PhD position (f/m/d/x) on modeling the role of lateral subsurface flow on forest hydrology including tree dieback

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a funded PhD position (f/m/d/x) on modeling the role of lateral subsurface flow on forest hydrology including tree dieback

• Application deadline: 12. January 2026
• Publication date: 11. December 2025
• Start-date: 1. April 2026
• Scope of work: Part-time position (75 %)
• Id no.: 00004719

Description

Forests’ local responses to climate change and extremes vary greatly, and current dynamic vegetation models lack relevant processes to capture the small-scale heterogeneity of drought stress and tree dieback. We assume that differences in the hydraulic functioning of trees, soil properties, and access to subsurface water determine drought resilience, but existing models  to not adequately represent these processes. The goal of this PhD project is to predict spatial variability in tree water stress by explicitly coupling soil water balance, lateral subsurface flow (interflow) and groundwater dynamics within a modular soil-vegetation-atmosphere model. Current species-specific hydraulic traits, root distributions, and forest structure will be combined to account for ecological and management effects. Ground-based sensor networks, maps of perennial and intermittent streams, and satellite data will all contribute to model calibration and evaluation for a large number of catchments in the Black Forest region (Germany). The new model toolbox also enables systematic evaluation of process alternatives and uncertainties.

 

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 and non-university partner institutions.

 

Your Tasks

• Conducting independent scientific research on forest hydrology with linkages to hydrogeology, forest ecology and climate change.
• Model development and model coupling based on the RoGeR model
• Participation in interdisciplinary and international research teams.
• Participation in a structured doctoral program
• Creation of 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 Hydrology or a related field of Environmental and Earth Sciences with a focus on hydrology.
• High motivation to write a doctoral thesis in a structured program on forest hydrological modelling.
• Very good knowledge of Python and process-based hydrological modelling
• Experience in data analysis, statistics, GIS, and remote sensing
• Proficient written and spoken English; German is an asset
• Experience in scientific writing (publications) is an advantage
• Initiative, teamwork skills, and strong social competence.

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 personal financial budget for project-specific expenses as well as for career development activities
• Optional involvement in university teaching

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, the names of 2 academic references and, if applicable, own scientific publications) by January 12, 2026 to the application portal of the University of Freiburg.

For questions, please contact by email: Prof. Dr. Markus Weiler (markus.weiler@hydro.uni-freiburg.de)

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 00004719, by 12. January 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Chair of Hydrology 
Universität Freiburg
Friedrichstr. 39
D-79098 Freiburg

For further information, please contact Prof.Dr. Markus Weiler on the phone number +49 761 203-3535 or E-Mail markus.weiler@hydrology.uni-freiburg.de.