Postdoctoral researcher (f/m/d/x)

Postdoctoral researcher (f/m/d/x) – Excellence Cluster Future Forests, University of Freiburg

Duration: 30 months (third-party funded); starting date: 1 July 2026 (or earlier)

Salary: TV‑L E13

Reference number:

Responsibilities

Your Tasks:

• 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 trans‑disciplinary 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, undergraduate students and PhD candidates.

Qualifications

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

Benefits

• An exciting interdisciplinary environment within a newly established Cluster of Excellence;
• Structured support and supervision for 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 Deadline

Bewerbungsfrist: 10. Mai 2026. Kennziffer: .