Part time data engineer/ data scientist (m/f/d)

<4 weeks left

Part-time

Research and Instruction

The Institut of Geobotany and the XR Future Forests Lab at the Excellence Cluster Future Forests, University of Freiburg, are looking for a Part time data engineer/ data scientist (m/f/d)

Application deadline: 25. January 2026
Publication date: 16. December 2025
Start-date: 1. April 2026
Scope of work: Part-time position (50 %)
Id no.: 00004743

Description

Part time data engineer/ data scientist (m/f/d) for technical support in an XR-Lab: Setting up experiments to investigate the visual and acoustic dimensions of forest change at the Excellence Cluster Future Forests, University of Freiburg

● 50%, fixed-term, for 3 years (third-party funded)

● Remuneration up to TV-L 11, depending on Qualifications

● Starting date: April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg is inviting applications for a data engineer/data scientist (m/f/d) position to provide technical support for setting up experiments in an XR-Lab, for investigating the visual and acoustic dimensions of forest change. Responsibilities will include carrying out independent data collection and processing tasks, and contributing to scientific publications. The position is based at the Institute of Geobotany in the Faculty of Biology at the University of Freiburg.

This project investigates how long-term changes in forest structures and soundscapes impact

human well-being. It aims to reconstruct and compare visual and acoustic representations of forests in SW Germany from the 1970s to today, and match them with perceptions of experienced changes through a large-scale population survey. An experimental virtual reality (VR) setting will be employed to test the direct impact of these visual and acoustic changes on well-being. The project aims to establish a significant connection between ecological forest changes, public perception, and potential health impacts, thereby providing evidence-based knowledge for sustainable forest management.

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

● Collect 3D video material and audio recordings at designated forest sites.

○ Conduct sampling campaigns autonomously, but tailored to the specifications of the experimental design and the XR-Lab integration.

○ Manage and maintain the respective technical equipment.

○ Collaborate with PhD candidates and post docs on this research topic as well as with the team of the XR Future Forest Lab.

● Technical support for tasks at the XR Future Forest Lab.

● Support the conductance of the VR experiments at the XR Future Forest Lab:

○ Guide and support participants through VR forest experiences.

○ Support recruitment of participants.

● Contribute to scientific publications.

● Support bioacoustic data collection at forest sites.

● Collaboration with interdisciplinary and international research teams.

● Active involvement in and contributions to cluster activities, workshops, and outreach events.

Your Profile

● Ability to conduct sampling campaigns independently in the field for video/soundscape recordings.

● A Class B driving licence is essential.

● Ability, or at least a strong interest, in acquiring the multimedia skills required to process the recordings.

● Experience of XR or a strong interest in XR would be an advantage. Especially:

○ Some initial experience of using Unreal Engine to create VR environments and an interest in learning Unreal are advantageous.

● Strong social skills to support and manage participants in social XR Lab experiments.

● We expect a reliable, flexible and motivated work ethic.

● Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team is essential, as is proficiency in spoken and written German and English.

● Completed university degree (B.Sc. or equivalent) in related disciplines, e.g. media studies, computer vision, data science, media-informatics, informatics, engineering, forest sciences, ecology, environmental sciences, geography.

We Offer

● An exciting interdisciplinary environment within internationally renowned researchers at a newly established Excellence Cluster.

● Structured support and supervision for your career development.

● Opportunities to contribute to scientific publications.

● A diverse, collaborative, and inclusive research community, including initial University and cluster-specific onboarding support.

● Opportunities for further education, training and professional networking.

● Flexible working hours and support with work-life balance.

● Salary according to TV-L, exact remuneration will depend on the applicants qualifications.

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

Your application package will include:

● Cover letter outlining what motivates you about the advertised position 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).

Please upload your application document by 25 January to the application portal of the University of Freiburg.

For questions related to this position, please contact: Dr. Sandra Müller, sandra.mueller@biologie.uni-freiburg.de.

This is a fixed-term, third-party funded position for 3 years. The salary will be determined in accordance with TV-L 11.

Application

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004743, by 25. January 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

 	
the electronic application portal of the University of Freiburg.

For further information, please contact Sandra Müller on the phone number +49 761 203-2598 or E-Mail sandra.mueller@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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