Tenure Track Scientist (m/f/div) in Regional Scale Cropping System Analysis

Location: Müncheberg, Germany

The mission of the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) as a nationally and internationally active research institute is to deliver solutions for an ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable agriculture – together with society. ZALF aims for excellent and integrated research with societal impact. The institute is a member of the Leibniz Association and is located in Müncheberg (approx. 35 minutes by regional train from Berlin-Lichtenberg). It also maintains research stations in Dedelow and Paulinenaue.

With its Tenure Track System, ZALF aims to recruit excellent scientists with essential expertise by providing a guaranteed transitioning to a permanent contract subject to successful evaluation.

The position will be in Research Area 3: Agricultural Landscape Systems Research Area in the Integrated Crop Systems Analysis working group. The interdisciplinary working group has a thematic focus on climate risk management and assessment. They use a range of methods including process-based and statistical crop modeling, as well as integration with bio-economic and environmental analyses.

We are offering at our location in Müncheberg a full-time position as

Tenure Track Scientist (m/f/div) in Regional Scale Cropping System Analysis Reference No. T02-2026

Call description

This Classic Tenure Track Call invites applications from scientists studying cropping systems at aggregate (district, landscape) scales. While current approaches to regional scale crop modeling use aggregate data applied to field scale models, the aim of this position is to advance concepts for understanding agroecosystem performance at landscape and regional scales considering environmental, social, economic, and policy drivers as well as landscape composition and configuration. The position aims to derive insights into determinants of regional scale cropping system performance as well as to support policy impact assessments around more sustainable agricultural systems.

The successful candidate is expected to:

• identify determinants of cropping systems at aggregate scales using a combination of empirical and process-based modeling approaches
• contribute to concepts for scaling between field and regional levels for cropping system processes and economic, social, environmental, and biodiversity indicators
• develop approaches suitable at regional to global scales for projections of agricultural system performance for use in impact assessments

The call is addressed to dynamic and motivated, preferably early career, researchers holding a PhD in agriculture, environmental science, agricultural economics, or a similar field with a strong interest in supporting more sustainable and equitable cropping systems. They will have very good quantitative skills and expertise in either statistical or process-based modeling, with good familiarity with the other. Previous experience quantifying cropping system performance at aggregate scale is required. Experience conducting integrated (e.g., production, environment, pest / diseases and/or socio-economic) impact assessments and cross-scale studies would be an asset. Candidates must have demonstrated their capacity to independently carry out research, including an excellent publication record, successfully acquired competitive third-party funding, and visibility in their respective field of research.

We offer

The successful candidate will receive a Regular Tenure Track position (2 x 3 years) with transition to a permanent position, subject to successful evaluations (midterm and final tenure evaluation). If candidates are not legally eligible for two consecutive fixed-term contracts (according to German academic employment law – WissZeitVG), a Fast Tenure Track (1 x 3 years) may be negotiated if the required scientific achievements are fulfilled.

Further:

• Full-time contract, with part-time option to allow for the reconciliation of family and career
• Salary will follow the guidelines for public employees according to the German TV-L, E 13
• Individual options for career support, such as a mentoring tandem, courses and trainings, as well as variable options to access scientific resources
• An interdisciplinary working environment that encourages independence and self-reliance
• A collegial and open-minded working atmosphere in a dynamic research institution
• Relocation within commuting distance of ZALF is welcome; remote working is permitted up to 40% per month
• Company ticket for public transport

Application and candidate selection

ZALF is an equal opportunities employer (audit berufundfamilie® certificate) and specifically encourages female scientists to apply. Applications of disabled applicants with equal qualifications will be favored.

All applications require the following documents: 1) application letter, 2) summary of future research (two pages), 3) list of peer-reviewed publications, 4) list of acquired third-party funding, 5) certificates and proof of qualifications, and 6) two standardized letters of recommendation of scientists who are familiar with the candidate’s research accomplishments and academic credentials (template available at Reference Letter).

Specifications to all documents are available at the ZALF website (www.zalf.de/en/karriere/tenure-track) and within the ZALF Tenure Track Guideline.

Candidate selection is based on scientific achievements, strategic aspects, and personal suitability. Details on criteria, minimum requirements, and evaluation processes can be obtained from the ZALF Tenure Track System guideline, which is an official annex to this call: Tenure Track Guideline. Please send your application preferably online. For e-mail application, create a single PDF file and send it to tenuretrack@zalf.de stating the reference number T02-2026.

The deadline for applications is 12 April 2026.

If you have any questions regarding the research profile of this position, please contact Prof. Dr. Heidi Webber (phone +49 (0) 33432 82-271; webber@zalf.de). For questions regarding the Tenure Track System, please contact Dr. Susanne Kramer (phone +49 (0) 33432 82-221; susanne.kramer@zalf.de).