
SVERIGES LANTBRUKSUNIVERSITET · Umeå
Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology We are seeking an engaged and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join an interdisciplinary research collaborati...
Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology
We are seeking an engaged and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join an interdisciplinary research collaboration between the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Umeå University, and the University of Massachusetts. As Sweden and the EU work towards ambitious biodiversity and ecosystem restoration goals, understanding the human dimensions of forest management is increasingly important. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research at the intersection of psychology, economics, and forestry, helping to inform decisions towards more resilient forest landscapes.
The complete advertisement is available at: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-and-vacancies/
About the position
The EU Nature Restoration Law and Sweden’s environmental quality goals stipulate societal demands for more biodiverse landscapes. In Sweden, some 300,000 individuals and families own about 50% of the forestland that spans across two-thirds of the country. These family forest owners will need to undertake the preponderance of actions for creating more biodiverse forests in Sweden.
In an interdisciplinary project funded by the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation, we pose three specific research questions:
What salient elements in cognitive models represent family forest owners’ perceptions and judgement strategies about forest biodiversity on their ownerships?
Do family forest owners have the capability, opportunity and motivation to change towards biodiversity-enhancing forest management behaviors?
Can interventions providing financial compensation encourage family forest owners’ change toward adopting biodiversity-enhancing forest management behaviors?
To help answer these questions, we seek to recruit a postdoctoral researcher to join researchers in applied economics, psychology, and forestry. The candidate will support the integration of behavioral science principles and natural resource management knowledge into relevant research designs; developing research questions; applying appropriate analytical methods; and writing scientific manuscripts. This is a two-year full-time post. A specific task is the development of protocols to engage in interviews with family forest owners, support data collection, and lead analyses. The workplace is the SLU campus in Umeå.
Your profile
An eligible candidate should hold a Ph.D. obtained within the last three years in a relevant field (e.g. applied economics, cognitive sciences, psychology), or a strong interdisciplinary program. In exceptional circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. Exceptional circumstances include leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust within trade unions, service in the armed forces, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken, and a clear motivation to pursue an academic career. The ability to work independently, show initiative, and collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary and international research environments is essential. Additional merits include demonstrated ability to integrate behavioral concepts into decision-making research, experience in writing scientific manuscripts, and advanced, documented proficiency in R, Stata, or similar analytical software used for modeling. Further advantages include working knowledge of Swedish and experience in conducting surveys and/or interviews as data collection methods.
About us
The Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology at SLU brings together broad expertise in engineering, natural sciences and social sciences. By integrating interdisciplinary perspectives, we conduct research spanning the entire forest value chain, and explore how raw materials, materials, processes, and systems can be developed to contribute to the sustainable development of forest resources and a circular bioeconomy. The Department is located on campuses in both Umeå and Uppsala.
For more information about the department or division visit: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/skoglig-bioekonomi-och-teknologi/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21086656031&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwMj3yOmalQMVdluRBR3n7yxAEAAYASAAEgKD_fD_BwE
Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/
Umeå, Sweden.
Temporary employment 24 months.
As soon as possible, negotiable, upon agreement.
We welcome applications until 30 September 2026 using the button below. Candidates are encouraged to review research by Francisco X. Aguilar, Professor (available https://www.slu.se/en/profilepages/c/francisco-aguilar/ and on https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=GD4lKi8AAAAJ&hl=en), and coinvestigator Linus Andersson, Associate Professor, Docent (available https://www.umu.se/personal/linus-andersson/ and on https://scholar.google.se/citations?user=TzmSEKsAAAAJ&hl=sv&oi=sra). Please read an overview of the project available https://mmw.wallenberg.org/en/project/how-private-forest-owners-choices-shape-swedens-forest-biodiversity before applying.
a CV
a two-page research statement describing how the candidate can be an integral part of the team answering the three specific research questions
copies of degrees and transcripts of all academic records
contact information for at least two referees familiar with the applicant's qualifications
certified knowledge of the English language, and current knowledge of the Swedish language
if relevant, copies of scholarly publications.
Final selection will be conducted after an interview. By the time of the interview, shortlisted applicants shall provide certified true copies of certificates, diplomas and transcripts from previous studies at an internationally recognized higher education institution (university or university college) and transcripts. If the applicant is a foreign citizen, SLU requires a certified copy of the passport page disclosing personal data and photograph.
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/
Department of Forest Resource Management Would you like to help shape the future of the forest landscape? We are currently looking for a postdoctoral researcher for a two-year position based at the Department of Forest Resource Management at SLU in Umeå. About the position We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with a particular interest in forest landscape modelling. As part of a two-year postdoctoral project, you will use the Heureka decision support system to analyse how different forest management strategies affect biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem services, as well as how these interact with the development of wind power. The work involves quantifying conflicts and synergies between different sustainability goals in the forest landscape using simulation and optimisation. The analysis will be based on spatially explicit future scenarios, developed in collaboration with various stakeholder groups, and will include indicators such as biomass production, carbon sequestration, recreational values and wind energy. The postdoctoral position is part of the interdisciplinary research project WindyForests, which brings together researchers from several universities and disciplines with the aim of developing knowledge for the sustainable planning of wind power in forest landscapes. For more information, see: http://www.slu.se/forskning/forskningskatalog/projekt/w/windyforests/ Your profile You must hold a PhD in forestry, ecology, environmental science, systems analysis, mathematics, operations research or a similar discipline, with interest in forests and forestry, and where quantitative modelling and/or optimisation formed a central part of your thesis. Experience of working with optimisation methods, long-term modelling of the forest landscape and its ecosystem services, as well as computer-based decision support systems in general and the Heureka system in particular, is an advantage. Great importance is attached to personal qualities such as analytical and problem-solving skills, the ability to work independently and the ability to collaborate. Good written and oral communication skills in English are a requirement. The position is intended for a junior researcher, and we are primarily seeking candidates who obtained their PhD no more than three years ago. In exceptional circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. Exceptional circumstances include leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust within trade unions, service in the armed forces, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignments relevant to the subject area. About us The Department of Forest Resource Management conducts education and research in the areas of forest planning, forest remote sensing, forest inventory and sampling, forest mathematical statistics and landscape studies. The department is also responsible for the implementation of the ongoing environmental monitoring programs the National Forest Inventory, National Inventory of the Landscape in Sweden, Terrestrial Habitat Monitoring and the Butterfly and Bumblebee Inventory. In total, we are about 120 employees. More information can be found at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/forest-resource-management/ Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ Location Umeå Form of employment Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension. Scope 100% Start date As agreed. Application Please submit your application before deadline 11 August 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below. Union representatives https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/ The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Faculty of Forest Sciences Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology The Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology is part of the Umeå Plant Science Centre (www.upsc.se). The Umeå Plant Science Centre is one of Europe’s strongest research environments in experimental plant science. Approximately 200 people work within UPSC, including 30 research group leaders. Our core activity is academic research in experimental plant biology, with the goal of understanding all aspects of plants in relation to the environments in which they live Read more about the department at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/forest-genetics-plant-physiology/ Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/. Subject Area The subject area for the position is plant physiology with a focus on RNA biology, primarily in trees. Duties The employee is responsible for developing research in the subject area genomics together with researchers within the faculty and other parts of SLU. The employee shall also contribute to the pedagogic development in the subject area. The research shall encompass both fundamental and applied questions relevant to the subject area and make use of the research infrastructure associated with UPSC. Genomics and so‑called omics technologies shall be central to the research. This means that the employee shall: act in accordance with the vision, goals and values of SLU contribute to the strategic development of the department and the faculty develop and lead internationally successful research in the subject of plant physiology with a focus on RNA biology, primarily in trees publish scientific articles in international journals with peer-review apply for external funding in competition at national and international level supervise doctoral students and mentor postdoctoral researchers lead, develop and participate in teaching and supervision of students at first, second and third cycle level collaborate with researchers within the department, faculty and other parts of SLU, as well as nationally and internationally collaborate and develop regional, national and international networks with the society at large disseminate research findings fulfil administrative tasks within the department, the faculty and the university, including responsibility for budget and staff Swedish and English are used in parallel at the department. The senior lecturer should be able to perform most of their tasks in English. However, as a public authority, the university has Swedish as its main language according to the requirements of the Language Act. Non-Swedish-speaking staff members are expected to, within four years of first being employed, have sufficient knowledge of Swedish to understand information in Swedish. The department will support the holder of the position to achieve this. Qualifications The applicant must: have completed a doctoral degree in a subject area relevant for the position be scientifically skilled within genomics and RNA biology be pedagogically skilled have demonstrated leadership skills have good knowledge of English Assessment criteria The assessment criteria for employment shall primarily apply to the degree of such skill, which is a requirement for eligibility for employment. The assessment of scientific skills will consider: completed research activities and ongoing research within the subject area earlier experience in genomics and RNA biology future research vision within the subject area ability to independently initiate, lead and develop innovative research within the subject area ability to attract external funding in competition ability to supervise and examine at doctoral level and mentor postdoctoral researchers The assessment of pedagogic skills will consider the ability to: plan, conduct and evaluate their own teaching at basic and advanced levels, including doctoral level supervise and examine undergraduate, master level and graduate students convey and implement their pedagogical vision integrate up-to-date research and scientific approaches into teaching The assessment will also consider: ability to develop and manage academic units and staff vision for leadership ability to communicate and collaborate ability to collaborate with external stakeholders and the surrounding society dissemination of information on research and development projects The position will be offered to the candidate who, after a qualitative overall assessment, is assessed to be most suitable to carry out and develop the above-mentioned duties and to contribute to the positive development of the organization. Application deadline: 2026-08-19 Place of work: Umeå Extent: 100% Form of employment: Permanent employment Starting date: By agreement. Application: It is desirable that the application is written in English, as the applications will be assessed by experts both in Sweden and abroad. For the guidance of your application, there is SLU's appointment procedure for teachers at SLU and General assessment criteria for the appointment of teachers, which you can https://internt.slu.se/stod-service/admin-stod/hr-fragor/rekrytering-till_alla_ovriga_anstallningar/anstallning-av-larare/. Please apply by clicking the apply-button below.. Adacemic union representatives: https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/ Working at SLU: This position offers the vibrant research climate at SLU. The benefits of the position include Swedish family health care provisions, parenting support including generous paid leave of absence policies that allow both parents to care for newborns and toddlers. Additionally, Sweden has a well-established pre-school structure as well as an educational system that provides no-cost education through university studies. Find out more facts and stories about Sweden at https://www.sweden.se/. The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.
Faculty of Forest Sciences Department of wildlife, fish, and environmental studies The Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies offers a creative and stimulating working environment with about 100 employees, and conducts internationally recognized research, education and environmental monitoring in the following subject areas: restoration ecology, aquatic ecology, molecular ecology and animal ecology. The department has a large proportion of international employees, as well as well-established national and international collaborations with opportunities for rewarding exchanges. Read more about the department at https://www.slu.se/en/departments/wildlife-fish-environmental-studies/ This position is partially financed for five years by Önnersjöstiftelsen (https://www.onnesjostiftelsen.se/) Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/. Subject area The subject of the position is animal ecology with a focus on plant-animal interactions in temperate and boreal forest ecosystems in the application areas forestry, wildlife management and forest damage. The subject develops the knowledge base about animal ecology and their interactions with humans, landscapes and climate. Duties The employee is responsible for developing research in the subject area animal ecology, both in general and specifically within the focus area, together with researchers within the faculty and other parts of SLU. The employee shall also contribute to the pedagogic development in the subject area. This means that the employee shall: act in accordance with the vision, goals and values of SLU contribute to the strategic development of the department and the faculty develop and lead an internationally successful environment for research integrate animal ecology research in the application areas forestry, wildlife management and forest damage publish scientific articles in international journals with peer-review apply for external funding in competition at national and international level supervise doctoral students and mentor postdoctoral researchers lead, develop and participate in teaching and supervision of students at first, second and third cycle level collaborate with researchers within the department, faculty and other parts of SLU, as well as nationally and internationally collaborate and develop regional, national and international networks with the society at large disseminate research findings fulfil administrative tasks within the department, the faculty and the university Swedish and English are used in parallel at the department. The professor should be able to perform most of their tasks in English. However, as a public authority, the university has Swedish as its main language according to the requirements of the Language Act. Non-Swedish-speaking staff members are expected to, within four years of first being employed, have sufficient knowledge of Swedish to understand information in Swedish. The department will support the holder of the position to achieve this. Qualifications The applicant must: have completed a doctoral degree in a subject area relevant for the position or have equivalent scientific competence be scientifically skilled within the subject area for this position be pedagogically skilled have demonstrated leadership skills have good knowledge of English Assessment Criteria The assessment criteria for employment shall primarily apply to the degree of such skill, which is a requirement for eligibility for employment. The assessment of scientific skills will consider: completed research activities and ongoing research within the subject's focus area (plant-animal interactions in temperate and boreal forest ecosystems) ability to integrate animal ecology research in application areas forestry wildlife management and forest damage expertise in wildlife management and forest damage future research vision within the subject area ability to independently initiate, lead and develop innovative research within the subject area ability to attract external funding in competition ability to supervise and examine at doctoral level and mentor postdoctoral researchers The assessment of pedagogic skills will consider the ability to: plan, conduct and evaluate their own teaching at basic and advanced levels, including doctoral level supervise and examine undergraduate, master level and graduate students convey and implement their pedagogical vision integrate up-to-date research and scientific approaches into teaching The assessment will also consider: ability to develop and manage academic units and staff personal view of leadership ability to communicate and collaborate, ability to collaborate with external stakeholders and society at large dissemination of information on research and development projects The position will be offered to the candidate who, after a qualitative overall assessment, is assessed to be most suitable to carry out and develop the above-mentioned duties and to contribute to the positive development of the organization. Working at SLU: This position offers the vibrant research climate at SLU. The benefits of the position include Swedish family health care provisions, parenting support including generous paid leave of absence policies that allow both parents to care for newborns and toddlers. Additionally, Sweden has a well-established pre-school structure as well as an educational system that provides no-cost education through university studies. Find out more facts and stories about Sweden at http://www.sweden.se. Application deadline: 2026-10-01 Place of work: Umeå Scope: 100% Form of employment: Indefinite-term employment Starting date: By agreement Application: For the guidance of your application, there is SLU's appointment procedure for teachers at SLU and General assessment criteria for the appointment of teachers, which you can https://internt.slu.se/en/support-services/administrative-support/human-resources/rekrytering-till_alla_ovriga_anstallningar/appointment-procedures-for-slu/. Please apply by clicking the apply-button below. Academic union representatives: https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/