Apply Now: 8 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Forest Research at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) | Deadline: 12 August 2025
Are you passionate about sustainable forestry, biodiversity conservation, and environmental research? The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is now accepting applications for 8 fully funded PhD positions under the prestigious Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (WIFORCE). These positions offer a unique opportunity to transform the future of forest ecosystems through innovative research and real-world collaboration.
Program Overview: WIFORCE at SLU
The WIFORCE program is a national research initiative funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, aimed at advancing forest science in Sweden. It brings together academia and the forest sector to train a new generation of experts who will lead cutting-edge research in forest management, biodiversity, climate resilience, and technology integration.
“The PhD projects are linked to needs identified by society. This strengthens both the relevance of the research and the future career prospects of the PhD students.”
— Hjalmar Laudon, Director of the WIFORCE Research School
Key Research Areas
The available PhD positions are tailored to tackle pressing challenges in forestry, including:
- Soil moisture mapping to reduce forest machinery damage
- Molecular pest control techniques
- Biodiversity research and species response to forest management
- AI and LiDAR-based forest planning
- Modeling trade-offs between timber production and conservation
Each project is developed collaboratively between SLU researchers and stakeholders in Sweden’s forestry sector, ensuring high societal impact.
Unique Industry-Academia Collaboration
These PhD positions follow an industry/collaboration model, offering candidates the best of both academic and industry experience:
- 80% academic research conducted at SLU
- 20% hands-on work with external employers (e.g., companies, agencies, municipalities)
- Upon graduation, candidates continue employment with the industry partner
“PhD students gain a unique combination of scientific excellence and practical experience. We strengthen the skills supply in the forest sector and help ensure that research findings are put to use more rapidly,”
— Hjalmar Laudon, WIFORCE Director
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Available PhD Opportunities
- Optimized Off-Road Driving in Forests
- Molecular Biology for Pest Control
- Forestry Planning with LiDAR and AI
- Ectomycorrhizal Population Biology
- Productivity and Ecology in Mixed Forests of Northern Sweden
- Forest Management and Planning
- Forest Biology
- Forest Biodiversity Assessment
Detailed descriptions, eligibility criteria, and application links are available on SLU’s official job portal.
Why Choose SLU and WIFORCE?
- Fully Funded PhD Programs with employment contracts
- Cross-sector collaboration with Sweden’s top forest organizations
- World-class research facilities at SLU campuses in Umeå, Uppsala, and Alnarp
- Long-term career prospects in academia, research institutions, and the forestry industry
- Over 50 PhD students will be trained through WIFORCE by 2030
Application Details
- Deadline: 12 August 2025
- Location: SLU Campuses (Umeå, Uppsala, Alnarp)
- Eligibility: Open to candidates with academic backgrounds in forest sciences, biology, ecology, remote sensing, environmental modeling, or related disciplines
- Funding: Fully funded with salaries provided by partner organizations
How to Apply
To apply for any of the available PhD positions, visit SLU’s official portal. Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline.
