Postdoctoral Position (w/m/d) in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services under Forest Change

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher (PostDoc – w/m/d) position in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services under Forest Change. Postdoctoral Position (w/m/d) in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services under Forest Change

• Bewerbungsfrist: 31. Mai 2026
• Veröffentlichungsdatum: 20. Februar 2026
• Eintrittstermin: 1. Oktober 2026
• Arbeitsumfang: Fulltime position
• Kennziffer: 00004868

Beschreibung

• Full-time (100%) fixed-term position for 3 years (third-party funded), with the possibility of job sharing (two 50% appointments).
• Remuneration according to TV-L 13.
• Starting date: October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

 

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher (PostDoc – w/m/d) position in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services under Forest Change.

The successful candidate will contribute to research at the interface of biodiversity dynamics, ecosystem services, and human well-being, working within two closely connected research themes:

1. Biodiversity assessment and soundscape analysis (Theme A4)
   Investigating how novel species interactions and emergent biological communities shape biodiversity under forest change. This includes assessing biodiversity — with a particular focus on birds — and quantifying soundscape quality as an ecosystem service in response to structural transformation, invasive tree species, and forest disintegration.

2. Visual and acoustic dimensions  of forest change (Theme A5)

   Examining how novel ecosystems influence mental and physical well-being by linking ecological monitoring data with human perception. The research integrates visual and acoustic indicators of forest change to better understand how transformations in forest structure affect human health and experiential quality.

The project explores how long-term changes in forest structure — such as increasing dominance of non-native tree species or widespread tree mortality — alter both ecological communities and the benefits forests provide to society. By combining biodiversity monitoring with perceptual and health-related research, the position contributes to an integrative understanding of forest transformation under global environmental change.

The position is primarily intended as a full-time appointment. However, it may be split into two part-time positions if suitable candidates apply.

Applicants should indicate whether they are applying for the full position or for one specific research area. Joint applications are welcome; in this case, a short joint statement describing the planned division of tasks and collaboration should be included.

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

• Conduct independent scientific research and publish in the fields of biotic interactions, biodiversity–ecosystem service relationships, landscape ecology, and environmental psychology, including:
  • Quantification of soundscape composition and acoustic diversity.
  • Spatio-temporal mapping of soundscape aesthetic values and identification of key drivers.
  • Bioacoustic analysis of acoustic communities (species identification).
  • Assessment of human perception of visual and acoustic diversity at the regional scale using experimental virtual reality approaches.
  • Coordinate research activities within theme A5 (Novel ecosystems and human health), ensuring integration with other cluster themes.
• Collaborate with international research networks (e.g. LTER, TreeDivNet) and project partners.
• Work closely with interdisciplinary and international research teams.
• Contribute to the supervision of PhD, MSc and BSc students.
• Contribute to scientific publications and present results at national and international conferences.
• Actively participate in cluster activities, including seminars, workshops, and outreach events.

Your Profile

• PhD/doctoral degree in a relevant field.
• Proven experience in ecological data analyses and programming skills (R and/or Python).
• Ability and willingness to conduct fieldwork in challenging terrain and under adverse weather conditions.
• Interest or experience with social-ecological concepts and research questions.
• Interest or experience in working with acoustic datasets, and eco-/ bioacoustic analysis pipelines.
• Skills in acoustic identification of bird species; skills for acoustic identification in orthopterans and bats are an asset.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Proficient in written and spoken English; German language is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals, commensurate with career stage.
• Driving license

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.
• Certified copies of your university degree(s).
• Contact details of two referees.

Please upload your application document by 31 May 2026 to the application portal of the University of Freiburg. Submit your CV as one file and any other documents as one separate file.

For questions related to this position, please contact Sandra Müller, sandra.mueller@biologie.uni-freiburg.de

The position is limited to 30. September 2029. The salary will be determined in accordance with E13 TV-L.

Bewerbung

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004868, by 31. Mai 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Please upload your application document to the 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.