PhD position on pathways of forest social-ecological systems

The newly founded Chair of Modelling of Social-Ecological Systems at the Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg invites applications for a PhD position on pathways of forest social-ecological systems.PhD position on pathways of forest social-ecological systemsBewerbungsfrist: 16. März 2025Eintrittstermin: Zum nächstmöglichen ZeitpunktArbeitsumfang: Part-time position (65 %)Kennziffer: 00004197As part of the newly founded Chair of Modelling of Social-Ecological Systems at the Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, we invite applications for a 3-year PhD position focused on adaptation and transformation pathways of forest social-ecological systems.The projectForests are social-ecological systems, shaped by the interactions of ecosystems, the people who use and manage them, and the institutions that regulate their use. In Europe, forests play a central role in strategies to address climate change and biodiversity loss, but they also face increasing pressure from climate change and changing societal demands for ecosystem services.

In order to address these challenges, forest systems will have to adapt to change or transform, but there is still a lack of knowledge on the conditions that enable effective adaptation or transformation. In this project, you will characterize forest social-ecological systems in a set of case studies with different development pathways (e.g., on both sides of the former Iron Curtain). Through interviews with local experts, you will describe the social-ecological networks of these landscapes and how they changed over time when facing ecological disturbances or social transformations.

Based on these case studies, you will identify system characteristics that enable (or hinder) adaptation in forest social-ecological systems. This knowledge can help forest managers and policy-makers develop effective strategies for adapting European forests to global change.Candidate profileYou have a Master's degree in forestry, environmental sciences, human geography, or similar, and a strong interest in interdisciplinary research, linking ecology and social sciences. You have a good command of English (written and spoken) and speak at least one Central European language (e.g.

German, Czech, Slovenian, or similar). You enjoy talking to people and ideally have some experience with conducting interviews and qualitative research. Experience working with R, GIS, and/or with network models is also an advantage.The positionThis PhD position will be based at the new Chair of Modelling of Social-Ecological Systems at the Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg with Dr.

Ana Stritih, and will include international collaborations as well as fieldwork in Central Europe.The salary is the German standard for doctoral students (TV-L E13, 65 % of a full scientist salary).Your application will consist of a letter of motivation, a CV, academic transcripts (non-official copies are acceptable), and contact details of at least two academic references. Please send your application as a single PDF by email to Dr. Ana Stritih (dekanat@unr.uni-freiburg.de) with the subject «PhD position in forest SES»The position is limited to 3 years.

The salary will be determined in accordance with E13 TV-L.We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.ApplicationPlease send your application including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004197, by 16. March 2025 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:Dr.

Ana StritihFaculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of FreiburgDean's officeHebelstr. 25/VorderhausD-79085 FreiburgE-Mail: dekanat@unr.uni-freiburg.deOnline application via »Apply now«For further information, please contact Andreas Friedrich on the phone number +49 761 203-3601 or E-Mail dekanat@unr.uni-freiburg.de.General and legal remarksFull-time positions may generally be split up into two or more part-time positions, provided that there are no formal or legal barriers. Candidates are selected in accordance with the provisions of the AGG (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz – German General Equal Treatment Act).Applicants with disabilities (Schwerbehinderte Menschen) will be given preferential consideration in case of equal qualification.The department offering the position is liable for the content of this job posting.

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