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General information

General information

Becoming a researcher with the RTG ConFoBi is an opportunity to work across academic departments to conduct biodiversity research with a highly transdisciplinary approach. The combination of multi-scale ecological studies and socio-economics provides a novel framework for studying long-term opportunities for the conservation of biodiversity.

Funded positions

Conservation of Forest Biodiversity in Multiple-use Landscapes of Central Europe (ConFoBi) is a Research Training Group (RTG 2123) funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). ConFoBi offers 12 Ph.D. positions for a structured three-year program at salary scale TV-L E13, 65%, including social benefits. ConFoBi is based at the University of Freiburg, Germany, and started in July 2016. Continued funding provided, the next cohort of doctoral researchers is scheduled to begin work in July 2022. Check our open positions webpage.

External funding

In addition to DFG-funded doctoral positions, applications for work within ConFoBi on additional topics are always welcome. Potential applicants interested in doctoral or postdosctoral work within the ConFoBi framework are encouraged to inquire with the scientific coordinator (johannes.penner@confobi.uni-freiburg.de) on topics and funding possibilities. M.Sc. or B.Sc. theses are possible as well.

Requirements

We invite applications from highly motivated candidates who have a background in at least one of the scientific disciplines represented in this research training group. These comprise wildlife ecology, conservation genetics, functional biodiversity research, vegetation ecology, silviculture, remote sensing, forest policy, environmental governance, forest economics, and environmental systems analysis.

Candidates should have a strong interest in interdisciplinary research and willingness to engage in scientific exchange with other disciplines. Successful applicants will:

  1. Hold an M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
  2. Have experience with methods and/or organisms relevant to the RTG
  3. Have very good statistical and analytical skills
  4. Have excellent English language skills
  5. Actively contribute to a transdisciplinary research training environment

In general, applicants should bring the willingness to spend extensive hours in the field (in the Black Forest), hold a driving license, and understand or be willing to learn German. All nationalities are eligible to apply. Specific requirements for the individual projects should be discussed with the respective principal investigators. Currently, all funded Ph.D. student positions are filled.