PhD Position in Stand Density Management for Forest Adaptation to Drought (f/m/d/x) at the Excellence Cluster Future Forests, University of Freiburg

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a PhD position in the project “Stand density management as a silvicultural strategy for adapting forests to drought” at the Chair of Silviculture PhD Position in Stand Density Management for Forest Adaptation to Drought (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.: 00004718

Description

Tree stress and mortality increased in many regions of the world due to hotter droughts. The aim of the project is to quantify the capacity of stand density management as a silvicultural adaptation measure to reduce drought-related tree stress and mortality in broadleaf and conifer dominated forests. Lowering stand density may have positive effects, as it can reduce competition for water. However, reductions in stand density may also have unintended consequences, as the (temporary) decrease in canopy closure also reduces mutual protection of crowns against high irradiation and increases transpiration of individual crowns. The innovation of this doctoral project lies in clarifying the relative importance of these mechanisms and their net impact on drought-related tree stress and mortality.

 

Specifically, the doctoral researcher will:

• Assess drought-related tree stress and mortality;
• Relate observed stress and mortality to stand density, tree height, age, crown dimensions, site conditions, and past silvicultural treatments;
• Identify the “sweet spot” in stand density and tree height where reducing density still increase tree vitality under drought, before it shifts to increasing stress and mortality;
• Link this assessment with data on high-resolution forest structure and microclimate to understand microclimate-moderated effects of density reductions on tree stress and mortality.

The results of this project will provide guidance on how future forests should be tended in the face of novel drought conditions. 

 

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 forest ecology and silviculture using approaches from dendroecology, remote sensing and microclimate ecology
• Analysis of tree mortality from forest inventories and remote sensing and tree stress through tree ring and stable isotope analysis
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary and international research teams
• Participation in a structured doctoral program, contribution to regular seminars
• Writing of progress reports and 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 forest sciences, environmental sciences, biology, or related fields.
• Enthusiasm or proven experience in studying the impacts of climate extremes on forests and silvicultural adaptation strategies.
• Good skills in planning and carrying out field and lab work, handling large datasets, and in statistics (preferably in R). Experiences in dendroecology and remote sensing are an asset. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Proficient written and spoken English; German is an asset
• Ability to conduct research projects proven through an excellent master thesis
• Experience in scientific writing (publications) is an advantage
• Drivers license (B2)

We Offer

• An exciting interdisciplinary environment with 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 training, attendance at conferences, and professional networking
• Flexible working hours and support with work-life balance
• An individual financial budget for project-specific expenses as well as for career development activities
• A 3 ½ year contract for PhD research

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 by 12.01.2026 to the application portal of the University of Freiburg. Please hand in 1) Curriculum Vitae with, if applicable, publication list, 2) 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), 3) Certificates/transcripts of your university degree(s) with grades (BA and MA certificate), 4) Short summary of your master’s thesis (up to 1,000 words), and 5) Suggestion of two referees with contact details. Please upload your CV separately but all other documents (2–5) as a single pdf.

 

For questions, please contact: Prof. Dr. Jürgen Bauhus (juergen.bauhus@waldbau.uni-freiburg.de) or Dr. Florian Schnabel (florian.schnabel@waldbau.uni-freiburg.de)

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

Application

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004718, by 12. January 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

waldbau@waldbau.uni-freiburg.de

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