PhD Position (m/f/d) in Visual and acoustic dimensions of forest change: Linking long-term monitoring data, perception and well-being.

The Institut of Geobotany within the Excellence Cluster Future Forests, University of Freiburg offers a PhD Position (m/f/d) in Visual and acoustic dimensions of forest change: Linking long-term monitoring data, perception and well-being.

• Bewerbungsfrist: 25. Januar 2026
• Veröffentlichungsdatum: 16. Dezember 2025
• Eintrittstermin: 1. April 2026
• Arbeitsumfang: Part-time position (75 %)
• Kennziffer: 00004723

Beschreibung

PhD Position (m/f/d) in Visual and acoustic dimensions of forest change: Linking long-term monitoring data, perception and well-being within the Excellence Cluster Future Forests, University of Freiburg

●       75% fixed-term, for 3.5 years (third-party funded)

●       Remuneration according to TV-L 13

●       Starting date: April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter

This project investigates how long-term changes in forest structures and soundscapes impact

human well-being. It aims to reconstruct and compare visual and acoustic representations of forests in SW Germany from the 1970s to today, and match them with perceptions of experienced changes through a large-scale population survey. An experimental virtual reality setting will be employed to test the direct impact of these visual and acoustic changes on well-being. The project aims to establish a significant connection between ecological forest changes, public perception, and potential health impacts, thereby providing evidence-based knowledge for sustainable forest management.

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 and publication in the fields of (historical) landscape ecology and environmental psychology, including:

○       Reconstructing landscapes and soundscapes for contemporary and experienced past in the Black Forest Ecoregion.

○       Assessing change perception of visual and acoustic diversity at the regional scale via large scale population survey.

○       Testing the relation between physical and perceived changes in an experimental virtual reality setting.

●       Integration and analysis of large spatial, acoustic and social datasets.

●       Collaboration with interdisciplinary and international research teams.

●       Participation in a structured doctoral program, contribution to regular seminars, and progress reports.

●       Contribution to scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences.

●       Active involvement in and contribution to cluster activities, workshops, and outreach events.

Your Profile

●       Completed university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in environmental sciences, eps. biogeography, landscape ecology, environmental history or environmental psychology.

●       Enthusiasm or proven experience in spatial data analyses and basic programming skills (R and/ or Python).

●       Interest or experience in working with environmental psychological concepts (perception, shifting baselines syndrome, sense of place).

●       Experience or interest in designing and analyzing large social science surveys.

●       Experience or interest in designing experimental social studies.

●       Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.

●       Proficient in written and spoken English; German language is an asset.

●       Experience in scientific writing (publications) is an advantage.

We Offer

●       An exciting interdisciplinary environment within 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.

●       Collaborations with international partners, incl. research stays abroad

●       Flexible working hours and support with work-life balance.

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

●       Salary according to TV-L 13.

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

Your application package will include:

●       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).

●       Abstract of your master’s thesis (max 300 words).

●       Contact details of two referees.

Please upload your application document by 25 January 2026 to the application portal of the University of Freiburg.

For questions related to this position, please contact Catalina Munteanu, catalina.munteanu@wsl.ch and Sandra Müller, sandra.mueller@biologie.uni-freiburg.de

 

The position is third-party funded and thus fixed-term for 3.5 years. The salary will be determined in accordance with TV-L 13.

Bewerbung

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004723, by 25. Januar 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

the electronic application portal of the University of Freiburg.

For further information, please contact Sandra Müller on the phone number +49 761 203-2598 or E-Mail sandra.mueller@biologie.uni-freiburg.de.