"Tenure Track Scientist (m/f/div) on “Global-local interactions in agriculture systems”"

Tenure Track Scientist (m/f/div) on “Global-Local Interactions in Agriculture Systems” Reference No. T01-2026

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.

As part of Research Area 3: Agricultural Landscape Systems, it is intended that a new agricultural economics modelling working group will be established focusing on the interplay between global forces and local agricultural systems sustainability. To eventually lead this new group, we are offering at our location in Müncheberg a full-time position as

Call description

This Classic Tenure Track Call invites modellers working at the interface between global forces affecting agriculture (e.g., markets and trade, climate change, food security) and local farming systems and agricultural landscapes. In this new position, we are looking for a candidate who can bridge between the global agricultural economics modelling community and researchers addressing sustainability and equity issues in agricultural production at local scales. The position is associated with the prospect of establishing and leading the new working group.

The successful candidate will:

• study the interactions between landscape level processes and national and global drivers (including markets, trade, policies, and system shocks) to better understand feedbacks and implications for local sustainability of climate change, biodiversity, and food security
• contribute to advance cross-scale modelling approaches integrating economic, ecological, and social dimensions
• assess market, technological, governance, and policy developments and scenarios to support more sustainable agricultural landscapes
• foster strong collaboration with external global agricultural economics modellers as well as cooperate with a range of ZALF scientists across disciplines

The call is addressed to dynamic and highly motivated researchers with an interest in bridging economic modelling and sustainability research for real world impact. They have a PhD, ideally in agricultural or environmental economics or a similar field, and an excellent track record in agricultural system modelling. Bio-economic modelling skills are required, preferably with experience with integrated impact assessment models (either PE, CGE, or similar modelling approaches). Previous experience assessing value chains, ecosystem services, or cross-scale interactions 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. Leading of the working group is envisaged during the tenure phase.

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 up to E 14 (in case of the WG lead)
• 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 T01-2026.

The deadline for applications is 23 March 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).