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Job Information
Organisation/Company: University of Potsdam
Department: Institute of Environmental Science and Geography
Research Field: Environmental science » Ecology; Biological sciences » Biodiversity
Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2); Established Researcher (R3)
Positions: Postdoc Positions
Application Deadline: 18 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin)
Country: Germany
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme
Reference Number: 345/2026
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Develop your own research ideas in biodiversity and landscape ecology
The Landscape Ecology Group at the University of Potsdam is seeking a motivated and scientifically ambitious postdoctoral researcher to join our growing, internationally oriented research team.
This is a 3-year, full-time position (100%, TV-L 13) offering substantial intellectual freedom to develop an independent research profile and contribute to shaping the future direction of the group.
We work at the interface of biodiversity science, trait-based ecology, landscape ecology, and quantitative spatial modelling, combining ecological theory with modern, reproducible approaches to understand and predict biodiversity change. Based in Potsdam, Germany, immediately southwest of Berlin, the position offers an attractive research environment within the Berlin–Potsdam scientific community.
Research Focus
Our research aims to understand and predict biodiversity patterns across spatial scales by integrating ecological theory, quantitative analysis, spatial approaches, and reproducible workflows. Current research areas include:
- Spatial community ecology and landscape ecology
- Trait-based and functional ecology
- Ecological forecasting and predictive modelling
- Biodiversity change in human-modified landscapes
The specific research focus is open to development together with the successful candidate, and may connect with ongoing work in biodiversity change, ecological forecasting, spatial ecology, and functional approaches to communities in changing landscapes.
Your Role
Research
- Develop and lead independent research projects, building your own scientific profile
- Publish high-quality scientific research
- Contribute to research proposals and collaborative projects
- Help shape the scientific development of a growing research group
Teaching
- Contribute to teaching in the BSc Geoökologie and MSc CLEWS programmes (field courses, lectures, exercises, thesis supervision)
- Teaching follows German university regulations (approx. one-third of working time); the remainder is dedicated to research and academic qualification (e.g., habilitation or equivalent)
Collaboration
- Work in a multidisciplinary, internationally oriented team
- Exchange ideas and develop collaborations within and beyond the group
Your Profile
Required
- PhD (or submitted thesis) in ecology, environmental science, biodiversity science, or a related field
- Proven independent research and scientific publications
- Teaching experience at BSc and/or MSc level
- Strong quantitative skills — ecological data analysis and reproducible workflows in R and/or Python
- Fluency in English
Desired
- Expertise in one or more of spatial/landscape/community ecology, trait-based/functional ecology, macroecology, or ecological modelling
- Strong conceptual thinking in ecology
- Experience with predictive approaches or ecological forecasting
- Ability to teach in German at BSc level (advantageous, not required)
We Offer
- 3-year postdoctoral position (100%, TV-L 13), with possible extension subject to the applicable legal and institutional requirements
- Intellectual freedom to develop an independent research profile
- Support for high-quality publications and academic career development, including time for habilitation or equivalent qualification
- Flexible working hours and remote work options
- 30 days annual leave, plus exemptions on Dec 24 & 31
- Public transport subsidy and campus bicycle programme
- Company pension scheme, annual bonus, and health & sports programmes
- A family-friendly, diverse institution with ~20,000 students across three campuses in the Potsdam–Berlin region
The University of Potsdam is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Severely disabled applicants will be given preference in case of equal qualification.
Application
Deadline: September 18, 2026. Please include reference number 345/2026 in your application.
Please send a single PDF containing:
- Cover letter
- CV
- Publication list
- Research statement (max. 2 pages)
- Contact details of two referees
To: bertrand.fournier@uni-potsdam.de Subject line: "345/2026 – Postdoc Application [Your Name]"
Applicants with non-EU degrees: please include a German translation and a ZAB/ANABIN assessment. Informal inquiries about the position are welcome at the address above.
Official University of Potsdam job announcement: https://www.uni-potsdam.de/fileadmin/projects/verwaltung/docs/Dezernat3/Ausschreibungen/2_akadPersonal/345_2026_MNF_LandEcol.pdf
Where to apply
E-mail: bertrand.fournier@uni-potsdam.de
Requirements
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biodiversity
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Research Field: Environmental science » Ecology
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biodiversity; Environmental science » Ecology
Additional Information
Website for additional job details: https://www.uni-potsdam.de/fileadmin/projects/verwaltung/docs/Dezernat3/Ausschreibungen/2_akadPersonal/345_2026_MNF_LandEcol.pdf
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: University of Potsdam
Country: Germany
State/Province: Brandenburg
City: Potsdam-Golm
Postal Code: 14476
Street: Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25
Contact
State/Province: Brandenburg
City: Potsdam-Golm
Website: https://www.uni-potsdam.de/de
Street: Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25
Postal Code: 14476
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