PhD Position in Forest Microclimatology (f/m/d/x) at the Excellence Cluster Future Forests, University of Freiburg

The Chair of Environmental Meteorology at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a funded PhD Position in Forest Microclimatology (f/m/d/x) 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.: 00004716

Description

In this funded PhD position you will quantify and explore different forests’ modulation on below-canopy climates, often referred to as “microclimatic buffering”. Using an adaptive sensor network consisting of 200 sites, you will develop machine learning-based approaches for data processing, network optimization, and to quantify the degree of microclimatic buffering. This is relevant both for understanding future growth conditions and for assessing the response of forest ecosystems to extreme events and structural changes in a changing global climate. By developing site-specific machine-learning models, supplemented by existing downscaled reanalysis data, the goal of the PhD is to hindcast below-canopy climates in the Black Forest Region (Germany) and provide quantitative climate data, including the frequency and intensity of extremes at the stand level.

 

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 data-driven predictions of forest microclimates.
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary and international research teams
• Participation in a structured doctoral program, contribution to regular seminars, and progress reports
• Writing scientific publications and giving presentations at national and international conferences
• Active involvement in and contributions to cluster activities, workshops, and outreach events
• Support to operate the sensor network.

 

Your Profile

• Completed university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, Climate Sciences, Meteorology, Forest Sciences, Hydrology, or Geography.
• Interest in pursuing a PhD within a structured program on climate change and forest ecosystems.
• Good skills in scientific data analysis. Basic skills in at least one high-level programming language (e.g. R, python) and statistics. Experience in fieldwork and/or knowledge in aplying machine learning approaches is an asset.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team, ability to work in the field.
• Proficient written and spoken English; German is an asset
• Experience in scientific writing (publications)

 

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 (75% FTE)
• A financial budget for project-specific expenses as well as for career development activities
• Insights into extensive observational and data-driven approaches though a team involved in ICOS and other international networks.

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 (including a cover letter, CV, relevant certificates/transcripts, and, if applicable, publication list including theses written) by January 12, 2026 to the application portal of the University of Freiburg.

 

For questions, please contact: Prof. Dr. Andreas Christen (andreas.christen@meteo.uni-freiburg.de)

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

Application

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004716, by 12. January 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Chair of Environmental Meteorology
Werthmannstrasse 10
79085 Freiburg
Germany

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Andreas Christen on the phone number +49 761 203-3591 or E-Mail andreas.christen@meteo.uni-freiburg.de.