The Faculty of Forest Sciences at the University of Göttingen is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position (f/m/d) within the field of Forest Economics and Sustainable Land-use Planning. This opportunity is part of a prestigious research initiative funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

With a strong interdisciplinary framework and international collaboration, this position is ideal for candidates seeking advanced research experience at the intersection of ecology, economics, and environmental modelling.

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Position Overview

• Position Title: PhD Student (f/m/d)
• Start Date: October 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: May 31, 2026
• Duration: 3.5 years
• Working Hours: 65% (approx. 25.87 hours/week)
• Salary: TV-L E13 (German public service scale)
• Location: Göttingen, Germany

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Research Project Focus

The selected candidate will contribute to the DFG-funded project:

“Managing for beta-diversity to increase landscape-scale resilience of ecosystem services and economic outcomes.”

This research is embedded in the collaborative research unit:

FOR 5375 – Beta-FOR: Enhancing Structural Diversity in Production Forests

The project investigates how beta-diversity—the variation between ecosystems—can improve:

• Forest resilience
• Biodiversity outcomes
• Economic performance of forest landscapes

You will work with advanced tools such as the iLand forest landscape simulation model, combining economic optimization with ecological modelling.

The research is conducted in collaboration with the Technical University of Munich, particularly the Ecosystem Dynamics and Forest Management Group.

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What Makes This PhD Unique

This is not a conventional doctoral position. It offers:

• Access to a network of 12 research institutions across Germany and international partners
• Collaboration with leading experts in forest science, economics, ecology, and remote sensing
• Exposure to cutting-edge research on climate resilience and ecosystem services
• A dynamic, interdisciplinary academic environment

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Key Responsibilities

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Analyze the economic and ecological impacts of beta-diversity
• Develop and run forest economic simulations and optimization models
• Study spatial and temporal forest management strategies
• Contribute to improving resilience against environmental disturbances
• Collaborate across institutions and disciplines

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

Essential Qualifications

• Master’s degree in:
  • Forestry
  • Environmental Economics
  • Environmental Modelling
  • Or closely related fields
• Strong academic performance (minimum “good” grade)
• Experience with:
  • Forest economics and/or simulation
  • Programming tools such as R or similar

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of German forest management systems
• Familiarity with classical forest valuation methods
• Basic German language skills (for field interaction)

Language Requirement

• Excellent proficiency in written and spoken English (mandatory)

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Work Environment and Inclusivity

The University of Göttingen promotes:

• Equal opportunities for all candidates
• Strong encouragement for women applicants in underrepresented fields
• Support for work-life balance
• Inclusion of candidates with disabilities, with preference given in cases of equal qualification

The position is also suitable for part-time arrangements.

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Application Process

Submit your application as a single PDF document including:

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Email your application to: felap@uni-goettingen.de
• Deadline: May 31, 2026

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Contact Information

For academic inquiries, contact:

Carola Paul
Email: carola.paul@uni-goettingen.de
Phone: +49 551 39 26762

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is this PhD position fully funded?

Yes, the position is funded under the DFG program with a salary based on the TV-L E13 scale (65%).

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2. Do I need to speak German to apply?

German is not mandatory, but basic knowledge is beneficial for fieldwork and communication with local forest managers.

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3. What is beta-diversity in simple terms?

Beta-diversity refers to the variation in species or ecosystem composition between different habitats. It plays a key role in ecological resilience and sustainability.

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4. What programming skills are required?

Experience with R or similar data science tools is expected. Familiarity with modelling or simulation frameworks is a strong advantage.

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5. Can international students apply?

Yes, the position is open to international applicants with the required qualifications and English proficiency.

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6. Is prior research experience required?

While not strictly mandatory, prior exposure to forest economics, modelling, or environmental research will strengthen your application.

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7. What career paths does this PhD support?

Graduates typically move into:

• Academic research
• Environmental policy
• Forestry consulting
• International sustainability organizations