Arbetsbeskrivning

Department of Forest Resource Management The Department of Forest Resource Management conducts education and research in the areas of forest planning, forest remote sensing, forest inventory and sampling, forest mathematical statistics and landscape studies. The department is also responsible for the implementation of the ongoing environmental monitoring programs the National Forest Inventory, The National Inventories of the Landscapes in Sweden, Terrestrial Habitat Monitoring and the Butterfly and Bumblebee Inventory. In total, we are about 110 employees. More information can be found here. Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ Development of statistical methods for estimating plant population size and change Mathematical statistics Description: We are looking for a dedicated and goal-oriented PhD student who wants to contribute to the development of methods for estimating the current status and trends of plant populations. The aim of the project is to develop and apply innovative estimation methods to simple species observation data, such as presence/absence data (i.e., whether a species is recorded on a field plot), nearest-neighbor distances between plants, and distances from field plot centers to nearby plants, among others. This doctoral position offers a unique opportunity to help develop new systems for estimating both the status and the dynamics of plant populations. In this project, you will: • combine simple species observation data with geographical map information, for example data derived from remote sensing, • use point process models from the field of spatial statistics to model clustered patterns across the landscape, and • develop methods for estimating plant population size and/or change. Qualifications: Requirements: • Master’s degree in mathematical statistics, statistics, or an equivalent field. • Good written and oral communication skills in English. Meritorious: Knowledge and experience in: • spatial statistics • estimation theory We place great emphasis on personal qualities such as the ability to collaborate, solve problems, and work independently. Place of work:       Umeå Forms for funding or employment: Employment 4 years Starting date: According to agreement. Application: Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2026-02-09. To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level. Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/ Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details. Read about the PhD education at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/ Academic union representatives: 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 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 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.