Postdoc opportunity
Integrative forest management for forest resilience, multiple ecosystem services and enhanced biodiversity
In the context of the Horizon Europe project TRANSFORMIT (Transforming forest manage-ment for multiple ecosystem services and nature conservation via the integrative approach), the Chair of Silviculture at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a 4-yr postdoc-toral position focusing on the analysis of Integrated Forest Management (IFM) approaches across Europe. Starting date is 01.01.2024.
Project description: The overall aim of TRANSFORMIT is to demonstrate and improve the ability of Integrative Forest Management (IFM) approaches to combine productive forest management and biodiversity conservation. By combining existing knowledge from practice and science and by stipulating collaboration and mutual learning amongst science, policy and practice, the project aims at laying the basis for large-scale implementation of IFM across Europe in line with EU forest-related policies. To do so, TRANSFORMIT leverages a consortium of 16 scientific institutions from 13 European countries and proactively engages with well-established networks, such as the Integrate Network and ProSilva. In this context, the work package Integrative Forest Management in Europe led by the Chair of Silviculture and specifically its task on the comparative analysis of the effectiveness of IFM in practice will provide the evidence base and best practice guidelines for effective and successful im-plementation of IFM approaches. Moreover, and based on the results of the entire project, we will develop educational modules to facilitate the teaching and training of IFM practices in Europe. The Postdoc working on this project will:
- Built, jointly with partners, the first database featuring data on repeated forest invento-ries from IFM-practicing forest enterprises across a broad range of European coun-tries and forest types.
- Analyse, based on these data, the effectiveness of IFM to achieve ecosystem service provision, forest resilience, adaptive capacity, and biodiversity outcomes.
- Summarize best practices and suggest (silvicultural) options for the advancement and further development of IFM.
- Develop, together with the hosting working group, educational modules on IFM geared towards students at universities and forestry colleges and for continuing edu-cation of professionals.
- Work together with a vibrant network of internationally leading research institutions and professional networks in forest sciences.
Candidate profile: We are looking for a highly motivated and cooperative person with a strong background in forest ecology, silviculture, forest inventory, or related fields. The ideal candi-date will have demonstrated his/her ability to successfully carry out relevant research and com-municate results in peer-reviewed scientific papers and to a general public. Experience in pro-ject management, stakeholder liaison, and supervision of BSc and MSc students is desirable. The applicant should be able to work independently and in a team, coordinate work with part-ners in the TRANSFORMIT consortium, and to plan and undertake field visits in different loca-tions within Europe. A strong statistical background, experience with R, and the analysis and synthesis of large datasets are desirable. Teaching experience at university level would be a plus. Strong command of English is indispensable. For international candidates, knowledge of German (or a willingness to learn) would be beneficial to enhance the experience of living and working in Germany.
We offer a very friendly work environment in a highly dynamic and successful research group. Salary is the German standard for Postdocs (TV-L E13, 100% scientist salary) and a starting date in January or February 2024 is anticipated. The University of Freiburg is an equal oppor-tunity employer and encourages women to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equal qual-ification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration. For international candidates, the University of Freiburg offers support with the logistics of relocating to Germany (http://www.welcomecenter.uni-freiburg.de).
Founded in 1457, the University of Freiburg is one of the oldest German universities and now one of the nation’s leading research and teaching institutions. Freiburg is a vibrant city at the foot of the Black Forest in close vicinity to France and Switzerland, with a rich cultural and academic life and excellent recreational opportunities.
Your application will consist of a letter of motivation, a CV, publication list, academic transcripts (non-official copies are initially acceptable), and contact details of at least two academic refer-ees. Please send your application as a single PDF by email with the subject “Postdoc position in TRANSFORMIT” by 15th December 2023 to Ursula Eggert (ursula.eggert@waldbau.uni-freiburg.de). Questions regarding the content of the project can be discussed with Prof. Jürgen Bauhus (juergen.bauhus@waldbau.uni-freiburg.de) and Dr. Florian Schnabel (florian.schna-bel@waldbau.uni-freiburg.de).