Postdoctoral Job in Forest Sciences University of Göttingen, Germany | Fully Funded 3-Year Position
Researchers looking to establish themselves as independent scientists now have an outstanding opportunity in Germany. The University of Göttingen, one of Europe’s leading institutions for forestry research, is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Forest Sciences through its prestigious Forst-Talent Program.
This fully funded position offers early-career researchers the chance to develop an ambitious research project while preparing a competitive proposal for either the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant or Germany’s Emmy Noether Programme.
Beyond funding, the position provides an exceptional academic environment, world-class research facilities, and a potential pathway toward a permanent academic position. Unlike many postdoctoral positions that focus solely on research assistance, the University of Göttingen’s Forst-Talent Program is designed to launch independent academic careers.
Participants receive dedicated time, financial support, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to world-class research facilities while preparing highly competitive grant applications. The possibility of transitioning into a permanent academic position further distinguishes this program from traditional postdoctoral appointments. For ambitious researchers in forest sciences, this represents an exceptional opportunity to build an international research profile at one of Europe’s most respected universities.
Position Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| University | University of Göttingen |
| Faculty | Faculty of Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology |
| Country | Germany |
| Position | Postdoctoral Researcher in Forest Sciences |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
| Salary | TV-L E13 (100%) |
| Contract Duration | 3 Years |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Start Date | As soon as possible |
| Application Deadline | 15 August 2026 |
About the Forst-Talent Program
The position is funded through the Eva Mayr-Stihl Foundation as part of the University’s Forst-Talent Program, an initiative created to support exceptional young scientists pursuing independent research careers.
The program is specifically designed to help talented researchers prepare highly competitive grant proposals while becoming integrated into one of Europe’s strongest forest science communities.
Successful candidates will spend three years developing their own research agenda, building collaborations, publishing scientific work, and preparing applications for prestigious international funding schemes.
A Unique Career Path Toward a Permanent Position
One of the most attractive aspects of this opportunity is its long-term career perspective.
Researchers who successfully secure an ERC Starting Grant or Emmy Noether Group and continue their project at the University of Göttingen may receive a permanent TV-L E14 position after a successful interim evaluation during their funded project.
This creates a clear pathway from postdoctoral research to long-term academic employment.
What the University Offers
Selected candidates will receive a comprehensive package designed to maximize research productivity and career development.
Benefits include:
- Fully funded three-year employment under TV-L E13 (100%)
- Freedom to focus on developing an ERC or Emmy Noether proposal
- Annual research budget for:
- Conference participation
- Scientific publications
- Pilot studies
- Preliminary experiments
- Access to modern laboratories and advanced research infrastructure
- Administrative and technical support
- Collaboration with internationally recognized scientists
- Opportunities to teach and supervise PhD students
- Participation in interdisciplinary research projects
- Extensive networking opportunities across research centers
Researchers will also benefit from collaboration with leading research initiatives such as:
- Campus Centre of Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Use (CBL)
- Campus Institute Data Science (CIDAS)
Additional Employee Benefits
The University of Göttingen provides a competitive employment package that extends beyond research funding.
Employees receive:
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Paid vacation and leave
- Professional development programs
- Conference travel support
- Career advancement opportunities
- Inclusive and diverse working environment
- Family-friendly workplace policies
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate outstanding scientific potential and a clear vision for independent research.
Candidates must:
- Hold both a Master’s degree and a PhD in Forest Sciences or a closely related discipline.
- Be eligible to apply for an ERC Starting Grant or the Emmy Noether Programme within the next two years.
- Normally have completed their PhD between one and seven years before the application.
- Show how their previous work contributes to solving current and future challenges affecting forests.
- Possess an excellent publication record with innovative scientific contributions.
- Demonstrate creativity through an original research proposal.
- Previous experience obtaining external research funding is considered an advantage but is not mandatory.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The University is seeking researchers who have already begun establishing an international academic reputation.
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong scientific independence
- International research experience
- High-quality publications
- Innovative research ideas
- Leadership potential
- Ambition to secure competitive international research funding
process.
Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of two stages.
Stage One
Applications are reviewed by the faculty committee based on scientific excellence, publication record, innovation, and research potential.
Stage Two
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a scientific symposium scheduled for 9 September 2026.
During the symposium, candidates will:
- Present their previous research achievements.
- Introduce their planned research project.
- Explain how their work complements existing research at Göttingen.
- Demonstrate their vision for advancing forest sciences.
Selection Criteria
Applications will primarily be assessed based on:
- Scientific excellence
- Publication quality
- Research originality
- Innovation
- Potential to secure ERC or Emmy Noether funding
- Strategic contribution to forestry research in Göttingen
- Contribution to strengthening forest sciences in Germany
Why Choose the University of Göttingen?
Founded nearly 300 years ago, the University of Göttingen has built a global reputation for excellence in research and higher education.
The Faculty of Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology consistently ranks among Europe’s strongest institutions in forestry and agricultural sciences.
Researchers benefit from:
- International collaborations
- Advanced research infrastructure
- Strong interdisciplinary environment
- Excellent publication opportunities
- High research visibility
- Supportive academic culture
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The University of Göttingen is committed to creating an inclusive academic environment.
Applications are particularly encouraged from:
- Women in underrepresented academic fields
- Researchers with disabilities
- International applicants
- Candidates from diverse backgrounds
The University also promotes family-friendly working conditions to help employees balance professional and personal responsibilities.
Applicants with severe disabilities will receive preferential consideration when qualifications are equal.
Application & Deadline:
Application Deadline: 15 August 2026
Please upload your application in one pdf file including the usual documents until 8/15/2026 on the application portal of the university using this link: http://obp.uni-goettingen.de/de-de/OBF/Index/76508. For more information get in touch with Serena Müller directly via E-Mail: serena.mueller@forst.uni-goettingen.de, Tel. +49 551 39 21217 .
Required Application Documents: Applicants must combine all required documents into one PDF file arranged in the following order:
- Motivation Letter (1–2 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Names of two academic referees
- Complete publication list
- Teaching experience
- Three-page research concept for the planned ERC or Emmy Noether proposal
- Suggested host department within the Faculty
- Academic certificates
- Degree transcripts
Submitting a well-organized application significantly improves readability during the evaluation
All required documents should be merged into a single PDF before submission.
Contact Information
For academic questions regarding the position, applicants may contact: Prof. Dr. Alexander Knohl
Dean of Research
Email: bioklima-job@uni-goettingen.de
Subject Line: Forst-Talent Fellowships
For administrative inquiries, contact: Serena Müller
Email: serena.mueller@forst.uni-goettingen.de
Telephone: +49 551 39 21217
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this postdoctoral position fully funded?
Yes. The appointment is fully funded for three years under the German TV-L E13 salary scale with full-time employment benefits.
Who can apply?
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree and a PhD in Forest Sciences or a closely related field and meet the eligibility requirements for either an ERC Starting Grant or the Emmy Noether Programme.
What is the contract duration?
The initial appointment is for three years.
Is there funding available for conferences and publications?
Yes. Successful candidates receive an additional annual budget that can be used for conferences, scientific publications, and preliminary research activities.
Is teaching required?
Teaching and PhD supervision opportunities are available and encouraged as part of professional development, but the primary focus is on developing an independent research program.
Is previous grant-writing experience mandatory?
No. While experience obtaining third-party funding is considered advantageous, it is not a mandatory requirement.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a motivation letter, CV, publication list, teaching record, research proposal, referee contacts, academic certificates, and transcripts combined into a single PDF file.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline for submitting applications is 15 August 2026.
Is there a possibility of a permanent position?
Yes. Researchers who secure an ERC Starting Grant or Emmy Noether funding and successfully complete the interim evaluation may be offered a permanent TV-L E14 position at the University of Göttingen.
Why is the Forst-Talent Program considered prestigious?
The program provides dedicated funding, research independence, mentorship, international networking, and a structured pathway toward securing highly competitive research grants and long-term academic employment, making it one of the most attractive early-career opportunities in European forest sciences.
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