PhD-Student*in (f,m,div) im Bereich der biologischen Gemüseproduktion

18.12.2024

PhD student (f,m,div) in the field of organic vegetable production

Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), Großbeeren

With its work, the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) contributes to a better understanding of plant systems and thus to the development of sustainable and resilient horticulture. The IGZ conducts research at the interface between plants, humans and the environment. In doing so, we address systemic and global challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, urbanization and malnutrition. We provide scientifically sound recommendations for healthy agri-food systems and sustainable interactions with the environment. The IGZ brings together a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. Employees with different backgrounds conduct research in national and international research co-operations. The IGZ is based in Großbeeren near Potsdam and near Berlin and is a member of the Leibniz Association.

The following position is available as soon as possible, limited until June 30, 2028, within an ILB-funded project “ökoZuG-BB: Sustainable organic horticultural systems in Brandenburg”

PhD student (f,m,div)

in the field of organic vegetable production

Reference number: 01/2025/4

The salary will be based on qualification and research experience according to the wage agreement TV-L, up to pay scale 13, 65% of the regular working time. The conferral of a doctorate is possible.

The position is integrated in the Junior Research Group “Organic Cultivation Systems” in the programme area “Horticultural Systems of the Future” (HORTSYS). The aim of the research project “ökoZuG-BB” is to develop and implement innovative, sustainable and resilient organic vegetable production systems that meet the specific climatic challenges of the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region. A systemic approach is used to consider the factors of fertilization, irrigation, plant protection and weed control.

Tasks include

• identification of potential plant species and varieties for sustainable production systems
• testing of different vegetable cropping systems with different fertilization and irrigation
• collaboration in the further development and testing of robotics for weed control
• planning and execution of scientific field trials in organic vegetable production
• evaluation and publication of the results in international journals
• presentation of the project and the results at national and international conferences

We are looking for candidates with

• a master degree in horticulture, agricultural sciences, biology, environmental protection or a related field
• in-depth knowledge of plant production and/or plant nutrition
• experience in the statistical analysis of research results or willingness to acquire such
• very good knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• very good knowledge of written and spoken English and good knowledge of German or willingness to reach level B1 within the first year
• class B driver's license or willingness to obtain one within the first year
• self-motivated, independent and responsible work ethic and strong organizational skills
• ability to work in a team and willingness to integrate into an international work environment

We offer

• an inspiring and dynamic research environment, including state-of-the art research facilities
• a committed and competent team
• excellent further training opportunities
• flexible and family-friendly working time models and the possibility of mobile working (up to 50% of working time)
• VBL Ost company pension scheme for public sector employees, as well as a collectively agreed annual bonus and 30 days' vacation per year
• subsidy for a company ticket for public transport or the Deutschlandticket (Germany ticket)

More information on about the IGZ you can find under www.igzev.de. For questions, please contact: Sophie Stein (+49 (0)33701 78 229; stein(at)igzev.de).

We encourage a healthy work-life balance. The IGZ attaches great importance to equal opportunities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualifications. The IGZ embraces diversity in its workforce, and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, world view, disability and belief or ethnic origin.

Please send your application including a motivation letter, your CV, copies of academic certificates, and the names and addresses of two references incl. your earliest possible starting date by email to bewerbung(at)igzev.de in pdf format by January 13, 2025. Our postal address is: Personalbüro, Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1, D-14979 Großbeeren.