Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) in Landscape Ecology & Biodiversity Science

Institute of Environmental Science and Geography

Organisation/Company University of Potsdam Department Institute of Environmental Science and Geography Research Field Environmental science » Ecology Biological sciences » Biodiversity Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 18 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number 345/2026 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Develop your own research ideas in biodiversity and landscape ecology

The Landscape Ecology Group at the University of Potsdam is seeking a motivated and scientifically ambitious postdoctoral researcher to join our growing, internationally oriented research team.

This is a 3-year, full-time position (100%, TV-L 13) offering substantial intellectual freedom to develop an independent research profile and contribute to shaping the future direction of the group.

We work at the interface of biodiversity science, trait-based ecology, landscape ecology, and quantitative spatial modelling, combining ecological theory with modern, reproducible approaches to understand and predict biodiversity change. Based in Potsdam, Germany, immediately southwest of Berlin, the position offers an attractive research environment within the Berlin–Potsdam scientific community.

Research Focus

Our research aims to understand and predict biodiversity patterns across spatial scales by integrating ecological theory, quantitative analysis, spatial approaches, and reproducible workflows. Current research areas include:

• Spatial community ecology and landscape ecology
• Trait-based and functional ecology
• Ecological forecasting and predictive modelling
• Biodiversity change in human-modified landscapes

The specific research focus is open to development together with the successful candidate, and may connect with ongoing work in biodiversity change, ecological forecasting, spatial ecology, and functional approaches to communities in changing landscapes.

Your Role

Research

• Develop and lead independent research projects, building your own scientific profile
• Publish high-quality scientific research
• Contribute to research proposals and collaborative projects
• Help shape the scientific development of a growing research group

Teaching

• Contribute to teaching in the BSc Geoökologie and MSc CLEWS programmes (field courses, lectures, exercises, thesis supervision)
• Teaching follows German university regulations (approx. one-third of working time); the remainder is dedicated to research and academic qualification (e.g., habilitation or equivalent)
• Work in a multidisciplinary, internationally oriented team
• Exchange ideas and develop collaborations within and beyond the group

Your Profile

Required

• PhD (or submitted thesis) in ecology, environmental science, biodiversity science, or a related field
• Proven independent research and scientific publications
• Teaching experience at BSc and/or MSc level
• Strong quantitative skills — ecological data analysis and reproducible workflows in R and/or Python
• Fluency in English
• Expertise in one or more of spatial/landscape/community ecology, trait-based/functional ecology, macroecology, or ecological modelling
• Strong conceptual thinking in ecology
• Experience with predictive approaches or ecological forecasting
• Ability to teach in German at BSc level (advantageous, not required)

We Offer

• 3-year postdoctoral position (100%, TV-L 13), with possible extension subject to the applicable legal and institutional requirements
• Intellectual freedom to develop an independent research profile
• Support for high-quality publications and academic career development, including time for habilitation or equivalent qualification
• Flexible working hours and remote work options
• 30 days annual leave, plus exemptions on Dec 24 & 31
• Public transport subsidy and campus bicycle programme
• Company pension scheme, annual bonus, and health & sports programmes
• A family-friendly, diverse institution with ~20,000 students across three campuses in the Potsdam–Berlin region

The University of Potsdam is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Severely disabled applicants will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Informal inquiries about the position are welcome at the address above.

Research Field Biological sciences » BiodiversityEnvironmental science » Ecology