Prior to his engagement with Skogforsk, Rolf Björheden has worked for i.a. The Swedish University of Agricultural sciences, Dalarna University College and Växjö University, teaching and carrying out research in the field of Forest operations.

His research has concerned mainly mechanization of thinnings, forest fuel and logistics, the latter mainly in the forest-sawmill tier and has led to professorships in Dalarna and at Växjö.

In April 2007 Rolf was appointed leader of "Efficient Forest Fuel Systems", a four-year research programme, funded jointly by the concerned industries ledare and by the Swedish Energy Authority. Although managed by Skogforsk, also other R&D organisations take part in the work of the programme.