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The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a PhD position on epistemic authority and disputes (EpistAD).

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a PhD position in the project.

Dynamics in epistemic authority and epistemic disputes under conditions of deep uncertainty and fundamental ambiguity (EpistAD)

Future Forests is an interdisciplinary research centre addressing the adaptation and transformation of forests and their societal use in times of global change. The Cluster of Excellence is funded by the German Research Foundation and brings together over 50 scientists from four departments and external partner institutions. More information at: uni-freiburg.de/futureforests-en

The project EpistAD investigates how scientific evidence and epistemic authority are negotiated in radically changing, non‑analogue social‑ecological forest systems. The overarching goal of the project is to develop a critical, social‑science‑based understanding of the credibility, justification and translation of knowledge under conditions of deep uncertainty and fundamental ambiguity, thereby contributing to a more actionable but also better reflected form of evidence‑based forest management and governance.

• Conceptual work – Develop an analytical framework that within the broader canon of Science & Technology Studies theorises epistemic authority in novel (forest) social‑ecological systems;
• Literature synthesis – Conduct a focused state‑of‑the‑literature review and meta‑analyses of existing knowledge‑production practices in the Future Forests research areas;
• Case‑study design – Identify, select and characterise 3–5 purposively sampled forest‑related case studies that illustrate epistemic tensions in policy and practice;
• Empirical fieldwork – Carry out mixed‑methods data collection in the selected case sites;
• Comparative analysis – Apply the analytical framework to compare case‑study findings, draw out patterns of epistemic dispute, and generate theory‑building insights;
• Integration & dissemination – Feed results back into the broader Future Forests programme, co‑design interdisciplinary workshops, and produce scholarly articles, policy briefs and a final PhD thesis.

• Academic background – Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Science & Technology Studies, Sociology, Political Science, Human Geography, Anthropology or a closely related field;
• Mixed‑methods research skills – Proven experience with interview techniques, participant observation, discourse or frame analysis, and artifact/document analysis;
• Theoretical literacy – Familiarity with relevant theories and concepts apt for the exploration of epistemic authority and dynamics;
• Interdisciplinary orientation – Ability to work across natural‑science and social‑science domains; openness to co‑design with natural science researchers;
• Analytical thinking – Capacity to develop and apply conceptual frameworks, conduct comparative case analysis, and synthesize complex, heterogeneous findings;
• Project management – Organisational skills for handling fieldwork logistics, data management, and coordination within the Future Forests consortium;
• Communication – Strong academic writing in English; German language skills are advantageous for fieldwork in German‑speaking regions; ability to present findings to both scientific and policy audiences, including preparation of policy‑relevant briefs.

• An exciting interdisciplinary environment within a newly established Cluster of Excellence;
• Structured support and supervision for your scientific and career development;
• A diverse, collaborative, and inclusive research community;
• Opportunities for further education, attendance at conferences, and professional networking;
• Flexible working hours and support for balancing work and private life;
• Salary according to TV‑L E13;
• An individually allocated budget for project‑related expenses and career development opportunities.

For your application, please provide the following documents:

• Cover letter outlining what motivates you about the advertised position/research area and what previous experience qualifies you for the position (up to 1,500 words)
• Curriculum Vitae with list of publications (if applicable)
• Certified copies of your university degree(s) with grades (BA and MA certificate / Diploma certificate and transcript)
• Short summary of your master’s thesis (up to 1,000 words)
• Suggestion of two referees with contact details

The position is part‑time (75 %) with a fixed‑term until September 2029 (3.5 years). The salary will be determined in accordance with TV‑L E13.

Please send your application in English including the supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004698, by 20 January 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Chair of Sustainability Governance c/o Prof. Dr. Michael Pregernig Tennenbacher Str. 47 106 Freiburg Germany

Applications in electronic form (PDF files) are strongly preferred.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Michael Pregernig on the phone number +49 761 203-3708 or E‑Mail michael.pregernig@envgov.uni-freiburg.de.