Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d/x) in Forestry Resource Economics with emphasis on economic modelling

the Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg is seeking a committed Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d/x) in Forestry Resource Economics with emphasis on economic modelling

• Application deadline: 28. February 2026
• Publication date: 26. January 2026
• Start-date: 1. July 2026
• Scope of work: Full-time position
• Id no.: 00004812

Description

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a Postdoctoral position in Forestry Resource Economics with emphasis on economic modelling. 
The project delivers the core economic model of the cluster. It includes the assessment and valuation of major ecosystem services as an output of the process-based growth modelling, makes the output of the growth model available for the economic modelling and sets up a large-scale econometric model (partial equilibrium model) of timber markets to build a link to the industrial systems modelling of wood use and cascading. Therefore, the project works in close collaboration with the Industrial Ecology Group of Prof. Stefan Pauliuk. 

 

Main objectives of the project entitled “integrative economic modelling for Future Forests” for which the postdoc position is responsible for are:

1. Development of an economic modelling and evaluation framework for ecosystem services (ES) under risk and uncertainty to be included in adaptation and transformation pathways (A & TPs) and definition of boundaries for these ES from an economic point of view, exceeding the “sustainable” space, as defined in the general Future Forest Framework.
2. Application of the framework on the output of the process-based growth modelling using robust management strategies (together with agent-based modelling and growth modellers) based on developed scenarios (narratives, storylines) as a basis for “safe” A & TPs. Use the output of the process-based model and the evaluated ES as an input for a partial equilibrium model and to the industry and wood cascade models as used by the Industrial Ecology Group.
3. Adaptation of a partial-equilibrium model for Southwest Germany to model market dynamics including the impact of changing management strategies on offer and demand of major ES (exceeding timber production), as well as prices and costs and set the link to the industry sphere together with the PhD in the group of Stefan Pauliuk. 
4. Develop preliminary A&TPs for forests in SW Germany considering risk and uncertainty as an input to forest governance.

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg is an interdisciplinary research centre 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 forestry resource economics with emphasis on economic modelling
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary and international research teams
• Supervision/support of graduate and undergraduate students, involvement in project coordination or proposal writing
• Contribution to scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences
• Active involvement in and contributions to cluster activities, workshops, and outreach events
• Collaboration in the social-ecological systems (SES) modelling lab of the Cluster Future Forests and contribution to the development of an interdisciplinary integrative modelling framework

Your Profile

• Completed university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in forest sciences, (resource, ecological…) economics or similar fields
• PhD/doctoral degree in a relevant field
• Enthusiasm or proven experience in (forestry, resource…) economic analysis
• Good skills in (economic) modelling, econometrics, quantitative methods, valuation techniques (e.g. for ecosystem services…)
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Proficient written and spoken English; German is an asset, but not mandatory
• Experience in scientific writing (pertinent publications) 
• Understanding of basic ecological principles and ability to collaborate with natural scientists and other social scientists

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 financial budget for project-specific expenses as well as for career development activities

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.

 

Application  
Please upload your application (including cover letter, CV, relevant certificates/transcripts, publication list) application by 28th of February 2026 to the application portal of the University of Freiburg. 

For questions, please contact: Prof. Dr. Marc Hanewinkel, marc.hanewinkel@ife.uni-freiburg.de.

 

 

 

The position is limited to 30. June 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 00004812, by 28. February 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Universität Freiburg
Professur für Forstökonomie und Forstplanung
Stefan-Meier-Str. 76
79104 Freiburg

For further information, please contact Herr Prof. Dr. Marc Hanewinkel on the phone number +49 761 203-3691 or E-Mail marc.hanewinkel@ife.uni-freiburg.de.