The University of Kassel is a modern and growing University with round about 22.000 students. The university’s wide range of expertise covers subjects in the natural, applied, cultural and social sciences.
The following position will be filled at the University of Kassel, Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, Social-Ecological Interactions Group (Prof. Dr. Tobias Plieninger), as of 01.10.2025 and subject to the authorisation of funds:
Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, Part-time, temporary (currently 26 hours per week)
Application deadline:
24.07.2025
Date of hire:
01.10.2025
vacancy number: 38542
Part-time position with 65% of the working hours of a full-time employee. This is a fixed term-position until 31.12.2027, subject to the authorisation of funds, corresponding to §2 Abs. 2 WissZeitVG.
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:
1. Characterization and mapping of social-ecological systems archetypes of tree-based agriculture
2. Quantification of a broad suite of ecosystem services and disservices that are supplied by different constellations of tree-based agriculture
3. Analysis of the distribution, access, and governance of/to ecosystem services based on focus group discussions
4. Coordination of/participation in fieldwork in Morocco
5. Participation in project-related seminars and workshops, and in international conferences by presenting own results
Requirements:
6. 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
7. Fluency in English language (proven by internet-based TOEFL of at least 80 points, IELTS, or equivalent language certificate)
8. Experience in the use of (qualitative and quantitative) participatory research methods
9. Familiarity with concepts and approaches of sustainability science (., ecosystem services, cultural landscapes, social-ecological systems) and land-use sciences
10. Demonstrated ability to work cohesively in an interdisciplinary team environment
11. First experiences with scientific writing and publishing
For further information refer to the project website or contact Prof. Tobias Plieninger, University of Kassel, Email: plieninger(at).
In the event of any differences between the German and English versions of this call for application, the German wording is legally binding.
Our Offer:
As an employee of the University of Kassel
12. you will be offered an interesting and diverse range of tasks within the framework of a modern and ambitious university,
13. you will be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere,
14. you will have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures,
15. 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:
16. an additional company pension (VBL),
17. an optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including childcare for emergencies),
18. an annual bonus
19. an entitlement to capital-accumulation benefits,
20. a promotion of voluntary commitment,
21. low-cost participation in university sports and a full range of fitness activities as part of Unifit, as well as workplace health management
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In exceptional cases, we will also accept your application documents in paper form addressed to: The President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany, or via mail to
Information and FAQ about applying for a job offer:
The University of Kassel is very interested in the professional satisfaction of its employees. It is distinguished as a family-friendly university and, in the interests of equal opportunities, strives to offer everyone the same opportunities for development and to counteract existing disadvantages. It promotes the Family Welcome Service and also the Dual Career Service for positions that are scientifically and academically filled. One of the strategic goals of the University of Kassel is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Seriously handicapped and equivalent applicants are given preference if they have the same suitability, qualifications and professional performance. Full-time positions are generally divisible (except when filling civil servant positions). Applications indicating the Position Number, which may be in digital form, should be sent to the President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany quoting the applicable reference number.