Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) in Landscape Ecology & Biodiversity Science University of Potsdam in Germany

Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) in Landscape Ecology & Biodiversity Science at the University of Potsdam, Germany.

The Landscape Ecology Group at the Institute of Environmental Science and Geography is inviting applications for a 3-year, full-time postdoctoral position (TV-L 13, 100%). The successful candidate will join an internationally oriented research team working at the interface of biodiversity science, trait-based ecology, landscape ecology, and quantitative spatial modelling.

The position is designed for a researcher who wants to develop an independent research profile while contributing to a growing group. Research themes include spatial community ecology, landscape ecology, trait-based and functional ecology, ecological forecasting, predictive modelling, and biodiversity change in human-modified landscapes. The specific project direction is open and can be developed together with the successful candidate, allowing substantial intellectual freedom to shape a high-quality research agenda.

Responsibilities include leading independent research projects, publishing scientific outputs, contributing to proposals and collaborative work, and supporting teaching in the BSc Geoökologie and MSc CLEWS programmes. Teaching activities may include field courses, lectures, exercises, and thesis supervision. The role follows German university regulations, with about one-third of working time devoted to teaching and the remainder to research and academic qualification.

Applicants should hold a PhD (or have submitted the thesis) in ecology, environmental science, biodiversity science, or a related field. The post also requires a record of independent research and publications, teaching experience at BSc and/or MSc level, strong quantitative skills in ecological data analysis and reproducible workflows in R and/or Python, and excellent English. Desirable experience includes spatial/landscape/community ecology, trait-based/functional ecology, macroecology, ecological modelling, predictive approaches, or ecological forecasting. Ability to teach in German is an advantage but not essential.

The University of Potsdam offers support for publications and career development, including time for habilitation or equivalent qualification, flexible working hours, remote work options, public transport subsidy, campus bicycle programme, pension scheme, annual bonus, and health/sports programmes. The position is based in Potsdam-Golm, southwest of Berlin, within the Berlin–Potsdam scientific community.

Application deadline: 18 September 2026. Apply by sending a single PDF containing a cover letter, CV, publication list, research statement (max. 2 pages), and contact details of two referees to [email protected], quoting reference number 345/2026 in the subject line. Non-EU degree holders must also include a German translation and a ZAB/ANABIN assessment.