Doctoral Researcher in "Social-Ecological Interactions in Agricultural Systems" (65%, EG13, temporary position over four years)
Starting date: 01.10.25, Application deadline: 24.07.25, University of Kassel (Germany)
FOR5903 is a DFG Research Unit with a wide interdisciplinary and international scope, covering diverse dimensions of global urbanisation processes under the novel framework of "Sustainable Rurbanity". In the context of this project, a doctoral position is available addressing "Effects of tree-based agriculture on ecosystem services supply, distribution, and access in a rurban environment". The position cannot be shared. Main work place is Witzenhausen, but extended field work in Morocco for several months per year will be required. Fitness for service in the subtropics is therefore mandatory.
Tasks:
• Characterization and mapping of social-ecological systems archetypes of tree-based agriculture
• Quantification of a broad suite of ecosystem services and disservices that are supplied by different constellations of tree-based agriculture
• Analysis of the distribution, access, and governance of/to ecosystem services based on focus group discussions
• Coordination of/participation in fieldwork in Morocco
• Participation in project-related seminars and workshops, and in international conferences by presenting own results
Requirements:
• Completed scientific university degree in agriculture, forestry, geography, environmental social sciences or related field. The required qualification must be available by the recruitment date at the latest
• Fluency in English language (proven by internet-based TOEFL of at least 80 points, IELTS, or equivalent language certificate)
• Experience in the use of (qualitative and quantitative) participatory research methods
• Familiarity with concepts and approaches of sustainability science (e.g., ecosystem services, cultural landscapes, social-ecological systems) and land-use sciences
• Demonstrated ability to work cohesively in an interdisciplinary team environment
• First experiences with scientific writing and publishing
Our Offer:
As an employee of the University of Kassel
• you will be offered an interesting and diverse range of tasks within the framework of a modern and ambitious university,
• you will be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere,
• you will have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures,
• the Witzenhausen Campus is your workplace with good connections to public transport, which you can currently use free of charge.
In addition, you will benefit from the advantages of employment in the public service such as:
• an additional company pension (VBL),
• an optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including childcare for emergencies),
• an annual bonus
• an entitlement to capital-accumulation benefits,
• a promotion of voluntary commitment,
• low-cost participation in university sports and a full range of fitness activities as part of Unifit, as well as workplace health management
Project infos: https://www.uni-kassel.de/fb11agrar/fachgebiete-/-einrichtungen/opats/for-5903
Lab infos: https://www.uni-kassel.de/go/ses
Position infos: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/358166
For questions: Prof. Tobias Plieninger (plieninger@uni-kassel.de)
Application portal: https://stellen.uni-kassel.de/en/jobposting/2b383d34aed8a1dbaf227db3ce9cbdcb0dbfbc570/apply
