PhD candidate - Forest Roads

Forest roads are a central part of the forest infrastructure and a good and updated forest road network is central for securing the timber supply for the forest industry and the emerging bioeconomy. In addition the quality of the roads is crucial for regularity in the supply of timber throughout the year, which requires even more focus in a changing climate.

We are looking for a Phd candidate that wish to work with forest operations with focus on forest roads, technology and adaptation to climate change for the forest road network.

The position offered is based in Ås, 35 km south of Oslo, and has a duration of 3 years with start as soon as possible.

The main research questions for the position will be related to utilization of national-scale LiDAR data, different types of sensor data, data on forest conditions in combination with climate change scenarios to:

• Planning and optimization of the forest road network
• Monitor and prioritize forest road maintenance and updating for ensuring a consistent wood supply but also for reducing the risk of natural hazards such as landslides associated with forest roads
• Development of new forest road standards adapted to a changing climate

• Experience with forestry in northern Europe or North America
• Experience from working with LiDAR data
• Experience with statistical analysis and programming, preferably in R
• Knowledge of a Scandinavian language

• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Dedication and enthusiasm to work as part of an ambitious research team
• Ability to collaborate with both internal and external experts with diverse academic backgrounds and skill sets

• Opportunity to work on an important social mission with focus on sustainability and future-oriented projects
• Challenging, exciting and varied tasks in interdisciplinary teams
• A flexible everyday life with the opportunity to influence one's own work tasks
• A skilled professional environment with good colleagues
• A generous personnel policy with welfare schemes that focus on employees' different stages of life

The position is remunerated according to the Norwegian State Salary Scale as PhD candidate code 1017, salary grade 54 - 60 (NOK 501.200 - 553.500 per year), commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, which includes a good occupational pension scheme, occupational injury and group life insurance, and low-interest home loans.

Contact Head of Departement Dr. Carolin Fischer, +47 967 41 326 or Dr. Rasmus Astrup, +47 941 51 660 or see website nibio.no

Please send your application with CV electronically via the link on this page .

Take diplomas and letters of recommendation with you if invited to an interview, or submit them as an attachment along with the electronic application/CV.

About diversity and inclusion - for applicants living in Norway:

In accordance with the Norwegian Civil Service equal opportunities policy, qualified candidates are encouraged to apply - regardless of age, gender, functional disabilities, gaps in CV or national or ethnic background.

As a government agency, we have the opportunity to provide positive special treatment for applicants who have a disability, gaps in their CV or immigrant background. Positive special treatment means, among other things, that you will more easily come to the interview. Read more about thise here  (in Norwegian).

We would like to point out that information about applicants may be subject to public disclosure, in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (Offentlighetsloven), Section 25. An applicant can request to be exempted from inclusion on a public list of applicants. If the request for confidentiality is denied, the applicant will be notified thereof.

NIBIO’s activities lie within agriculture, food, climate and the environment. The Institute conducts research and management support, and provides knowledge for use in national preparedness, governmental and district management, industry, and the society at large.

The Departement of Forest Managment and Technology  focuses on management and effects of various measures in the forest. Long-term field trials are an important datasource. The department has expertise in planning of infrastructure and operational activities from forest planting to industrial site. An important focus area is the use of new technology and analysis of data to improve efficiency and maintain the sustainability in forestry.

The departement is one of six departements in the Division of Forest and Forest Resources.