Doctoral student in Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Work duties
The forest contributes to human well-being in many ways. To avoid overuse and unintentional ecosystem changes, this multi-functionality has to be addressed when developing forest management strategies and policies. The aim of this transdisciplinary project is to quantify and visualize the contribution of different adaptive management strategies to climate solutions and fulfillment of environmental objectives during the transition towards a fossil-free society. The PhD student will work with an ecosystem model to calculate the impacts of climate and forest management on ecosystem services, forestry economy and risk taking. We will together with the stakeholders discuss conflicts, and how knowledge and uncertainties concerning ecosystem services and climate change impacts can influence the choice of forest management strategy. This will form the basis for visualization of adaptive management strategies, their long term outcome and potential conflicts, to be presented as an interactive online tool for comparison of strategies, of relevance both for the stand-specific selection among forest management alternatives and for policy discussions on how to fulfill a range of societal goals.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also/can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:
• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Additional requirements:

• The student must have a second-cycle degree of at least 60 credits specialising in physical geography and ecosystem analysis, ecology, biology, geographical information science or similar subjects.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Great emphasis is placed on basic ecologic knowledge, statistics and knowledge within ecosystem modeling and programming (C++).

Assessment criteria
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• The applicant should have background knowledge of forest ecology and forest management.
• Experience in working with GIS and large datasets

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).