[Forest-list] PhD position: Large-scale joint optimization of landscape management and markets

[Frédéric Raulier]

PhD position : Design of advanced strategic optimization tools for very large-scale joint optimization of landscape management and markets

Domain of study: Forest management - Strategic planning

Description of research: We are looking for a PhD candidate to incorporate the location and quality of forest harvest outputs availability by implementing a robust spatial timber supply model to a case study, in order to provide long-term management plans that are optimal from a value chain perspective.

The issue of availability and location of raw material is vital from a value chain perspective. Spatialization of harvesting activities is also essential from a forest sustainability perspective, as it affects many landscape metrics. Yet, the inclusion of spatial details into timber supply problems quickly lead to large models that are very long (if not impossible) to solve. The exactness of supply location is conditioned by the precision of forest inventory. Such inventories provide good estimates at the scale of the forest but their accuracy is very low at the scale of forest stands. The present project aims at exploring different strategies of data aggregation to uncover acceptable compromises for both a market's perspective and a sustainable use of forest resources.


This project fits within a larger collaborative research to provide the forest industry and policy makers with new advanced planning and decision support systems.



Profile of potential candidates:

- Preference will be given to candidates demonstrating a strong potential in the use and analysis of quantitative data (mathematical programming).

- Education in forest sciences or biology is preferred but not mandatory,





The successful applicant will join a Canada-wide research network that offers many opportunities for interaction (http://www.reseauvco.ca/en/home/). Funds are available for one stay at the laboratory of Eldon Gunn (Dalhousie U. - http://industrialengineering.dal.ca/Faculty%20and%20Staff/Eldon_Gunn.php).



The PhD position includes a full 3-yr scholarship and is expected to start once a candidate is selected.



Study program :

Doctorat en Sciences Forestières, Département des sciences du bois et de la forêt, Université Laval (http://www.ulaval.ca), Québec.

Note that although the language of instruction at Université Laval is French, one's thesis may be written in English.



Interested candidates can send a CV, transcript of academics records and an introduction letter to:



Frédéric Raulier : frederic.raulier at sbf.ulaval.ca<mailto:frederic.raulier at sbf.ulaval.ca>

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Professeur agrégé, Aménagement Forestier



Faculté de foresterie, de géographie et de géomatique

2405 rue de la Terrasse

Université Laval, Québec, Canada, G1V 0A6



Pavillon Abitibi-Price, local 2145B

Téléphone : (418) 656-2131 ext 6742



http://ww2.sbf.ulaval.ca/index.php?id=432

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