Postdoctoral Researcher

• Wann to (Europe/Berlin / UTC200)
• Start-date: 1. July 2026
• Scope of work: Full-time position
• Id no.:

Description

Postdoctoral researcher at the Excellence Cluster Future Forests, University of Freiburg

• Full-time (100%); remuneration according to TV-L E13
• 30 months (third-party funded); starting date: 1 July 2026 (or earlier)

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

Navigating Complexity: Decision-Making for Future Forests

Decision-making in forest governance is increasingly shaped by uncertainty, complexity, and competing interests. However, dominant analytical approaches still rely on rational actor models that overlook the influence of power relations, cultural norms, and conflicting visions of the future. This limits the understanding of how decisions are actually made in dynamic socio-ecological contexts, especially under the pressures of climate change. As an ethnographic social science research area within Future Forests, we conceptualize decision-making practices as inherently knowledge-based, power-laden, gendered, and future-oriented.

This Post-Doc project critically builds on social science perspectives that challenge rational actor models, aiming to uncover hidden power structures, cultural norms, and social relationships that shape decision-making for future forests. It pursues two major objectives: (1) to gain a thorough understanding of how decisions for future forests are made under increasing uncertainty and growing societal challenges based on own research, exploring the dynamics of decision-making in novel SES in the Upper Rhine Valley region and further “hotspot regions” in Europe; (2) to develop a shared conceptual framework of how empirically grounded analyses of decision-making under complexity can be systematically linked to interdisciplinary modelling and scenario-based approaches to adaptation and transformation in novel forest socio-ecological systems (SES). To reach that aim, the Postdoc project builds a unique integrative perspective by synthesizing insights across our research theme on practices of decision making, which includes four PhD projects that each explores distinct arenas of forest-related decision-making by following institutionalized structures, diverse actors, contested species and disputed processes.

Future Forests is an interdisciplinary research center addressing the adaptation and transformation of forests and their societal use in times of global change. The Cluster of Excellence is funded by the German Research Foundation and brings together over 50 scientists from four departments and external partner institutions.

• Ethnographic Research – Investigate within a multi-sited ethnographic and social science design the dynamics of decision-making in exemplarily chosen regions where novel SES are already clearly evident today in the Future Forest case study region Upper Rhine Valley and in Europe;
• Conceptual work – Deliver a focused research approach that consolidates conceptual foundations for bridging decision-making research and modelling;
• Support synthesis activities – Develop and apply methods for synthesis of inter- and transdisciplinary research with your future colleagues working on decision making practices in Future Forests;
• Disseminate results – Publish in high‑impact peer‑reviewed journals, present at international conferences, and contribute to the Cluster’s communication strategy.
• Support early-career researchers – Co-supervise graduate and undergraduate students and PhD candidates.

Your Profile

• Academic background – Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Cultural or Social Anthropology, European Ethnology, Cultural Studies, Sociology, Human Geography or a closely related field;
• Interdisciplinary fluency – Proven ability to work across natural‑science and social‑science domains, and to translate concepts between them;
• Research expertise – Proven record (or strong potential) in ethnographic, qualitative research as well as (first) experiences and in modelling approaches;
• Synthesis skills – Ability to integrate heterogeneous data sources, and produce accessible synthesis products for scientific and policy audiences;
• Communication – Excellent German (ethnographic fieldwork) and English (academic writing) language skills.

We Offer

• An exciting interdisciplinary environment within a newly established Cluster of Excellence;
• Structured support and supervision for your scientific and career development;
• A diverse, collaborative, and inclusive research community;
• Opportunities for further education, attendance at conferences, and professional networking;
• Flexible working hours and support for balancing work and private life;
• Salary according to TV-L E13;
• 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:

• 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 degrees with grades (BA and MA certificate and transcript; doctoral degree)
• Short summary of your PhD thesis (up to 1,000 words)
• Work sample (chapter from PhD thesis, or journal article)
• Suggestion of two referees with contact details

Please upload your application by 10 May 2026 to the application portal of the University of Freiburg at Upload the CV as a separate PDF file and the remaining documents in a bundled PDF.

The position is limited to 31. December 2028. The salary will be determined in accordance with TV-L E13.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.