Ph.D. studentship in forest economics

The Department of Forest Economics is engaged in research and education in circular bioeconomy with focus on business administration, natural resource economics, economics, and policy, with a particular focus on the sustainable development of forest-related natural resources. The Department contributes to education at the Faculty of Forest Sciences, and is responsible for Bachelor and Master degree programs as well as offering Ph.D. education in business administration and economics. The Department is located at two campuses: Ultuna (Uppsala) and Umeå. The Department has strong research domestic and international connections: we hold the editorial office of the Journal of Forest Economics ; we are a key partner in the joint SLU/Umeå University - Centre for Environmental and Resource Economics ; we host the head office of European Forest Institute’s Forest Bioeconomy Network , among many others.

We are searching for a Doctoral student to join the Department of Forest Economics at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Umeå. Candidates are encouraged to review research by Francisco X. Aguilar, Professor, Department of Forest Economics, available here and on Google Scholar before applying.

You can learn more about working at SLU online a:  https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/

REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) initiatives aim to prevent emissions and conserve the area and integrity of forests. Past research has evaluated their effectiveness to prevent deforestation but has largely neglected degradation. This is of critical societal important as degradation is a major source of carbon emissions from forests and it can lead to the loss of ecosystem services vital to local communities. In this project we will assess the extent to which REDD+ initiatives have prevented forest degradation in the context of Argentina’s Atlantic forest. The Atlantic forest is one of the terrestrial ecosystems with the greatest endemic biodiversity in the world.

The profile of the student is of a person fully committed to forest conservation research with foundational training in research methods. The candidate will be responsible for: integrating economics and forest resource management knowledge into relevant research design; developing relevant research questions; applying appropriate econometric and other analytical tools; writing scientific manuscripts and compile a Ph.D. thesis suitable for examination. Coursework is included in the Ph.D. program. The Ph.D. program consists of 4-year full-time studies with the position contracted based on annual evaluations.

To be eligible, the candidate should hold at least a Master’s degree in economics or related field (e.g. agricultural economics, natural resource economics, forest economics), or a strong quantitative interdisciplinary program. Knowledge in natural resource economics, demonstrated capacity to integrate forest and economics concepts are considered extra merit. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required. Working knowledge of Spanish is preferable but not mandatory.

Also considered as extra merit are (a) experience writing scientific manuscripts, (b) advanced documented knowledge using GIS software, (c) advanced document knowledge using, R, SAS, Stata or other analytical software.

Umeå, Sweden

Employment up to 4 years as Ph.D. student, with yearly evaluations.

As soon as possible, negotiable, upon agreement.  

We welcome applications until February 16 2024 using the button below.

Individuals have basic eligibility for third cycle education if they have taken a second cycle qualification or has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at second cycle education. Upper secondary school grades equivalent to English B/English 6 are a basic requirement.

Applicants must submit:

• a CV
• a two-page research statement
• copies of degrees and transcripts of all academic records
• one copy of the MS thesis
• contact information for at least two referees familiar with the applicant's qualifications
• certified knowledge of the English language
• if relevant, copies of relevant publications

Final selection will be conducted after an interview. By the time of the interview, shortlisted applicants shall provide certified true copies of certificates, diplomas and transcripts from previous studies at an internationally recognized higher education institution (university or university college) and transcripts. If the applicant is a foreign citizen, SLU requires a certified copy of the passport page disclosing personal data and photograph.

Details about Ph.D. education at SLU are available at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/

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

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 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 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.

Contact person

URL to this pagehttps://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=9279&rmlang=UK