PhD position in forest genetics with a focus on silver birch flowering and seed production

Improved planting material contributes to productive and resilient forests. In silver birch, efficient breeding and reliable seed production depend on our ability to understand and influence flowering. Skogforsk is seeking a motivated PhD student to investigate these processes and develop methods that can be applied in breeding programmes and seed production.

The position is part of Phase II of Trees For Me, a centre of excellence focusing on fast-growing broadleaved trees for sustainable forests, materials and energy.

Research project and duties

The overall aim of this four-year PhD project is to improve our understanding of flowering in silver birch and develop practical methods to promote early and reliable flowering and seed production.

The project will investigate how environmental conditions and cultivation treatments influence flowering in young plants and older breeding material. Particular attention will be given to light conditions, plant development and genetic differences in flowering responses. The research will connect fundamental questions about reproductive development with practical challenges in birch breeding.

Earlier flowering could shorten the breeding cycle and help realise the benefits of genomic selection by allowing selected individuals to be crossed at a younger age. Improved control of flowering could also support more reliable seed production.

Your work will include:

• Planning, establishing and managing experiments in controlled environments, greenhouses and, where relevant, the field.
• Assessing growth, development, male and female flowering, and seed production and quality.
• Analysing experimental data using statistical methods.
• Publishing scientific papers and communicating results to researchers, breeders and other stakeholders.
• Completing doctoral courses in forest genetics, breeding and related subjects.

The detailed research questions and experimental programme will be developed together with the supervisory team.

Trees For Me – Phase II

Trees For Me brings together universities, research institutes, industry and public-sector organisations to develop knowledge and solutions for the sustainable use of fast-growing broadleaved trees, including birch, poplar and aspen.

Within Phase II, this PhD project will contribute knowledge and methods to strengthen birch breeding and the supply of improved reproductive material. The student will participate in an interdisciplinary research environment and collaborate with researchers and stakeholders across the forest sector.

Research environment

The project is a collaboration between Skogforsk and the Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Alnarp. The student will be employed by Skogforsk and based at the Ekebo research station in Svalöv, with doctoral enrolment at SLU.

You will join a team working with forest tree genetics, breeding and seed production. The position offers close contact with operational breeding, access to experimental facilities and breeding material, and opportunities for national and international collaboration.

Qualifications

We are looking for a motivated and curious candidate with a master’s degree in forestry, biology, plant science, genetics, environmental science or an equivalent subject relevant to the project.

You should have an interest in experimental research, plant development and the practical application of scientific results. Good communication skills and proficiency in spoken and written English are essential.

The following qualifications are considered merits:

• Knowledge of plant physiology, flowering biology, forest genetics or tree breeding.
• Experience in establishing and managing plant experiments.
• Experience in statistical analysis and programming in R or equivalent software.
• Experience working with plants in greenhouses, controlled environments or field trials.

You should be able to work independently and collaboratively, organise your work carefully and take responsibility for practical experiments. A valid driving licence is required.

Applicants must meet SLU’s requirements for admission to doctoral studies.

Employment and application

Employment: Four-year, fixed-term employment as a PhD student at Skogforsk.
Location: Ekebo research station, Svalöv, Sweden.
Starting date: By agreement.
Application deadline: 6 December.

Your application should include:

• A cover letter describing your motivation, relevant experience and research interests.
• A CV.Degree certificates and transcripts.
• Contact details for two referees.

Send your application to eva.persson@skogforsk.se, using the subject line “PhD application – birch flowering”. Deadline for application is 6th of December.

For further information, please contact Mateusz Liziniewicz (mateusz.liziniewicz@skogforsk.se), Researcher, Skogforsk.

About Skogforsk

Skogforsk is the Swedish forestry research institute. Our vision is "World-class forestry for sustainable development." We develop and communicate knowledge, services, and products that contribute to the sustainable development of forestry for the benefit of society.

We operate at three locations: Uppsala, Sävar in Västerbotten, and Ekebo in Skåne. In total, we have approximately 160 employees.

At Ekebo, our research includes forest tree breeding, genetics and the production of improved planting material.