Postdoctoral position

Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet (SLU); Umeå kommun; On-site; SEK 279,000 - 446,400; Full time

Job summary

Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) in Umeå is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a two-year position focused on forest landscape modelling. The role involves using the Heureka decision support system to analyze the effects of forest management strategies on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD and have experience in quantitative modeling and optimization methods. Strong communication skills in English are required. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on an interdisciplinary project aimed at sustainable planning of wind power in forest landscapes.

Qualifications

• Hold a PhD in relevant discipline with quantitative modeling in thesis.
• Experience with computer-based decision support systems.
• Work independence and ability to collaborate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Use Heureka system to analyze forest management strategies.
• Quantify sustainability goals using simulation and optimization.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop future scenarios.

Skills

Quantitative modeling

Optimisation methods

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Good communication skills in English

Education

PhD in forestry, ecology, environmental science, or similar

Tools

Heureka decision support system

Job description

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.

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.

Union representatives

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

Background on SLU

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.