Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d) Position in Forest Ecohydrology

Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d) Position in Forest Ecohydrology

NEU

Teilzeit

Forschung und Lehre

The CRC 1537 - ECOSENSE at the Chair of Hydrology invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d) Position in Forest Ecohydrology

Bewerbungsfrist: 8. Mai 2026

Veröffentlichungsdatum: 13. April 2026

Eintrittstermin: 1. Juli 2026

Arbeitsumfang: Part-time position (75 %)

Kennziffer: 00004932

Beschreibung

Who we are:

In ECOSENSE we explore new ways to quantify ecosystem processes and stress impact of climate change by developing novel sensor principles and measurement methods ( ). We established a comprehensive infrastructure and sensor network in a nearby forest. For our second phase starting this July we are seeking 15 doctoral researchers from environmental and engineering sciences. ECOSENSE offers highly interdisciplinary research and training in a cooperative and vivid working environment.

In project A2.1 (Linking fluxes of water and nutrients from trees to the soil and watershed using MRI and different sensor systems) we will trace water fluxes and sharpen our picture of biotic controls and find patterns that allow us to scale up water fluxes to larger areas including entire watersheds. Particularly focus will be moments of stress, such as droughts, heatwaves or late frost, and their impact on the ecohydrological fluxes in the heterogeneous forest ecosystem. We will develop and apply a unique ecohydrological sensor network capable of capturing the high spatio-temporal variability of water fluxes across diverse forest ecosystems. By combining point-based, integrated, continuous, and novel rover-based measurement approaches (CRNS), the goal is to identify an optimal and efficient sensor setup that provides maximum insight into tree–soil water interactions with minimal redundancy

The doctoral researcher will be part of the Chair of Hydrology, which is a dynamic and vivid team, strongly involved in ECOSENSE. The group is well-connected nationally and internationally, as well as within the University of Freiburg and Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment.

Your Tasks

Within ECOSENSE you will extend the existing ecohydrological sensor network and starting with the planning of a new ecohydrological site and its installation at additional sites. New sensors (CRNS, accelerometer) require additional calibration and testing at our new tree lysimeters and in the field. In particular the CRNS rover requires additional testing. You will maintain the network together with the technicians and then focus on the data analysis, the data-based modelling and the spatial-temporal analysis. Based on the novel new dataset and empirical work, you will be able to write 3-4 scientific papers in international, peer-reviewed journals, present at national and international conferences and be actively involved in the activities, workshops, and outreach events of the CRC.

Your Profile

Completed university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in Hydrology or a related field of Environmental and Earth Sciences with a focus on hydrology.

High motivation to write a doctoral thesis in a structured program on ecohydrology

Very good knowledge of R and/or Python

Experience in data analysis, statistics and ecohydrological modelling

Proficient written and spoken English; German is an asset

Experience in scientific writing (publications) is an advantage

Initiative, teamwork skills, and strong social competence.

We Offer

An exciting research environment of ECOSENSE with internationally renowned researchers

Structured support and supervision for your scientific and career development strengthened by the CRCs own integrated Research Training Group providing a tailored qualification program for all our doctoral candidates.