PhD Student in Forest Health (Early Detection Using Digital Tools)

PhD Student in Forest Health (Early Detection Using Digital Tools)

Linnaeus University

Växjö, Sweden

JOB DESCRIPTION

The PhD student will work in the research project "Early detection of the risk of forest damage in Swedish pine with the help of digital tools" which is part of FRAS II, a research program run jointly by the Linnaeus University (LNU), Forestry Research Institute of Sweden and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in close collaboration with the forest sector in southern Sweden.

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) is generally resistant to drought, seedlings and young trees are susceptible to drought stress, which can jeopardize regeneration results in the future when heat waves and reduced summer rainfall may become more common. With the forest sector's increased interest in pine, it is urgent to develop new strategies and methods for the early detection of threats to pine forests. Therefore, the project aims to use digital tools to develop scientific knowledge for the early detection of reduced vitality which indicates high risk of damage in Scots pine.

The doctoral student's task is above all to develop knowledge of early, physiological, and spectral signals in Scots pine seedlings and young trees that have been exposed to abiotic stress, as well as to evaluate which spectral signals best indicate an increased risk of fungal and insect damage. The results contribute to improved opportunities to develop digital drone and satellite-based methods for the early detection of forest damage in the future. The doctoral student is expected to take responsibility for the practical field and laboratory work, and lead the dissemination of research results. Participating in national and international meetings, as well as writing and publishing both scientific and popular articles are central parts of the work. Collaboration with national and foreign experts in forest pathology, entomology and plant physiology is part of the project. Since the studies generate large amounts of data, the doctoral student will also seek collaboration with Linnaeus University's cutting-edge research environment DISA (Data Intensive Sciences and Applications).

REQUIREMENTS

A person fulfils the general entry requirements if s/he has:

• Graduated at advanced level in the relevant field;
• Completed undergraduate program of at least 240 ECTS, including 60 ECTS at the advanced level, or the equivalent knowledge obtained in or outside of Sweden.

Specific requirements:

• At least 90 ETCS in subjects relating to the proposed research subject or equivalent knowledge acquired in any other manner within or outside of Sweden;
• Good language skills in Swedish and/or English;
• Finally, it is required that applicants are judged to have the ability needed to complete the education.

Other requirements:

• The successful applicant must demonstrate analytical skills, an interest in new technologies and the ability to work independently and in a team, as well as excellent communication skills in English both verbally and in writing. A driver's license is required for the position.

Desirable qualifications:

• Theoretical knowledge and practical experience in plant physiology, forest pathology or entomology, or digital image analysis solutions, as well as knowledge of Swedish, are considered as merits.

Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter by March 31, 2023. Job interviews will be planned for April 2023.

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