PhD position: "Influence of forest harvesting intensity on species and structural diversity of forests"

 The Chair of Silviculture, University of Freiburg, offers a PhD position to carry out research on 

 

 

within the graduate program BBW-ForWerts", http://bbwforwerts.cos.uni-heidelberg.de/gradprog.php.

 

 

The position is anticipated to start in October 2014 and can be filled for three and a half years. Payment is subjected to the German standard tariff (up to 65% TVL13). 

The use of forest biomass to support a bio-based economy may result in a higher extraction of wood from forests. There is concern that increased forest harvesting may impact negatively on forest biodiversity. Therefore this project aims to analyse the relationship between forest harvesting intensity and structural and species diversity of forests on the basis of inventory data. In a first step, independent variables to quantify harvesting intensity and dependent variables for forest structural diversity will be developed. Then the quality and ecological relevance of the structural diversity index, which is developed from forest inventory data, will be calibrated against data from intensive forest biodiversity inventories containing information on the relationships between forest structural attributes and species richness and diversity of a large number of taxonomic groups. In a third step, the forest inventory data for the state of Baden-Württemberg will be analysed for the relationships between harvesting intensity and changes in structural diversity. Based on this analysis, recommendations may be developed for appropriate harvesting intensities and for the maintenance of structural diversity in different types of forests. 

The successful candidate is expected to work on the analysis of large forest inventory data sets (BWI3) in order to describe the impact of harvesting intensity on structural and species diversity. Therefore applicants should have excellent quantitative skills to analyse large data sets; good understanding of forest inventories, background in forest ecology and biodiversity. Proficiency in English (writing/speaking) is indispensable. Beside multivariate statistics candidates should be interested in interdisciplinary research.

 

The University of Freiburg intends to increase the number of female academic staff members and therefore specifically invites applications by women. Among equally qualified applicants women will receive preferential consideration. Disabled persons with equal qualifications will be preferably employed.

 

For application please follow the instruction given at the following webpage: http://bbwforwerts.cos.uni-heidelberg.de

 

Further information will be provided by Prof. Dr. J. Bauhus (Tel. +49 761-2033678, Email: juergen.bauhus@waldbau.uni-freiburg.de) or Dr. P. Pyttel (Tel. +49 761-2033679, Email: patrick.pyttel@waldbau.uni-freiburg.de).