Arbetsbeskrivning

Department of Forest Ecology and Management WIFORCE Research School Do you want to contribute to the future sustainable use of forests? Apply to join WIFORCE Research School! Biodiversity and the role of forests in climate change are now key social issues that require more knowledge. In order to both sustainably use and safeguard forest biodiversity, a coherent basic science research program is needed that addresses large and complex issues and develops new analytical tools. That’s why the WIFORCE Research School, part of the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (https://www.slu.se/WIFORCE/en), was created.   Name of research project/thesis: Industry-/collaboration PhD student in optimized off-road driving in forests Research subject: Soil science Description: We are looking for an industry/collaboration-based PhD student to develop a dynamic soil moisture map that reflects weather changes. By developing digital dynamic soil moisture maps, decision support systems for route planning can be used to optimize the balance between forest production and environmental considerations and facilitate driving on forest land in extremely dry or wet conditions. We will develop different tools. First, we will model soil moisture in the upper soil layer, which is crucial for rutting, using machine learning. Second, we will develop new systems to integrate data from radar and lidar sensors mounted on drones and forestry machines to improve future real-time decision support systems, validated against field measurements. The doctoral studies will be performed at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management at SLU in Umeå. The PhD student will have a permanent position with the company Komatsu Forest AB, in Umeå. The doctoral student supervisory team will include Anneli Ågren (Researcher, SLU) and Mattias Nyström and Peter Assarsson at Komatsu Forest AB. You will be part of a research group that develops new, high-quality , high-resolution digital maps using AI. Our AI models use high-resolution digital elevation models from airborne laser scanning to calculate topographic indices as environmental variables for mapping, and satellite data for weather. The doctoral student will be part of a broad research group with expertise in GIS, AI, soil science, forest ecology and silviculture, which provides good conditions for scientific exchange and discussion.   Read more about WIFORCE and its Research School here: https://www.slu.se/WIFORCE/en Read more about the Department of Forest Ecology and Management: http://www.slu.se/en/departments/forest-ecology-management/  Read more about Komatsu Forest AB: www.komatsuforest.com Qualifications: The qualifications required for this position are: • Master's degree in a relevant field (forest engineering, computer science, physics engineering, or equivalent) • Programming skills in Python or another language • Strong work ethic • Fluency in English, with the ability to write, communicate, and interact in an English-speaking environment Meriting qualifications: • Experience in performing spatial analyses (GIS)  • Experience working with large databases  • Experience working independently and organizing one’s own work schedule  • Experience successfully working in a team  • Fluency in Swedish Place of work:       Umeå Forms for funding or employment: • Doctoral studies at SLU with 80% study activity and 20% work at Komatsu Forest AB under 5 years. • Permanent position at Komatsu Forest AB in Umeå.   Starting date: According to agreement.  For more information and how to apply see  Jobs and vacancies | Externwebben    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.