PhD position (m/f/a) in the field of biodiversity research in the subproject of the Chair of Applied Vegetation Ecology

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests invites applications for a PhD position (m/f/a) in the field of biodiversity research in the subproject of the Chair of Applied Vegetation Ecology

• Application deadline: 12. January 2026
• Publication date: 5. December 2025
• Start-date: 1. April 2026
• Scope of work: Part-time position (75 %)
• Id no.: 00004699

Description

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a PhD position in the field of biodiversity research in the subproject “Obvious and hidden diversity in epiphytes: diversity patterns and biotic interactions with microorganisms along different trajectories of silvicultural extensification and adaptation,” which will be conducted under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Markus Hauck and Dr. Stefan Kaufmann (Chair of Applied Vegetation Ecology).

The project aims to use field-based biodiversity studies and metabarcoding to investigate how changes in forests (project area: Black Forest and Upper Rhine Plain) caused by climate change and forestry adaptations to climate change affect the diversity of epiphytic lichens and mosses and the microorganisms associated with them.

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg is an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to questions of adaptation and transformation of forests and their societal use in the face of global change. Future-oriented research on the complex interactions between forests and society is conducted here with outstanding international visibility, supported by the German Research Foundation. Future Forests brings together more than 50 researchers from four faculties as well as non-university partner institutions.

 

Your Tasks

·      Independent scientific research in the field of biodiversity science

·      Collaboration with interdisciplinary and international research teams

·     Participation in a structured doctoral program, contribution to regular seminars, and writing of progress reports

· Contribution to scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences

·      Active involvement in and contributions to cluster activities, workshops, and outreach events

·      Field work in southwestern Germany to record bryophyte and lichen diversity

·  Identification of bryophytes and lichens in the laboratory (including thin-layer chromatography)

·  Sampling and evaluation for metabarcoding to identify microorganisms in lichen thalli and bryophyte cushions

·   Statistical data analysis in R and publication of project results

 

 

 

Your Profile

·  Completed university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in Biology, Ecology, Forest Sciences, Environmental Sciences or a related study program

·      Enthusiasm or proven experience in biodiversity research

·      Good skills in identifying lichens and/or bryophytes and willingness to learn more as needed to conduct the study

·      Driver's license

·      Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

·      Proficient written and spoken English; German is an asset

 

We Offer

·      An exciting interdisciplinary environment within an internationally renowned researchers at a newly established Excellence Cluster

·      Structured support and supervision for your scientific and career development

·  A diverse, collaborative, and inclusive research community, including initial University and cluster-specific onboarding support

·      Opportunities for further education, attendance at conferences, and professional networking

·      Flexible working hours and support with work-life balance

·      PhD Position for 3.5 years

 

 

The University of Freiburg is dedicated to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion/belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation.

 

 

Please upload your application in a single PDF file (including cover letter, CV, relevant certificates/transcripts, and, if applicable, publication list) to the application portal of the University of Freiburg. 

The position is limited to 30. September 2029. The salary will be determined in accordance with TV-L E13.

Application

Please send your application including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004699, by 12. January 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Albert-Ludwig-Universität Freiburg
Professur für Angewandte Vegetationsökologie
Stefan-Meier-Str. 76
79104 Freiburg

For further information, please contact Frau Vanessa Guihot on the phone number +49 761 203-8620 or E-Mail vanessa.guihot@ecology.uni-freiburg.de.