Tenant Track Scientist as Working Group Head (m/f/div) on “Co-Developed Nature-Based Solutions in Wine-Growing Landscapes”

The Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) is offering a full-time position as Tenure Track Scientist as Working Group Head on “Co-Developed Nature-Based Solutions in Wine-Growing Landscapes” at the IAT campus in Geisenheim.

Call Description

This position focuses on transdisciplinary research for co-developing wine-growing landscapes. Research centers on integrative, multifunctional strategies for agroecological and nature-based solutions for climate protection and adaptation to cope with extreme weather events and improve landscape functions and ecosystem services. It addresses the future evolution of vineyard landscapes, prioritizing sustainable landscape water management in areas with different geoecological characteristics. The research follows a co-design approach considering knowledge, expertise, and demands of various stakeholders within living labs, linking with the five IAT living labs and research groups at ZALF and Hochschule Geisenheim University.

Key areas include:

• Quantification of multiple impacts of climate change on wine-growing landscapes, landscape functions, and ecosystem services
• Quantitative numerical approaches to assess landscape functions and ecosystem services, such as water retention, soil erosion control, or carbon sequestration and their sensitivity to climate change
• Co-development of nature-based solutions to strengthen landscape multifunctionality and especially landscape water balance
• Active cooperations with other working groups in the five IAT living labs and with research groups at Hochschule Geisenheim University and ZALF
• Establishing and leading this new working group
• Acquisition of third-party funding and supervision of early career researchers

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a PhD in agricultural sciences, landscape or spatial planning, geography, hydrology, or related areas. Significant experience in transdisciplinary research in agricultural landscapes with a focus on landscape water management is required. Basic German language skills and a willingness to improve are necessary. Preliminary experience in scientific leadership, an excellent publication record, successfully acquired competitive third-party funding, and visibility in the field are expected.

We Offer

The position includes opportunities to contribute to the design and establishment of the new IAT and join an interdisciplinary research team. It is a Regular Tenure Track position (2 x 3 years) with potential transition to a permanent position based on successful evaluations. Options include full-time or part-time contracts, salary up to TV-L E14, career support, a transdisciplinary environment, service groups, network access, and relocation support. The place of work is at the IAT campus near Hochschule Geisenheim University in Hesse, Germany.

Application and Candidate Selection

Applications must follow ZALF guidelines and include standardized letters of recommendation. ZALF is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from female scientists and disabled applicants. Candidate selection is based on scientific achievements, strategic aspects, and personal suitability. Details are in the ZALF Tenure Track System guideline.