The University of Freiburg's Excellence Cluster Future Forests is seeking a postdoctoral researcher specializing in environmental and forest governance, with a focus on governance innovation and policy experiments. This interdisciplinary research center addresses the adaptation and transformation of forests and their societal use in response to global change, supported by the German Research Foundation. The successful candidate will join a vibrant team of over 50 researchers from four faculties and partner institutions, working on the GovInno project to identify, develop, and scale governance innovations for effective forest management.

The postdoc will develop conceptual frameworks for governance experiments, focusing on local cooperative governance and political decision-making in Baden-Württemberg and Germany. Responsibilities include planning and conducting governance experiments, collaborating in interdisciplinary and international research, supervising early-career researchers, participating in project coordination, developing third-party funding proposals, publishing research, presenting at conferences, and contributing to cluster activities and outreach.

Applicants must have a PhD in political science, human geography, or a related field, with expertise in governance innovation research and experimental policy methods. Experience in project management, independent and team work, strong German and English language skills, and a proven publication record are required. The position offers a fully funded three-year contract (salary TV-L 13), an individual budget for research and career development, flexible working hours, and a supportive, inclusive research environment. The application deadline is 29 March 2026, and the position starts 1 July 2026. Applications should be submitted via the University of Freiburg portal, referencing position number 00004853. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Daniela Kleinschmit at [email protected].

Key research areas include forest governance, environmental governance, governance innovation, policy experiments, adaptation, transformation, and the interface between forests and society. The Future Forests Cluster provides an excellent platform for interdisciplinary research and professional development in one of Germany's leading universities.