PhD Position in Forest and Environmental Policy (f/m/d) at the Excellence Cluster Future Forests, University of Freiburg

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a PhD position in the project PhD Position in Forest and Environmental Policy (f/m/d) at the Excellence Cluster Future Forests, University of Freiburg

• Bewerbungsfrist: 20. Januar 2026
• Veröffentlichungsdatum: 11. Dezember 2025
• Eintrittstermin: 1. April 2026
• Arbeitsumfang: Part-time position (75 %)
• Kennziffer: 00004717

Beschreibung

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a PhD position in the project

“Decision-making practices in the case of anticipated disturbances: following institutionalized structures in forest SES governance” (instDMP).

 

The project instDMP investigates past, present and future adaptation and transformation pathways by focusing on institutionalized structures in decision-making practices in forest management in the case of disturbances. In doing so, the project takes forest risk management and fire prevention as examples for a field of practice that is increasingly challenged to transform and adapt its institutionalized decision-making practices. For this, instDMP will analyze past institutional trajectories and current decision-making practices in the Black Forest and Upper Rhine area. Further, it will contribute to co-produce possible future scenarios together with forest stakeholders.

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. More information at: https://uni-freiburg.de/futureforests-en.

 

Your Tasks

  

• Design and implementation of independent scientific research in the instDMP following institutions in decision-making practices in forest risk management in the case of disturbances;
• Development of a theory informed analysis of institutional structures in decision-making practices within instDMP, including their institutional characteristics, their inherent power structures, specific working cultures and dominant understandings of the relationship between people and forests shape decision-making processes;
• Collaboration in the area of Practices of Decision Making for Future Forests and other interdisciplinary and international research teams within the cluster;
• Participation in a structured doctoral program, contribution to regular seminars, and progress reports;
• Scientific publications of the research results; contributions to joint scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences;
• Active involvement in and contributions to cluster activities, workshops, and outreach events.

 

Your Profile

• Academic background: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Political or Social Sciences, Sociology, Human Geography, Environmental Governance Anthropology or a closely related field;
• Empirical social research skills: Proven experience with methods of qualitative social science research, e.g. interview techniques, participant observation, ethnographic methods, document analysis;
• Theoretical and analytical skills: familiarity with theories and concepts related with relevance to the project, e.g., (critical) institutionalism, assemblage or relational thinking, practice theory, as well as the capacity to develop and apply conceptual frameworks, conduct empirical analysis, and synthesize complex, heterogeneous findings;
• Inter- and transdisciplinary orientation: Enthusiasm or experience to collaborate and co-produce knowledge in interdisciplinary and international teams as well as with practitioners;
• Project management: Ability to work independently and organisational skills for handling fieldwork logistics, data management, and coordination within the Future Forests consortium;
• Communication: Strong academic writing in English; very good German language skills are necessary for fieldwork in German‑speaking regions; ability to present findings to both scientific and policy audiences, including preparation of policy‑relevant briefs.  

 

We Offer

• An exciting interdisciplinary environment within a newly established Excellence Cluster;
• Structured support and supervision for your scientific and career development, including initial University and cluster-specific onboarding support;
• A diverse, collaborative, and inclusive research community;
• 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; 
• An individually allocated budget for project-related expenses and career development opportunities

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 

For your application, please, provide the following documents (in one PDF):

• Cover letter outlining what motivates you about the advertised position/research area 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) with grades (BA and MA certificate / Diploma certificate and transcript);
• Short summary of your master’s thesis (up to 1,000 words);
• Suggestion of two referees with contact details.

By 20. January 2026 to the application portal of the University of Freiburg.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Sylvia Kruse, Chair of Forest and Environmental Policy at the University of Freiburg, by phone (0049 761 203 3721) or email (sylvia.kruse@ifp.uni-freiburg.de).

The position is limited to 30. September 2029. The salary will be determined in accordance with E 13 TV-L.

Bewerbung

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004717, by 20. Januar 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Chair of Forest and Environmental Policy University of Freiburg
Tennebacherstr. 4
79106 Freiburg
Germany

For further information, please contact Dr. Sylvia Kruse on the phone number +49 761 203-3721 or E-Mail sylvia.kruse@ifp.uni-freiburg.de.