Research Scientist in Provenance Research and Forest Tree Breeding (f/m/d)
The Institute of Forest Genetics of the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, is seeking to fill a full-time position (currently 39 hours per week) as a Research Scientist in Provenance Research and Forest Tree Breeding (f/m/d) at its Großhansdorf location, starting as soon as possible.
The position combines long-term employment prospects with opportunities for scientific development: 50% of the position is permanent and involves the management and further development of forest genetic field trials, as well as data analysis and data management. The remaining 50% is offered on a fixed-term basis for up to four years and is dedicated to scientific qualification, providing opportunities for independent research, externally funded projects, policy advice, and knowledge transfer.
Our research group has a clear mission: to conserve genetic diversity, maintain the growth performance and stress tolerance of broadleaved and coniferous trees, and identify climate-adapted provenances, thereby making an important contribution to securing the future of Germany's forests.
At the Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics, we maintain a nationwide network of field trials to assess genetic and phenotypic variation within native and non-native tree species and evaluate the suitability of different provenances under varying site conditions. Our research focuses on adaptive capacity and phenotypic plasticity under current and future climatic conditions. Breeding programmes for selected tree species aim to increase biomass production and the yield of high-quality timber while maintaining wood quality, vitality, and disease resistance. State-of-the-art phenotyping and genomic technologies enable the targeted selection of traits that enhance the economic viability and sustainability of forest management.
The position is partly intended to support the successful candidate's scientific qualification and offers, among other opportunities, the possibility of pursuing a PhD. The Thünen Institute collaborates with several universities for this purpose. The fixed-term component of the employment contract is governed by the maximum permissible duration under Section 2(1) of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG).
Employment is governed by the Collective Agreement for the German Federal Public Service (TVöD Bund). Subject to meeting the relevant collective agreement and personal requirements, remuneration will be based on pay grade E13 TVöD Bund, corresponding to an annual gross salary of €62,489.15 to €89,579.84 for full-time employment.
Your tasks:Your tasks:
Your Responsibilities within the Permanent Component of the Position
- Design, planning, and coordination of forest genetic field trials, particularly provenance trials and progeny tests
- Management of the nationwide network of experimental sites and coordination of field assessments and data collection
- Identification and acquisition of suitable experimental sites, including technical coordination and preparation of land-use agreements
- Statistical analysis of forest genetic trial data, as well as maintenance and further development of the field trial database
Opportunities for Scientific Qualification and Career Development
- Scientific assessment of technical enquiries from federal ministries and preparation of expert opinions and policy advice for the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH)
- Preparation of scientific publications and practice-oriented articles
- Development of research concepts, preparation of third-party funding proposals, and leadership of successfully funded research projects
- Participation in national and international expert committees and research networks
- Opportunity to pursue a PhD through independent scientific research
Your profilYour profil
Your Professional Qualifications
- Successfully completed university degree (German university diploma or Master's degree) in forestry, plant breeding, or a related discipline; a completed PhD or the intention to pursue a doctoral degree as a scientific qualification objective is required
- Research experience, ideally in provenance research, forest tree breeding, or the breeding of other perennial plants
- Practical forestry experience and knowledge of the relevant legal framework (e.g., Forstvermehrungsgutgesetz FoVG), are advantageous
- Sound knowledge of quantitative genetics
- Proficiency in statistical analysis tools (e.g. R, SAS, Python)
- Experience in working with climate data and species distribution models would be a valuable asset
- Experience with externally funded research projects, ideally including proposal preparation, budgeting, and project scheduling, is desirable
- Fluent German and very good English communication skills (C2), both written and spoken
Your Personal Profile
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent scientific research (please include an up-to-date list of publications)
- Strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills, combined with a high degree of creativity and problem-solving ability
- Independent, structured, and results-oriented approach to work
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex scientific findings clearly to different audiences
- Flexibility and willingness to undertake fieldwork
- Valid driving licence (at least category B) and willingness to drive a company vehicles
- Willingness to undertake multi-day business trips within Germany and internationally
Our offerOur offer
- Responsibility and a sense of purpose: responsible work in a dedicated team, involvement in a dynamic, interdisciplinary research institute and proximity to current policy and practice-relevant topics
- Flexibility and work-life balance: flexible working time models, fundamental possibility of part-time employment as well as mobile working and teleworking, certified employer berufundfamilie audit with a wide range of offers for reconciling work and life phases
- Prospects: further training opportunities for the area of responsibility and individual development
- Benefits: employment based on collective agreements with attractive social benefits (e.g. company pension scheme, one-off annual payment, capital-forming benefits)
- Health: company health management and preventative healthcare programmes
- Mobility: JobTicket, public transport connections, free parking spaces and the option of using e-charging stations
The Thünen Institute promotes professional equality for women and men and therefore expressly welcomes applications from women.
We live a diverse and cosmopolitan coexistence. The Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute is committed to inclusion. Applications from people with severe disabilities are therefore expressly encouraged. They will be given preferential consideration in the selection process. Please enclose proof of severe disability or equal status with your application.
Dr. Bern Degen (bernd.degen@thuenen.de) is available to answer technical questions.
If you have an international degree, please also enclose a certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) with your application. If you do not yet have a certificate evaluation, you must apply for one if your application is successful. You can find further information at https://zab.kmk.org/de/zeugnisbewertung
We are looking forward to receiving your application by December 10, 2026.
