PhD position (m/f/d) in the project “Knowledge Barriers – Knowledge Practices: Making Contested Decisions in Everyday Work of Forest Management” at the Institute of Cultural Analysis/European Ethnology

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of fReiburg invites applications for a PhD position (m/f/d) in the project “Knowledge Barriers – Knowledge Practices: Making Contested Decisions in Everyday Work of Forest Management” at the Institute of Cultural Analysis/European Ethnology

• Application deadline: 23. January 2026
• Publication date: 10. December 2025
• Start-date: 1. April 2026
• Scope of work: Part-time position (75 %)
• Id no.: 00004711

Description

The project aims to understand future-oriented decision-making practices of actors in the context of forest adaptation and climate crisis by using ethnographic methods of cultural analyses. It focuses events interpreted as crises, such as bark beetle infestations and deforestation to analyse the knowledge, knowledge barriers, values, and affects that shape practices and horizons of decision making. The project is located at the intersection of multispecies ethnography, cultural analyses of work and future and aims to make key contributions to the cluster’s activities of modelling socio-ecological systems. It is closely linked to other projects within the cluster such as further research on practices of decision-making for future forests, on bark beetles, forest ecology and adaptation.

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

• Design and implementation of independent ethnographic field research by following diverse actors and decision-making practices in forestry, forest management and administration in the Black Forest
• Development of ethnography based cultural analyses related to concepts such as decision-making practices/decision-making horizons, knowledge, value, affect, human-nature/human-forest relationships, ownership, economics, law, politics and future
• Collaboration in the area of Practices of Decision Making for Future Forests and other interdisciplinary and international research teams within the cluster
• Writing up and publishing the research results; contributing to joint scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences
•  Active involvement in and contributions to cluster activities, workshops, and outreach events

Your Profile

• Completed university degree (M.A. or equivalent) in European Ethnology/Cultural Anthropology/Cultural Analysis or related disciplines
• Experience in empirical social research, preferably using ethnographic methods
• Ability to work independently and collaborate in interdisciplinary and international teams
• Very good written and spoken English and German
• Keen interest and enthusiasm for or proven experience in societal relevant research

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
• Salary according to TV-L 13
• A financial budget for project-specific expenses as well as for career development activities

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.

 

Application 

Please upload your application (in English or German) by January 23, 2026 to the application portal of the University of Freiburg.

For your application, please, provide the following documents:

• Cover letter outlining what motivates you about the advertised position/research area and what previous experience qualifies you for the position (up to 1,500 words)
• Curriculum Vitae with list of publications (if applicable)
• Certified copies of your university degree(s) with grades (BA and MA certificate / Diploma certificate and transcript)
• Short summary of your master’s thesis (up to 1,000 words)

The position is limited to 30. September 2029. The salary will be determined in accordance with TV-L 13.

Application

Please send your application including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004711, by 23. January 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
Institut für Empirische Kulturwissenschaft
Maximilianstraße 15
79100 Freiburg

For further information, please contact Sarah May on the phone number +49 761 203-97623 or E-Mail sarah.may@ekw.uni-freiburg.de.