04 Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of Freiburg, Germany

The aim of the project “Potential analysis of satellite-based surface temperature monitoring and in-depth investigation of the application to the topic of urban heat islands” is to build on a basic potential analysis of high-resolution land surface temperature data and to investigate scientifically in greater depth how these data can be used to track structural changes in an urban context with regard to their influence on temperatures in the city, in particular also accumulated in interaction with other data sources. In addition, the planned use of the data should enable comprehensive validation and modification of simulation methods for predicting urban temperature fields.  

The successful applicant will be involved in the DFG-funded Emmy Noether project on “Phenology of tropical tree species – environmental cues, molecular mechanisms, and consequences for plant-animal interactions”. The project focuses on identifying climatic cues that trigger phenological transitions in four neotropical tree species. We collect phenological data with a camera system and link this information to high-resolution climatic data. Moreover, we study how pollination and the resulting gene flow are influenced by the timing and degree of synchrony within tree populations. Data collection in Southern Ecuador at the Estación Científica San Francisco and in a dry forest site at Reserva Ecológica Arenillas takes place since 2022 until the end of 2024. We are now looking for a postdoctoral researcher who will work with the two Ph.D. students in the field and lab, co-supervise BSc and MSc students, and carry out his/her own investigations in the framework of this project, specifically concerning plant-animal interactions. Also, we are currently establishing a Citizen Science project on the phenology of tropical species in Ecuador which should be coordinated together with our Ecuadorian partner institutions.

We are looking for a person to join our research team in the field of energy system analysis, especially power grid modelling and market-based coordination of electricity consumption and generation in the distribution grids. The candidate contributes to an ongoing collaborative research project. In this context, conducting a Ph.D. project is possible and explicitly desired. A special feature of the position is the integration into the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems with simultaneous employment and scientific supervision at the University of Freiburg, at INATECH. Both institutes are located in close proximity. Teaching support at the university is possible if interested. A completed Master’s degree, preferably in electrical engineering or power engineering or a related engineering subject is required; other technical backgrounds are possible with existing experience in power system modeling. Strong analytical skills, programming skills (preferably in Python), enjoyment of scientific work, and a good command of English are also expected. In addition, initiative, sense of responsibility, flexibility, and initial experience in power system modeling are desired.

The project A future without forests? Future-Making, Environmental Change and Socio-Economic Transformation Processes in East Kalimantan, Indonesia examines the different and sometimes contradictory visions of the future that underlie current changes in forest use in Indonesia and drive them in different directions. A key influencing factor in shaping the future of East Kalimantan has emerged during the first phase of the project as the Indonesian government’s decision to move its seat of government from Jakarta to East Kalimantan. Therefore, the new capital city and its dynamics on current processes of future making in East Kalimantan will be the focus of the second project phase.