and where one species become dominant over the other, and how this can be implemented in management to increase or establish mixed species stands.
We are looking for strongly motivated candidates with an PhD degree in ecology, environmental sciences, forestry or related field. Excellent written and spoken English is essential, as well as the ability to work both independently and in a team. A valid drivers’ license is required.
SLU, Alnarp in Sweden
Forms for funding or employment:
The employments are one-year postdoc positions with the possibility to extend one more year.
1 May or according to agreement.
We welcome your application no later than 2021-03-19
Position in Forest Health Apply here
Position in Silviculture Apply here
Michelle Cleary, forskare
Institutionen för sydsvensk skogsvetenskap
michelle.cleary@slu.se, 040-415 51 81