PhD in Boreal Raptor Ecology under Climate Change

Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies Research subject: Biology Description of the doctoral project Boreal Raptors – Understanding and Predicting the Dynamics of Mountain Raptor Communities under Climate Change Why do some raptor species thrive while others decline as northern ecosystems become warmer? We are seeking a motivated PhD student to join the Boreal Raptor Project to investigate how climate, prey dynamics, landscape changes and interactions among species shape raptor communities in mountain and boreal forest ecosystems. The project combines long-term monitoring data from northern Sweden and the Scandinavian mountains with new field observations and quantitative ecological modelling. We will examine variation in species occurrence, breeding phenology, reproductive success and distribution, and investigate how these patterns can be used to predict changes under future climate and land-use scenarios. The research may include eagles, falcons, hawks and other raptors characteristic of northern ecosystems, as well as ecological interactions with species such as ravens. Key questions include how weather, snow conditions and prey populations influence different raptor species, why species differ in their responses, and how forestry, infrastructure and other landscape changes interact with climate-driven processes. Specific research questions will be developed jointly with the PhD student. About the position Research tasks The PhD student will analyse existing long-term datasets and newly collected information on species occurrence, breeding territories, reproductive success and environmental conditions. The research will involve advanced statistical and spatial modelling, potentially including generalised linear mixed models, hierarchical models, occupancy and population models, time-series analysis and community ecology approaches. GIS and remote sensing will be used to quantify changes in climate, snow cover, vegetation and land use. Fieldwork in mountain and boreal forest environments may include breeding territory surveys, reproductive monitoring and collection of complementary ecological data. An important objective is to move beyond describing historical patterns towards developing models capable of predicting future ecological changes. Requirements Eligibility Applicants must hold a second-cycle (Master's) degree, have completed at least 240 higher education credits, including 60 credits at second-cycle level, or have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge through other means in Sweden or abroad (Swedish Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39). English proficiency equivalent to English B/6 in the Swedish upper-secondary school system is required. Your profile We seek candidates with a Master's degree or equivalent in ecology, biology, wildlife ecology, conservation biology, zoology or a related discipline. Applicants should have experience in quantitative ecological analysis and statistical modelling, proficiency in R or a comparable programming environment, and a strong interest in population and community ecology and ecological responses to environmental change. The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team is essential. Excellent spoken and written English is required, as the position involves scientific writing, presentations and collaboration in an international research environment. Additional merits include experience in raptor or avian ecology, analysis of long-term ecological datasets, hierarchical or demographic modelling, spatial ecology, GIS, remote sensing and ecological fieldwork. We particularly value scientific curiosity, analytical thinking and the ability to formulate independent ecological research questions rather than simply applying existing analytical methods. About us The Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Umeå conducts internationally recognised research in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, restoration ecology and quantitative ecology. The PhD student will join an active international research environment with opportunities to collaborate with researchers, government agencies and organisations working on the monitoring and conservation of northern raptor populations. We offer a fully funded four-year PhD position, training in advanced ecological modelling, opportunities for fieldwork and participation in scientific conferences and international research networks. Learn more about working at SLU: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ Read more about third-cycle courses and study programmes on www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/. Form of employment / Funding Employment as a doctoral student (4-year programme) Doctoral student’s salaries are set following the local collective agreement. Salary progression is fixed. Location: Umeå, Sweden Scope: 100% Start date: Upon agreement Application and selection: Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is 24 November 2026. Applications cannot be submitted through the recruitment system on 20–22 November due to a system update. Read more about the attachments that your application should include at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/how-can-i-become-a-doctoral-student/application/ Selection among eligible applicants is based on the documents attached to the application, and is carried out with regard to the applicant’s ability to complete the programme within the allotted time. Note: This is a shortened version of the advertisement adapted to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s (Platsbanken) system. Please see the full advertisement on SLU’s website: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-and-vacancies/ Academic union representatives: https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/ The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU