PhD Researcher (f/m/d) in ecological, environmental and resource economics at the Excellence Cluster Future Forests, University of Freiburg

NEU

Forschung und Lehre

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for the following position: PhD Researcher (f/m/d) in ecological, environmental and resource economics at the Excellence Cluster Future Forests, University of Freiburg

Bewerbungsfrist: 12. Januar 2026

Beschreibung

In the project - Responsibility for Future Forests -, we apply the concept of responsibility ( Baumgärtner et al. 2018 ) to social-ecological forest systems and demonstrate how it can be made operational to describe, judge, and guide decision-making of various actors at various levels of decision-making. One research task will be to conceptually and theoretically enhance and specify the concept of responsibility for social-ecological forest systems. Another research task will be to empirically study - through surveys or interviews - how stakeholders in the Black Forest region actually perceive their own (causal, normative, and virtuous) responsibilities and those of others.

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 in the project -Responsibility for Future Forests-

· C ontribution to scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences

· C ollaboration with interdisciplinary and international research teams within the Excellence Cluster Future Forests, in particular within Research Themes B2 and B3

· Active involvement in, and contributions to, cluster activities, workshops, reports, and outreach events

Your Profile

· Completed university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent, above average) in economics or another discipline relevant for the project

· Very good skills in relevant methods, e.g. theoretical and empirical welfare economics

· High research interest on the topic of -responsibility for future forests-

· Expertise in forest management, economics or policy is helpful but not required

· A bility to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

· Proficient written and spoken German and English

We Offer

· A n exciting interdisciplinary research environment within an internationally renowned Excellence Cluster

· The opportunity to obtain a PhD degree, with structured support and supervision, advanced training through the Graduate School of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and mentoring for your scientific and career development

· Flexible working hours and support with work-life balance

· Salary according to TV-L E13

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

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

Please upload your application (including cover letter, CV, relevant certificates/ transcripts, contact details of two academic references) by 12. January 2026 to the application portal of the University of Freiburg. Applications by mail or email will not be accepted.

For questions about the research project or the position to be filled, please contact: Prof. Dr. Stefan Baumgärtner, +49 (0)761 203-3753, stefan.baumgaertner @ ere.uni-freiburg.de .

The position is limited to 30. September 2029. 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.

Bewerbung

Please send your application including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004697, by 12. Januar 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

office

For further information, please contact Prof.Dr. Stefan Baumgärtner on the phone number +49 761 203-3753 or E-Mail stefan.baumgaertner @ mail.ere.uni- freiburg.de .