Posted by The University of Inland Norway (INN) is offering a full-time PhD Position in Forest Sciences at its Evenstad campus near Koppang, Norway. The four-year doctoral position focuses on production forestry, forest management, carbon storage, and forest production under climate change.
The successful candidate will join INN’s PhD programme in Applied Ecology and Biotechnology, specializing in Forestry, and become part of the Evenstad Forest Research Group. The position is planned to start in late fall 2026 or early 2027 and includes 25% teaching in forestry.
This article provides an overview of the PhD position, research project, eligibility requirements, employment conditions, application requirements, and other important information for candidates interested in forest sciences research in Norway.
Job Overview
- Job Title: PhD Position in Forest Sciences
- Institution: University of Inland Norway (INN)
- Location: Campus Evenstad, near Koppang, Norway
- Employment Type: Full-time, 100%
- Duration: Four years
- Expected Start: Late fall 2026 or early 2027
- Job Category: PhD / Forest Sciences / Research
- PhD Programme: Applied Ecology and Biotechnology, specialization in Forestry
- Working Language: Scandinavian
- Teaching Requirement: 25% of the position
- Application Deadline: Monday, October 5, 2026
- Position Code: 1017, PhD candidate in the Government Salary Scale
- Sector: Public
About the University of Inland Norway
The University of Inland Norway is a public university with approximately 15,000 students and 1,450 employees. It operates campuses in Lillehammer, Hamar, Elverum, Rena, Evenstad, and Blæstad, while also offering some programmes in Kongsvinger and Tynset.
The university describes its educational and research environments as having regional, national, and international impact. Its vision is based on interdisciplinary collaboration and cooperation with society and the workforce.
The Evenstad campus is located in Østerdalen in Stor-Elvdal municipality, approximately 20 kilometres south of Koppang. The campus offers programmes in applied ecology, forestry, and wildlife management at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels.
PhD Position in Forest Sciences Description
This PhD position focuses on production forestry and the challenges facing forest management as environmental conditions, societal expectations, and market trends change.
The research will examine areas connected to forest management, carbon storage, timber production, biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and climate resilience. The project is interdisciplinary and may draw on forestry, economics, engineering, and ecology.
The successful candidate will join the Evenstad Forest Research Group and work in an environment that emphasizes collaboration, practical relevance, and cooperation between academia and external stakeholders.
The doctoral education plan must be agreed upon and approved within three months after the position begins.
About the Research Project
Forests cover around 40% of Norway’s mainland and provide resources and services including industrial raw materials, habitats, recreational opportunities, and carbon storage.
The PhD project aims to develop knowledge that can support improved ecological, social, and economic outcomes from forests. It will examine how changes in natural and societal conditions affect forest management and how different management approaches may influence timber production, biodiversity, climate mitigation, and resilience.
Because the project is independently funded by INN, its objectives can be adapted to the successful candidate’s scientific profile and interests.
Possible research directions include:
- Collecting vegetation data in the field.
- Developing forest-related models.
- Conducting remote sensing analyses.
- Analysing timber production.
- Studying economic and policy data and documents.
- Developing forestry cost functions.
- Conducting surveys of forest owners.
The candidate may also connect the research with other ongoing projects within the Forest Research Group.
The main supervisor will be Professor Hanne K. Sjølie, with Associate Professor Change H. Hansen as co-supervisor. Additional supervisors may be involved depending on the final research project.
Key Responsibilities
The PhD candidate will be expected to:
- Conduct doctoral research within forest sciences.
- Develop research questions and contribute to the definition of the project’s scope.
- Investigate forest management and production in relation to changing environmental and societal conditions.
- Contribute to research addressing timber production, biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and resilience.
- Participate in the interdisciplinary research environment at Evenstad.
- Complete 25% teaching duties in forestry.
- Work both independently and collaboratively within the research group.
- Contribute to forest research, education, and outreach activities.
Qualifications and Requirements
Required Qualifications
Applicants must qualify for admission to the University of Inland Norway’s PhD programme in Applied Ecology and Biotechnology.
The main academic requirements include:
- A master’s degree or master’s-level education equivalent to 120 ECTS in forestry or another relevant subject area.
- A strong academic record from previous studies.
- Normally, an average grade of B or better from the master’s programme or equivalent education.
- A strong background in forestry.
- A solid theoretical foundation and genuine interest in the r*
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience criteria should submit their application.
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