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PhD in Wood Waste Recycling at SLU Uppsala 2025

The global shift towards sustainability has intensified the demand for research in renewable and recyclable materials. One of the most pressing challenges today is the management of post-consumer wood, much of which contains toxic preservatives and chemical treatments. To address this issue, the Department of Forest Biomaterials and Technology at SLU (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) has announced a fully funded PhD position in Wood Waste Recycling in Uppsala, Sweden. This doctoral opportunity is part of the WoodTreat project, a European initiative funded by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU).This PhD position offers aspiring researchers the chance to contribute to groundbreaking work on developing methods to clean, recycle, and transform highly polluted wood waste into valuable secondary materials. By joining this program, candidates will gain access to cutting-edge research facilities, collaboration with European partners, and the chance to shape the future of sustainable materials and circular economies.

About the PhD Position

The advertised PhD position in Wood Waste Recycling focuses on creating new techniques to recover clean secondary materials from contaminated wood products. Traditional recycling of wood is hindered by chemicals, heavy metals, and preservatives, making it difficult to reuse safely.

The project aims to provide innovative solutions to these problems by combining polymer science, materials technology, and environmental engineering. Students will be directly involved in Pilot Validation Trials, working with industry and academic partners across Europe to test sustainable strategies that minimize landfilling and incineration while supporting a circular bio-based economy.

The position is a temporary four-year employment contract on a full-time basis (100%), with the possibility of extension based on project development.

Research Focus: The WoodTreat Project

The PhD position is embedded within the WoodTreat Project, which officially begins in fall 2025. Its core objective is to apply a multi-dimensional cascade approach to recycling post-consumer wood waste.

Key Goals of the Project:

Develop cleaning techniques for wood containing preservatives and pollutants.
Reduce the reliance on virgin materials by enhancing recycling streams.
Prevent unsustainable practices such as landfilling and incineration.
Create new value-added products from recovered clean wood materials.
Support Europe’s transition towards a sustainable circular economy.

This makes the project an excellent platform for PhD candidates passionate about applied research, sustainability, and advanced material recovery techniques.

Location and Hosting Institution

The PhD position will be hosted by the Department of Forest Biomaterials and Technology (SBT) at SLU, based in Uppsala, Sweden. The department is well-known for its research in wood science, composites, adhesives, and recycling technologies.

About the Department of Forest Biomaterials and Technology:

Part of the Faculty of Forest Sciences at SLU.
Employs around 50 researchers and staff members.
Conducts cutting-edge international research in forest biomaterials and bio-based economy development.
Uppsala campus specializes in wood science and technology, ranging from nano-level structures to large-scale testing of wood products.

Candidates will also collaborate with consortium partners across Europe, providing a broad international research environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

The PhD student will work closely with faculty and European collaborators to advance the project goals.

Main Responsibilities:

Conduct independent and collaborative research on wood waste recycling technologies.
Develop and test methods for removing pollutants from wood.
Analyze and characterize clean secondary materials for use in industrial applications.
Participate in Pilot Validation Trials as part of the WoodTreat project.
Publish findings in academic journals and present at international conferences.
Prepare progress reports and contribute to the final outcomes of the EU-funded project.
Engage in both team collaboration and independent research tasks.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for this PhD position in wood waste recycling, candidates must meet the following academic and professional requirements:

Academic Qualifications:

A Master’s degree (second-cycle qualification)in one of the following:
- Material Science
- Polymer Science and Technology
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Wood Science
- Polymer Technology
- Or a closely related field.
Alternatively, completion of at least four years of full-time university study, including one year at the second-cycle (Master’s) level.

Skills and Knowledge:

Background in tracking impurities, chemical pollutants, or recycling of wood waste is an advantage.
Knowledge of secondary material characterization for industrial applications is valued.
Previous research experience in relevant fields is considered a merit.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capacity.
High motivation and ability to work independently as well as in collaborative settings.

Language Proficiency:

Applicants must demonstrate strong command of English, both written and spoken.
Accepted English language tests include:
- TOEFL iBT: minimum 92 (with at least 23 in speaking).
- IELTS Academic: minimum 7.0 (with at least 6.5 in speaking).
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency certificates.

Applicants who have completed a degree in English-speaking countries (USA, UK, Canada except Quebec, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland) may be exempt.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply online by submitting their application documents before the deadline of October 5, 2025.

Step-by-Step Application Guide:

Prepare Required Documents:
- CV/Resume
- Degree certificates (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
- Transcript of records
- Copy of passport information page (for non-Swedish citizens)
- Personal statement outlining motivation and research interests
- Two references
- Proof of English language proficiency
Submit Application:
- Applications must be made via the official SLU website (Apply button).
- Ensure all documents are uploaded before the deadline.
Selection Process:
- Applications are evaluated based on academic qualifications, motivation, research background, and references.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
- Final selection will consider research potential, problem-solving skills, and alignment with project goals.
Notification of Results:
- Successful applicants will be notified via email.
- Selected candidates will receive a formal employment offer from SLU.

Benefits of the PhD Position

This position offers far more than academic training. It is a comprehensive opportunity to contribute to environmental sustainability while building a solid research career.

Key Benefits:

Fully funded four-year PhD employment at SLU.
Competitive salary according to Swedish university regulations.
Full-time research and academic development in wood waste recycling.
Opportunity to collaborate with leading European researchers and industries.
Access to world-class facilities in wood science and polymer technology.
Contribution to real-world solutions in sustainability and circular economy.
Chance to publish in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.

About SLU: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is one of Europe’s leading institutions in forestry, agriculture, environmental sciences, and sustainable development.

Campuses located in Uppsala, Umeå, and Alnarp.
Internationally recognized for high-quality research and innovation.
Strong focus on bio-based economy, natural resources, and climate-smart solutions.
A welcoming and inclusive research environment for international PhD students.

For more details about SLU’s PhD programs, visit: SLU Doctoral Studies.

Timeline and Key Dates

Publishing Date: 12 September 2025
Application Deadline: 5 October 2025
Starting Date: As agreed upon with selected candidate
Duration: 4 years (full-time, 100%)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is this PhD position fully funded?

Yes. The position is a fully funded four-year employment contract at SLU, covering salary and research expenses.

2. Can international students apply?

Yes. The PhD position is open to all nationalities, provided applicants meet academic and English requirements.

3. Is prior experience in recycling necessary?

Not mandatory, but experience in wood waste recycling, pollutant tracking, or material science research is an advantage.

4. What is the main focus of this PhD?

The research aims to recover clean secondary materials from highly polluted wood waste, contributing to a circular economy.

5. What happens after the PhD?

Graduates gain strong expertise in materials science, polymer technology, and sustainability research, opening careers in academia, industry, or environmental policy-making.

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PhD wood waste recycling SLU Uppsala PhD 2025

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