NEU

Vollzeit

Forschung und Lehre

The Chair of Silviculture at Freiburg University invites applications for a 1.5-year postdoctoral position. Postdoc (m/f/d) in Silviculture and Forest Ecology

• Bewerbungsfrist: 15. Mai 2026
• Veröffentlichungsdatum: 29. April 2026
• Eintrittstermin: Zum nächstmöglichen Zeitpunkt.
• Arbeitsumfang: Fulltime position
• Kennziffer: 00004965

Beschreibung

The Chair of Silviculture at Freiburg University invites applications for a 1.5-year postdoctoral position. A large part of the work will be focusing on the analysis of Integrated Forest Management (IFM) approaches across Europe in the context of the Horizon Europe project TRANSFORMIT (Transforming forest management for multiple ecosystem services and nature conservation via the integrative approach).

Starting date: as soon as possible.

Work description: A strong component of this position will be to work in the Horizon Europe project TRANSFORMIT, which aims at demonstrating and improving the ability of Integrative Forest Management (IFM) approaches to combine productive forest management and biodiversity conservation. By combining existing knowledge from practice, policy and science, the project aims at laying the basis for large-scale implementation of IFM across Europe. TRANSFORMIT consists of 16 scientific institutions from 13 European countries and proactively engages with well-established networks, such as the Integrate Network. In this context, the work package Integrative Forest Management in Europe, led by the Chair of Silviculture, focuses on analysis of the effectiveness of IFM in practice, will provide the evidence base for IFM approaches. Moreover, we will develop educational modules to facilitate the teaching and training of IFM practices in Europe. Research work in the TRANSFORMIT project will be complemented by contributions to other ongoing and related research projects on forest adaptation to global change. The Postdoc working on this project will:

• Analyse an already assembled database featuring data on repeated forest inventories from IFM-practicing forest enterprises across a broad range of European countries and forest types. The analysis will focus on the effectiveness of IFM to achieve ecosystem service provision, forest resilience, adaptive capacity, and biodiversity outcomes.
• Summarize best practices and suggest (silvicultural) options for the advancement and further development of IFM.
• Contribute to the development and teaching of educational modules on IFM geared towards students at universities and forestry colleges, and for continuing education of professionals.
• Participate in and contribute to other ongoing and related research projects of the group.
• Work together with a vibrant network of internationally leading research institutions and professional networks in forest sciences.

Candidate profile: We are looking for a highly motivated and cooperative person with a strong background in forest ecology, silviculture, forest inventory, or related fields. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated his/her ability to successfully carry out relevant research and communicate results in peer-reviewed scientific papers and to a general public. Experience in project management, stakeholder liaison, and supervision of BSc and MSc students is desirable. The applicant should be able to work independently and in a team and coordinate work with partners in the TRANSFORMIT consortium. A strong background in statistics, experience with R and the analysis and synthesis of large datasets are desirable. Teaching experience at university level would be a plus. Strong command of English is indispensable. For international candidates, knowledge of German (or a willingness to learn) would be beneficial to enhance the experience of living and working in Germany.

We offer a very friendly work environment in a highly dynamic and successful research group. Salary is the German standard for Postdocs (TV-L E13, 100% scientist salary). The University of Freiburg is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women to apply. Qualified applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration. The position is initially limited to 1 1/2 years, but there is potential for subsequent employment opportunities within the newly established Cluster of Excellence Future Forests.

Founded in 1457, the University of Freiburg is one of the oldest German universities and now one of the nation’s leading research and teaching institutions. Freiburg is a vibrant city at the foot of the Black Forest in close vicinity to France and Switzerland, with a rich cultural and academic life and excellent recreational opportunities.

The position is initially limited to 1 1/2 years, but there is potential for subsequent employment opportunities within the newly established Cluster of Excellence Future Forests. The salary will be determined in accordance with TVL 13.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.

Bewerbung

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004965, by 15. Mai 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Professur für Waldbau Stefan Meier Str. 76 79104 Freiburg i. Br. Deutschland

For further information, please contact Ursula Eggert on the phone number +49 761 203-3678 or E-Mail ursula.eggert@waldbau.uni-freiburg.de.