Postdoctoral position (m/f/d) in Environmental/Forest Governance focusing on Innovation and Experiments (GovInno)

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a Postdoctoral position (m/f/d) in Environmental/Forest Governance focusing on Innovation and Experiments (GovInno)

• Application deadline: 29. March 2026
• Publication date: 13. February 2026
• Start-date: 1. July 2026
• Scope of work: Full-time position
• Id no.: 00004853

Description

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.

The aim of the project (GovInno) is to identify, develop, and scale governance innovations for successful management to adapt forests to global change - going beyond incremental changes. The project will develop a conceptual framework for governance experiments based on existing literature. In conducting these experiments, the focus will be on local cooperative governance, as well as on political decision making in the state of Baden-Württemberg and Germany. In addition, the successful candidate will contribute to the interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary consolidation of results from the various research areas of the Cluster of Excellence.

 

Your Tasks

·     Conceptual work: Development of a research framework for governance innovations in various forest and environmental arenas

·     Planning and conducting governance experiments

·     Collaboration in interdisciplinary and international research

·     Supervision/support of early-career researchers

·     Participation in project coordination and organization

·     Proposal development for third-party funding

·     Publishing scientific publications, single authored and co-authored

·     Presentations at national and international conferences

·     Supporting and writing progress reports

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

 

Your Profile

·       PhD (or equivalent) in political science, human geography, or related fields

·       Knowledge and experience in the field of governance innovation research and experimental policy methods

·       Successful experience in coordination and project management

·       Ability to work independently and collaborate in interdisciplinary teams

·       Due to the project location very good spoken German and very good spoken and written English skills

·       Proven publications in the field of governance

 

 

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 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, and, if applicable, publication list) by 1. March 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 E13 TV-L.

Application

Please send your application including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004853, by 29. March 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Prof. Dr. Daniela Kleinschmit
daniela.kleinschmit@ifp.uni-freiburg.de

For further information, please contact Prof.Dr. Daniela Kleinschmit on the phone number +49 761 203-3712 or E-Mail daniela.kleinschmit@ifp.uni-freiburg.de.