PhD position in Agroforestry systems and related Land Use Modelling

25.02.2025, Wissenschaftliches Personal

PhD position in Agroforestry systems and related Land Use Modelling (65%, m/f/d, Freising near Munich) Technische Universität München - School of Life Sciences - Professsur für Waldinventur und nachhaltige Nutzung

We are an international and interdisciplinary research team that analyzes and develops sustainable land-use options on various levels. We address all aspects of sustainability (ecological, economic, and social) and have developed strong expertise in robust multi-objective optimization, quantification and integration of economic risks and uncertainties, and bio-economic modeling of different land uses. The models we have developed are contributing to finding solutions for land-use problems in Europe, Africa, and Latin America. 

Ideally your profile:

• You are enthusiastic about science and are longing for knowledge.

• You enjoy learning and developing scientific knowledge as well as practical solutions.

• Your high motivation and perseverance distinguish you both professionally and   personally.

• You have obtained very good diploma or master’s degree in forest sciences, economics, environmental science, geo-information science, landscape ecology or a thematically related field of study.

• You have good English language skills.

• You demonstrate good teamwork and communication skills.

• You are willing to learn about risk-sensitive multi-criteria optimization and land use modelling.

• You keen on learning about the African ecosystems (preferred, but not required).

The Project:

The EU project TRANS-SAHARA (Novel Nexus-based approaches towards agroforestry management in the Greater North African Region) will establish a ground-breaking approach for leveraging agroforestry systems to support African communities in their fight against climate change. Expected outcomes will contribute to bridging the agroforestry data gaps in Africa, increased crop yield, doubling of farmers’ annual incomes, and creation of new carbon sinks across previously degraded territories. A multidisciplinary team of 15 partner institutions across Europe and Africa are part of this research project.

Your tasks:

You will be a team member of the EU project “TRANS-SAHARA.” You will develop a model based on one for the key example locations and identify the best combination of agroforestry systems through land use/land cover (LULC) allocations. Your model will simulate how improved agroforestry systems will develop under different scenarios, covering a wide range of socio-economic and environmental issues. This expected to achieve best compromises for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation potential.

Our offer:

• An exciting and challenging task, and the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree.

• An opportunity for personal and professional development.

• Social activities organized by colleagues, such as excursions, a Christmas party, and summer barbecues.

• An inspiring and pleasant working atmosphere in a dynamic team characterized by openness and team spirit.

• Flexibility and self-responsibility.

• Vibrant international and interdisciplinary university life.

• Great opportunities for scientific exchange, cooperation, and networking within and beyond the team.

• The part-time position is remunerated according to TV-L E13 with 65% and limited to three years.

TUM strives to raise the proportion of women in its workforce and explicitly encourages applications from qualified women. The position is suitable for disabled persons. Disabled applicants will be given preference in case of generally equivalent suitability, aptitude and professional performance.

Your application:

We are looking forward to your application until 13.03.2025 (the latest). Your application documents should contain cover letter including a short outline of career goals and research experience, a detailed CV with a list of publications if available, certificates, and contact information of two references. Application documents in electronic form should be compiled to one .pdf file to Ms. Dejon: ifm@ls.tum.de.

Questions?

Please feel free to contact Dr. Mengistie Kindu (Tel: 08161 71-4668, mengistie@tum.de) or Prof. Dr. Thomas Knoke (Tel: 08161 71-4700, knoke@tum.de).

Information about our chair is also available via our homepage: https://www.lss.ls.tum.de/en/ifm.

Note on personal data protection:

As part of your application, you provide personal data to the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Please view our privacy policy on collecting and processing personal data in the course of the application process pursuant to Art. 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation of the European Union (GDPR) at https://portal.mytum. de/kompass/datenschutz/Bewerbung/. By submitting your application, you confirm to have read and understood the data protection information provided by TUM.

Kontakt: ifm@ls.tum.de