Doctoral candidate (PhD) (65%; d/f/m)

28.03.2024, Wissenschaftliches Personal

Project background: This PhD position is part of an ambitious international project aimed at fostering a sustainable forest-based bioeconomy in Germany and Uruguay. The project focuses on the identification and assessment of tree species from the southern hemisphere that could enhance the biodiversity and resilience of forest ecosystems in Central Europe, particularly in light of climate change. Additionally, the project aims to develop innovative forest management strategies and value-added product pathways in both Germany and Uruguay, integrating biodiversity and ecosystem services into forest and agroforest systems. The project is comprised of three sub-projects. This announcement is for the Sub-Project 1: Forestry, Forest Management, and Agroforest Systems. The location of the work will be in Germany and Uruguay.

Who we are:
You will work closely with the research groups:

• Professorship for Forest and Agroforest Systems, Technical University of Munich, Germany
• Forestry Research Agency in Tacuarembó, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Uuguay

What we offer:

• An innovative and lively working environment at the university and campus
• Access to modern facilities and infrastructure at a strong research department
• Scientific exchange, flexibility, independence and self-responsibility
• Extensive options of vocational training (meetings, workshops, conferences)
• A chance to receive your doctoral degree
• TV-L E13 (65%), initially limited to 3 years
• PhD position Sub-Project 1 (TV-L E13 – 65%)

Topic:
Forestry, forest management and agroforest systems
The objective of this subproject is to generate scientific knowledge and practical insights that will contribute to the development of more resilient forest and agroforest systems in both countries.

Job description:
We are seeking a dedicated PhD candidate, who is interested in working with literature studies and reviews, field studies and experimental plots in Uruguay, as well as establishing and monitoring a seedling experiment in Germany. Through this work the candidate will help identify and assess the adaptability of promising tree species to future climate conditions in both countries. The position will be associated with the TUM Professorship for Forest and Agroforest Systems, Germany, but will be collaborating closely with experts from Uruguay.

The candidate we are looking for ideally has:

• A strong passion for forest ecology and forest management
• A keen interest in understanding forest dynamics and regeneration processes
• A solid background in silviculture
• Experience with literature reviews, field inventories and seedling experiments
• Innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities
• A commitment to work in remote environments
• A willingness to travel between Germany and Uruguay regularly

Job requirements:

• Advanced degree in forestry, environmental science, ecology, or a related field
• Strong analytical skills, with experience in forest inventory metrics, and statistical analysis, including predictive modeling techniques.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in forested environments, including operating handheld equipment
• Communication and collaboration skills
• Driving license level B
• Pronounced English and Spanish language skills

Starting date:
01.06.2024 (part-time 65%, fixed-term for 3 years)

Interested?
Please send your application document with (1) a 1-page letter of interest and motivation, (2) a detailed CV, and (3) contact information of two referees in the form of one single pdf-file (DE-URY_SP01_surname_forename.pdf) by Monday, 22.04.2024 to: Prof. Dr. Peter Annighöfer; peter.annighoefer@tum.de

Application closing date:
Friday, 22.04.2024

TUM is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified people of all gender are encouraged to apply. We strive to increase the proportion of women, so applications from women are especially welcome.

Kontakt: peter.annighoefer@tum.de