Doctoral student in Environmental Science with a focus on Continuous Cover Forestry

Subject description

Environmental science is the scientific study of environmental problems resulting from human activity, including climate change. The subject combines the study of human impact on natural processes and the measures and strategies that can be implemented in order to prevent, avert or counteract environmental problems and achieve long-term sustainable development. Environmental science research is based on a fundamental understanding of natural processes and how they are affected by human activity and therefore has a broad foundation in traditional subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, geology and physical geography. It also includes the study of relevant measures and strategies to tackle environmental problems. This enables the research to be based on interdisciplinary approaches in collaboration across traditional subject boundaries.

Work duties

Continuous Cover Forestry is often highlighted as a nature-based solution that combines timber production with biodiversity consideration and climate adaptation. However, there are significant knowledge gaps regarding how this silvicultural method affects biodiversity and carbon-related processes compared to conventional forestry with a clearcut phase. Moreover, there is a lack of knowledge on policy instruments that can promote a transition to continuous cover forestry, in a situation where institutional and cultural factors continue to favour conventional forestry. Southern Sweden is particularly interesting for studying these issues, as the region hosts a wide variety of forest types and tree species, including noble broadleaf forests, creating favourable conditions for both climate resilience and biodiversity. Nevertheless, much of the previous research has primarily focused on northern and central Sweden.

This PhD project aims to increase knowledge about how continuous cover forestry affects biodiversity and carbon-related processes in southern Sweden. The project includes an analysis of different types of continuous cover forestry and their applicability in different geographic contexts, combined with field studies comparing stands managed with continuous cover forestry to conventional forestry in terms of forest structure, carbon content in soil and biomass, and above- and belowground species richness. Using a mixed method approach that combines literature reviews, expert workshops, field inventories, statistical analyses, GIS analyses, and modeling, the project investigates the interplay between site conditions, management methods, and ecological values. The project is interdisciplinary and carried out in close collaboration with Scanian Landscape Foundation and other actors. It is integrated with the ongoing research projects ForestPath and WildE, providing the PhD student with an established context and a strong regional network.

The main task for a doctoral student is to engage in their research education, which includes participation in research projects and research education courses. Tasks may also include participation in teaching and other departmental work, but not more than 20% of the working time.

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.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Environmental science if he or she has:

• Has performed an independent academic work of at least 30 ECTS (i.e. a master thesis), or in other way have gathered comparable experience.
  
  

Additional requirements:

• A second level degree in environmental science, forest science, physical geography, ecology or closely related subject
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Practical experience in conducting ecological field work or surveys
  
  

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:

• Knowledge about human impacts on ecosystems, including ecosystem processes and biodiversity
• Knowledge about policies related to management of ecosystems
• Experience with forest inventories
• Experience of engagement with non-academic stakeholders
• Experience in soil sampling
• Knowledge and experience with statistics and statistical software such as R or Matlab
• Skills in GIS and remote sensing
• Experience with forest ecosystem modeling
• Proficiency in Swedish
• Driver’s license

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. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

The advertised position will be located at Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science by the Faculty of Science in 2025, to be transferred to the newly formed Department of Environmental and Earth Sciences within the same faculty from 1 January 2026.

By merging the Centre for Environmental and Climate Science, the Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science and the Department of Geology in a joint and co-located organisation, the new department will strengthen the link between different research fields, develop new educational programmes and promote collaboration with society.

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.).

Welcome to apply!