Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in participatory modelling of forest social-ecological systems

NEW

Full-time

Research and Instruction

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in participatory modelling of forest social-ecological systems

Application deadline: 8. March 2026
Publication date: 3. February 2026
Start-date: 1. July 2026
Scope of work: Full-time position
Id no.: 00004830

Description

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a Postdoctoral position in participatory modelling of forest social-ecological systems. Forest simulation models are widely used to analyse forest dynamics, yet they often insufficiently represent human-forest interactions and are rarely used in decision-making. In the “Co-producing forest futures” project, we aim to address this gap by working with local stakeholders in an iterative process to co-develop a model and scenarios of social-ecological forest systems. Within this project, you will contribute to activities such as stakeholder engagement, the development or adaptation of a landscape model (iLand) to reflect local decision-making and scenarios, and the evaluation of model credibility from participants’ perspectives. You will work closely with the team at the Chair of Modelling of Social-Ecological Systems and collaborators within the Excellence Cluster “Future Forests”, in an interdisciplinary team including modellers, natural and social scientists.

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 social-ecological systems and forest modelling
Facilitating workshops and translating stakeholder insights into model language
Collaboration with interdisciplinary and international research teams
Supervision/support of graduate and undergraduate students, involvement in project coordination or proposal writing
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

PhD/doctoral degree in a Forestry, Environmental Science, Geography, or related field
Enthusiasm or proven experience in inter- and transdisciplinary research, where experience working with stakeholders is an advantage
Experience using or developing forest simulation models, agent-based models, or other social-ecological models
Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
Proficient written and spoken English and German
Experience in scientific writing (publications)

We Offer

An exciting interdisciplinary environment within 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
Salary according to TV-L 13
An individual 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, religion/belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation.

Application

Please upload your application (including cover letter, CV, relevant certificates/transcripts, publication list, and contacts of two references, ideally in one pdf file) by 08.03.2026 to the application portal of the University of Freiburg.

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 00004830, by 8. March 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Chair of Modelling of Social-Ecological Systems
Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources
University of Freiburg 
Tennenbacherstr. 4
79106 Freiburg

For further information, please contact JProf. Dr. Ana Stritih on the phone number +49 761 203 3726 or E-Mail ana.stritih@mses.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.
Please note that breaches in privacy and unauthorized access by third parties cannot be excluded in communication by unencrypted email.

Working at the University of Freiburg

Join the University of Freiburg, one of the most prestigious and research-intensive universities in Germany, offering a unique diversity and interplay of disciplines and perspectives in one of the most popular cities in the heart of Europe.