Ph.D. candidate (m/f/d) in the field of social-ecological systems research and sustainability law

The Future Forests Cluster of Excellence is looking for a committed Ph.D. candidate (m/f/d) in the field of social-ecological systems research and sustainability law

• Application deadline: 31. January 2026
• Publication date: 19. December 2025
• Start-date: 1. April 2026
• Scope of work: Part-time position (75 %)
• Id no.: 00004761

Description

Advancing climate change is having a major impact on forests, for example in the form of heat waves and droughts, forest fires, pest infestations, and storms, and requires a fundamental reorientation of conventional forest governance. The Cluster of Excellence “Future Forests – Adapting complex social-ecological forest systems to global change” investigates how forest ecosystems can be actively adapted to climate and further global change and develops appropriate adaptation and transformation pathways. Foci are on developing a strong theoretical foundation for research based on concepts of social-ecological and complex adaptive systems science, and well-integrated interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration.

 

The project “Integration of law and legal institutions into social-ecological systems research using the example of forest adaptation to climate change” examines, on the one hand, how the role of law can be made more visible in concepts of social-ecological systems research and, on the other hand, what added value social-ecological systems thinking can offer in legal research. The research is both theoretical-conceptual and application-oriented and is conducted in close interdisciplinary collaboration with natural and social science projects in the cluster. The aim is to contribute to the theoretical foundation of cluster research and to develop initial legal building blocks for adaptation and transformation pathways towards future-proof forests on the basis of concrete case studies.

 

Your tasks

 

• Independent scientific research on the integration of law into concepts of social-ecological systems research and completion of a dissertation on this topic
• Collaboration in interdisciplinary and international research teams
• Participation in a structured doctoral program, contributions to regular seminars, progress reports
• Contribution to scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences
• Active participation in and contributions to cluster activities, workshops, and outreach events

 

The Future Forests Cluster of Excellence is an interdisciplinary research center at the University of Freiburg dedicated to questions of forest adaptation and transformation. Future-oriented research on the complex interactions between forests and society is funded here by the German Research Foundation with outstanding international visibility. Future Forests brings together more than 50 scientists from four faculties and non-university partner institutions. We offer a committed, open, international, and interdisciplinary working environment with a wide range of opportunities for further scientific qualification and profiling.

 

We invite applications for a doctoral position (E13, 75%, 3.5 years, starting 1 April 2026).

 

Your profile

• Completed Master's degree in forest or environmental sciences, environmental governance, political or social sciences, geography, or similar degrees with prior knowledge of sustainability law, such as advanced studies or advanced courses in the areas of forestry law, climate law, environmental or planning law (grade: very good or good);
• Alternatively: First state examination in law (erste juristische Staatsprüfung) with a grade of “fully satisfactory” (vollbefriedigend) or better or foreign law degree with prior knowledge of sustainability law
• Alternatively: Completed Master's degree with a focus on law in the bachelor's and/or master's program (grade of “very good” or “good”) with prior knowledge of sustainability law;
• Solid prior knowledge of theories and concepts of social-ecological research is an advantage
• Very good written and spoken English skills, (very) good written and spoken German skills are an advantage
• Ability and motivation to work in a team as well as independently, across disciplines, and conceptually
• Communication skills

 

If you would like to join the Future Forests team please apply by 31 January 2026 with the following documents in a single PDF file:

 

• Cover letter explaining your motivation and how you meet the requirements of the position;
•  Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications, conference participation and relevant practical experience (if applicable);
• Copy of your degree certificate and transcripts;
•  Names and contact details of two potential referees;
• Sample of your previous academic work (max. 15 pages)

 

The interviews are expected to take place in calendar week 7 or 8 in Freiburg or via video conference.

 

The position will be limited to 3,5 years. The salary will be determined in accordance with TV-L E 13.           

The position will be limited to 3,5 years. The salary will be determined in accordance with E 13 TV-L.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.

Application

Please send your application including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004761, by 31. January 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

University of Freiburg
Chair for Transformation towards Sustainable Energy Systems (focus Sustainability Law)
Tennenbacher Str. 4
79106 Freiburg, Germany
Email: sekretariat@enrlaw.uni-freiburg.de

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Cathrin Zengerling on the phone number +49 761 203-67812 or E-Mail cathrin.zengerling@enrlaw.uni-freiburg.de.