PhD position in ecology (m/f/d)

Teilzeit

The Chair of Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic PhD candidate (m/f/d/x). PhD position in ecology (m/f/d)

• Bewerbungsfrist: 6. Dezember 2026
• Eintrittstermin: 1. März 2027
• Arbeitsumfang: Part-time position (65 %)
• Kennziffer: 00005262

Beschreibung

We are seeking a junior researcher who would like to work on fundamental or applied research questions in pollination ecology, wild pollinator conservation or plant-insect interactions. We are open to a range of research topics that fit within the broader scientific interests of our Chair. Potential research directions include, but are not limited to:

• Pollination ecology in forest ecosystems
• Ecological roles of rare and threatened wild bee species
• Artificial intelligence and the future of ecological research

We welcome applicants who bring their own research ideas and would like to develop an independent PhD project. The topics listed above are intended as examples and sources of inspiration rather than predefined research projects.

Candidates are encouraged to propose their own research questions, approaches, and methodologies, provided that their proposed project fits within the broader research interests and scientific profile of the Chair of Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology.

Please note that no additional funding is currently available for extending the employment contract beyond this period or for covering conference travel and participation. The successful candidate is therefore expected to take an active role in identifying and applying for external funding opportunities to support the continuation of their research.

Your responsibilities

• Develop and conduct an independent research project within the research profile of the Chair
• Formulate relevant ecological research questions and develop appropriate methodological approaches
• Conduct fieldwork, laboratory work, data collection and data analyses, depending on the research topic
• Analyze and interpret ecological data using appropriate statistical methods
• Publish research findings in international peer-reviewed journals
• Identify relevant external funding opportunities and actively contribute to preparing applications
• Actively participate in the scientific activities of the research group and contribute to collaborative research projects

Your Profile

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Sciences, or a related discipline
• Scientific curiosity and the ability to develop original research questions
• Experience with ecological fieldwork, data collection, statistical analyses, or species identification is an advantage
• Knowledge of statistical software (e.g. R) is desirable, depending on the proposed research topic
• Excellent written and spoken English

We offer

• The opportunity to pursue a PhD within an active, internationally-oriented research environment
• The possibility to develop and implement your own research ideas in collaboration with experienced researchers
• Opportunities for national and international scientific collaboration
• A stimulating, interdisciplinary, and collaborative working environment

Application procedure

Please submit the following documents as a single Pdf file to the University of Freiburg application platform.

• Cover letter outlining research interests, motivation for pursuing a PhD, and reasons for applying to our Chair
• CV including academic background, research experience, relevant skills and publications (if applicable)
• Research proposal (1–2 pages)outlining your research idea, including the main research questions, scientific background, and possible methodological approaches
• Degree certificates
• Contact details of two references

We are planning to conduct the interviews on the 21st and 22nd of December 2026.

The position is limited to 28. Februar 2029. The salary will be determined in accordance with E13 TV-L.

Bewerbung

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00005262, by 6. Dezember 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

University of Freiburg Chair of Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology Stefan-Meier-Str. 76 79104 Freiburg Germany

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Alexandra-Maria Klein on the phone number +49 761 203-67770 or E-Mail alexandra.klein@nature.uni-freiburg.de.

General and legal remarks

Full-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. Textual errors do not constitute a basis for any claims or rights. The relevant human resources department has sole responsibility for all legal transactions made within the context of the selection and hiring process.
Please note that breaches in privacy and unauthorized access by third parties cannot be excluded in communication by unencrypted email.

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