Doctoral Position on Tree-water-relations at the University of Freiburg 2026

The CRC 1537 - ECOSENSE invites applications for a doctoral researcher position at the Chair of Ecosystem Physiology Doctoral position on Tree-water-relations..

Within ECOSENSE you will establish a comprehensive sensor network of sap flow, dendrometer and water potential sensors in the ECOSENSE forest on European beech and Douglas fir. The central aim is to gather continuous water potential data across the soil-root-plant-atmosphere continuum to investigate the impact of extreme events (e.g. heat and drought) and species interactions on tree adaptation strategies, including the role of capacitance. 

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineApril 15, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Freiburg
• City to studyBaden-Württemberg
• School to studyUniversity of Freiburg
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• An exciting interdisciplinary topic with a high impact socio-ecological impact
• A salary according to TV-L E13 (75%)
• Contracts will initially run for three years with an option of extension until the end of the CRC’s second phase, which will be June 2030.
• Modern laboratory equipment and a highly qualified, multicultural team, which will cooperate with you and support you along your professional growth.

   

Requirements

• You hold a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Geoecology or related fields
• Excellent background in ecosystem and plant physiology, including plant water fluxes and potentials
• Experience in field work (in the forest including tall towers) is a plus
• Experience with sap flow, water potential, dendrometer and psychrometer sensors is a plus
• Enthusiasm for novel technical applications and technological developments
• A high degree of autonomy, responsibility, flexibility, team spirit and organizational skills
• Excellent English skills
• Great enthusiasm for working in a large interdisciplinary project and interest in collaborative research
• Drivers license is a plus

Application Documents

• Letter of application
• CV
• Credentials
• Letter of recommendation

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004903 via the Application Portal.

For more information, kindly visit the University of Freiburg webpage.