PhD Position (f/m/d/x) for vegetation ecology at the Excellence Cluster Future Forests, University of Freiburg

<2 weeks left

Part-time

Research and Instruction

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a PhD position in vegetation ecology/ecosystem ecology with the topic Functional consequences of novel forest conditions: plant diversity pathways and decompositi PhD Position (f/m/d/x) for vegetation ecology at the Excellence Cluster Future Forests, University of Freiburg

Application deadline: 12. January 2026
Publication date: 11. December 2025
Start-date: 1. April 2026
Scope of work: Part-time position (75 %)
Id no.: 00004712

Description

The offered position investigates how forest vegetation responds to increasingly novel conditions driven by climate change, biological invasions, and shifting management practices. It focuses on two key components of forest ecosystem functioning: changes in plant diversity and decomposition of organic matter (necromass). Using a combination of historical vegetation data, newly collected field data, and decomposition experiments, the project aims to quantify long-term and recent shifts in forest plant communities and assess how these changes influence essential ecosystem processes.

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 Task

Independent scientific research in the field of vegetation ecology/geobotany/ecosystem ecology
Collaboration with interdisciplinary and international research team
Participation in a structured doctoral program, contribution to regular seminars, and 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

Your Profile

Completed university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, e.g. Geoecology, Forest Sciences, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, etc.
Enthusiasm or proven experience in vegetation ecology or related disciplines (e.g. geobotany, biodiversity research, biogeochemistry)
Strong taxonomic expertise in vascular plants, along with experience in statistical analysis (using R)
Willingness to conduct fieldwork in challenging terrain and under adverse weather conditions, as well as to perform laboratory work, including chemical analyses of plant and soil samples
Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
Proficient written and spoken English; German is an asset
Experience in scientific writing (publications, reports, theses) is an advantage
Driving license (B/BE)

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.

Please send your application as one single pdf file, including a cover letter, CV, relevant certificates/transcripts, and, if applicable, a publication list.

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

Application

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004712, by 12. January 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

University of Freiburg
Faculty of Biology
Chair of Geobotany
Schänzlestr. 1
79104 Freiburg
Germany

For further information, please contact Dr. Konrad Greinwald on the phone number +49 761 203-2937 or E-Mail konrad.greinwald@biologie.uni-freiburg.de.

Apply now

Full-time positions may generally be split up into two or more part-time positions, provided that there are no formal or legal barriers. Candidates are selected in accordance with the provisions of the AGG (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz - German General Equal Treatment Act).
Applicants with disabilities (Schwerbehinderte Menschen) will be given preferential consideration in case of equal qualification.
The department offering the position is liable for the content of this job posting. Textual errors do not constitute a basis for any claims or rights. The relevant human resources department has sole responsibility for all legal transactions made within the context of the selection and hiring process.
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