Scientific Programmer (m/f/d) in the Future Forests Cluster of Excellence

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

We are looking for a scientific programmer to support modeling activities in the Future Forests Cluster of Excellence at the University of Freiburg. You will be part of the Socio-Ecological Systems Modeling Lab.

Scientific Programmer (m/f/d) in the Future Forests Cluster of Excellence

Application deadline: 3. December 2025
Publication date: 5. November 2025
Start-date: 1. March 2026
Scope of work: Full-time position
Id no.: 00004631

The Future Forests Cluster of Excellence is an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to issues of adaptation and transformation of forests and their social use in the context of global change. Future-oriented research on the complex interactions between forests and society is generously funded here by the German federal and state governments' Excellence Initiative. Future Forests brings together more than 50 scientists from four faculties and non-university partner institutions.

Your responsibilities
You will play an important role in the Cluster of Excellence by making a significant contribution to the integration of process models for all components of the forest system and by helping to shape research in this area. Your responsibilities will include:

• Programming interfaces between models and between models and measurement data (in cooperation with the Research Data Management team)
• Supporting researchers in the cluster with (efficient) model application, model parameterization, and model integration
• Developing workflows for the preprocessing of model input data and for the postprocessing of model results
• Code optimization (e.g., C++, Python, R)
• Contributing to scientific publications
• Setting up IT infrastructure
• Monitoring and reporting
• Close communication with researchers in the cluster and within the Socio-Ecological Systems Modeling Lab

Your profile
We are looking for an open-minded and helpful person who is seeking a new challenge and is characterized by commitment and team spirit. You also have:

• A successfully completed university degree in environmental sciences, engineering, applied computer science, or a related field
• A fundamental understanding of socio-ecological systems and an interest in interdisciplinary research
• Practical experience in scientific programming and data processing, including experience with Python and/or C++, and with the use of HPC clusters
• Structured, independent, and service-oriented approach to work
• Excellent spoken and written English skills; additional German skills are an advantage
• Commitment, ability to work in a team and independent, as well as a high degree of trustworthiness and reliability

What we offer
Look forward to an interesting and varied role in a dynamic, international team and become part of the new Future Forests Cluster of Excellence. We offer you:

• A central, responsible position in a leading research network with high international visibility
• The opportunity to actively shape the modeling of the forest system in an innovative research center and to contribute to relevant publications
• A collegial, committed, and interdisciplinary team with room for your own ideas
• Flexible working time models and offers to help you balance family and career
• Support for continuing education and training measures
• Multi-year employment with remuneration in accordance with TV-L up to pay grade E13

The University of Freiburg is committed to the principles of equality and diversity. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation.

The position is limited to 31. December 2032.

Application
Please send your application (cover letter, resume, transcripts, proof of programming skills) in a single PDF file, quoting reference number 00004631, by December 03, 2025, preferred via the Application-Portal of the University or in written form.

Herderbau
Professur für Biogeochemische Systemmodellierung
Tennenbacherstr. 4
79106 Freiburg

Online „Apply now“

For further information, please contact PD Dr. Carsten Dormann on the phone number +49 761 203-3750 or E-Mail carsten.dormann@biom.uni-freiburg.de.

We look forward to receiving your application!

General and legal remarks

Full-time positions may generally be split up into two or more part-time positions, provided that there are no formal or legal barriers. Candidates are selected in accordance with the provisions of the AGG (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz - German General Equal Treatment Act).
Applicants with disabilities (Schwerbehinderte Menschen) will be given preferential consideration in case of equal qualification.
The department offering the position is liable for the content of this job posting. Textual errors do not constitute a basis for any claims or rights. The relevant human resources department has sole responsibility for all legal transactions made within the context of the selection and hiring process.
Please note that breaches in privacy and unauthorized access by third parties cannot be excluded in communication by unencrypted email.