Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d) in collaborative and interdisciplinary social-ecological system[...]

Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d) in collaborative and interdisciplinary social-ecological systems analysis

NEU

The Cluster of Excellence Future Forests is looking for a Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d) in collaborative and interdisciplinary social-ecological systems analysis.

Full-time, fixed-term until 2029 (3 years)

Remuneration according to TV‑L 13

Starting date: as soon as possible

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests (FuFo) at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a Postdoctoral position in collaborative, interdisciplinary social-ecological systems analysis.

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.

The postdoctoral researcher will join the team of the theme “Multi‑and interdisciplinary conceptualisations of novel forest SESs” which works on the conceptual foundations, (modelling) methodologies and development of theories of forests as complex, adaptive social‑ecological systems (SES). The position includes i) conceptual research in an interdisciplinary environment with the aim to contribute to the development of the FuFo SES framework and conceptual models of forests as SES, and ii) collaborative research with empirical researchers from the natural and social sciences to theorise processes of forest adaptation and transformation. Research activities will involve eliciting, reviewing and synthesising existing forest conceptualisations, fostering dialogue and co‑learning across FuFo themes, exploring selected case studies to clarify key concepts and enhance understandings of forest adaptation and transformation pathways (A&TPs) and developing conceptual and potentially simulation models of forest adaptation and transformation processes. While the working place is Freiburg/Germany, the researcher will work in close collaboration with Prof. Maja Schlüter and team at the Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, and is expected to spend a reasonable amount of time each year in Stockholm.

Your Tasks

• Independent scientific research in the field of social‑ecological systems analysis, with an emphasis on complex adaptive systems and new materialist perspectives
• Facilitating interdisciplinary dialogue and co‑learning activities in the cluster with the aim to co‑develop a conceptual forest SES framework and conceptual models
• Theorising selected forest adaptation or transformation processes using agent‑based modelling or relational methodologies
• Involvement in project coordination, particularly the link between Uni Freiburg and the team at Stockholm University
• Contribution to scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences as well as networking and community building for SES‑theory and research on the forest‑society interface
• Active involvement in and contributions to cluster activities, workshops, and outreach events

Your Profile

• PhD/doctoral degree in sustainability or environmental science, anthropology, human geography, science technology studies, ecology, social‑ecological modelling/analysis or other fields of immediate relevance to the position
• Enthusiasm or proven experience in philosophy of science and/or agent‑based modelling, and/or relational philosophies
• Skills in conceptual analysis, theorising and/or agent‑based modelling
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Proficient written and spoken English
• Experience in scientific writing (publications)
• Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration
• Willingness to work at Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University approximately 3 months/year to collaborate with Schlüter and colleagues

We Offer

• An exciting interdisciplinary environment within an 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
• Flexible working hours and support with work‑life balance
• Salary according to TV‑L 13
• A financial budget for project‑specific expenses as well as for career development activities
• Research stays at Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University

Application

Please upload your application (including a cover letter outlining what motivates you and what you would bring to the position, CV, a copy of your PhD certificate and BA and MA certificates, and a one‑page statement of your research interests in the field of social‑ecological systems research) by 23 January 2026 to the application portal of the University of Freiburg.

For questions about the research position and topic, please contact: Maja Schlüter, , Tel:

The position is full‑time (100%) with a fixed‑term until 2029 (3 years). The salary will be determined in accordance with TV‑L13.

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

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.

Bewerbung

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number by 23. Januar 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Chair of Environmental Planning and Transformation
Tennenbacher Str. 479
106 Freiburg

For further information, please contact Mrs Cindy Scholz on the phone number or E‑Mail

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