Project Manager (m/f/d/x)

Uni Freiburg; Freiburg im Breisgau; Remote; EUR 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Freiburg invites applications for a Project Manager (m/f/d/x) to support scientific coordination and administrative management of the second phase of the DFG Research Unit MultiTroph. You will work with German and Chinese partners to ensure effective communication, coordination and implementation of project activities, with funding approval contingent on project finances.

A PhD in biology, ecology or environmental sciences is highly desirable; Master’s degree considered.

Qualifications

• PhD in biology, ecology, environmental sciences is highly desirable; Master’s degree also considered.
• Experience in planning and conducting ecological experiments, preferably ant suppression experiments or forest ecosystem studies.
• Experience in project management, research coordination, and administration in an academic environment.
• Willingness and flexibility to spend extended periods in China to oversee and ensure implementation of experiments.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of German or Chinese is an advantage.
• Interest in biodiversity research and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Scientific project coordination: coordinate participating research groups and subprojects; monitor progress.
• Lead the setup of the ant suppression experiment at BEF-China site.
• Coordinate administrative processes, budgeting and reporting for the funding agency.
• Serve as central contact point and facilitate communication among institutions and international collaborators.
• Organize project meetings and workshops; prepare agendas and follow-ups.
• Support scientific communication and dissemination of results via presentations, reports, and online channels.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication and networking

Fluent English

Willingness to travel

Education

PhD in biology/ecology/environmental sciences

Master's degree in a related field

Job description

The Chair of Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology is looking for a motivated and well-organized Project Manager (m/f/d) to support the scientific coordination and administrative management of the second phase of the DFG Research Unit MultiTroph. Project Manager (m/f/d/x)

• Start-date: 1. February 2027
• Scope of work: Full-time position
• Id no.: 00005251

Description

Using the Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functioning China (BEF-China) research platform, MultiTroph (Multi-trophic interactions in a forest biodiversity experiment in China) brings together a group of researchers from several German and Chinese partner institutions who investigate how tree diversity influences ecological interactions, food webs, and ecosystem functioning across multiple trophic levels.

The successful candidate will be based at the University of Freiburg and work closely with the project leader, participating principal investigators, PhD candidates, and Chinese partners to ensure effective communication, coordination, and implementation of project activities. The appointment is subject to the final approval of project funding by the funding agency.

Your responsibilities

• Scientific project coordination: Support the coordination of the participating research groups and subprojects, facilitate collaboration, monitor progress, and coordinate fieldwork activities in China in close collaboration with local partners.
• Ant suppression experiment: Lead the setup of a large-scale ant suppression experiment at the BEF-China site.
• Project administration and reporting: Coordinate administrative processes, maintain project documentation, monitor budgets, and support the preparation of reports for the funding agency.
• Communication and networking: Serve as a central contact point for project members and facilitate communication between participating institutions and international collaborators.
• Meetings and events: Organize and coordinate project meetings and workshops, including the preparation of agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions.
• Project visibility and dissemination: Support scientific communication, the preparation of presentations and reports, and the dissemination of project results via social media, the project website and other communication channels.

Your profile

• A PhD in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a related field is highly desirable. Applicants holding a Master's degree in a relevant field will also be considered.
• Experience in planning and conducting ecological experiments, preferably ant suppression experiments or experiments in forest ecosystems.
• Experience in project management, research coordination, and administration, preferably in an academic environment.
• Willingness and flexibility to spend extended periods in China to oversee and ensure the successful implementation of the ant suppression experiment at the BEF-China site.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, reliability, and a strong sense of responsibility.
• Excellent written and spoken English. Knowledge of German or Chinese is an advantage.
• An interest in biodiversity research, ecology, and multi-disciplinary scientific collaboration.

We offer

• An opportunity to contribute to a multi-disciplinary Research Unit addressing fundamental questions in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
• A varied and responsible position at the interface of scientific research, project coordination, and administration.
• A collaborative working environment with researchers from different German and Chinese institutions.

We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative working environment.

The position is limited to 31. January 2031. The salary will be determined in accordance with 13 TV-L.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.

Join the University of Freiburg, one of the most prestigious and research-intensive universities in Germany, offering a unique diversity and interplay of disciplines and perspectives in one of the most popular cities in the heart of Europe.