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 at the Institute subject to approval by the funding organization from October 1, 2025, for a fixed term of three years, in the program area "Next-Generation Horticultural Systems" (HORTSYS), in the research group "Open Field Horticultural Systems" within the EU-HORIZON project NitroScope - "Scoping European N-fluxes for sustainable N-management and conservation practices":

Reference number: 18/2025/4

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 at Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau in close cooperation/mentoring with Prof. Dr. Herman Jungkunst and other institutions across Europe, e.g., Ghent University, Belgium or Agroscope, Switzerland.

The NitroScope project aims to develop systemic solutions to quantify and manage nitrogen (N) fluxes across Europe, from local fields to the continental scale. Its goals include reducing N losses, particularly from nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions by extensive site monitoring testing conservation practices like variable-rate fertilization, and engaging land managers through farm-based tools and a revised European nitrogen budget.

Tasks include

• application of process-based models (e.g., CANDY, DayCent, LDNDC, Daisy) to model within-field N-fluxes (e.g., N2O-losses, NO3-leaching, N-mineralization)
• support model parametrization, estimate N-mineralization rates from soil organic matter content and other N-balance components
• support monitoring, reporting and verification of greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation efforts
• support reduction in model uncertainties associated with the estimates of the full N budget at the European continental scale and improve knowledge on the mechanisms governing N translocation
• publication and presentation of research results in peer-reviewed journals and at national and international conferences

We are looking for candidates with

• a master’s degree in agricultural sciences, geography, environmental sciences, agro-/geo-/landscape-ecology, soil science or a related field
• advanced understanding of the mechanisms governing N translocation from soil to crop, including gaseous emissions and subsurface leaching into groundwater within agricultural systems
• experience in statistical analysis of research results or willingness to acquire such as well as to complete a PhD degree
• self-motivated, independent and responsible working style and high organizational skills
• willingness to conduct a research stay for several month at another institute in Germany or Europe
• fluent in the English language, good communication skills
• good scientific writing skills in the English language and willingness to integrate into an international working environment

We offer

• an attractive workplace at a modern research institute for horticultural sciences
• a pleasant and respectful working atmosphere
• integration into a successful and committed team in an international environment and network
• flexible and family-friendly working time models and the possibility of mobile working (up to 50% of working time)
• a place of employment located close to Berlin and Potsdam
• subsidy for the company ticket for local public transport or for the Germany ticket

More information on about the IGZ you can find under www.igzev.de. For questions, please contact: Dr. Eric Bönecke (+49(0)33701 78 223, boenecke@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 complete application (stating the reference number and including a motivation letter, your CV, academic certificates, and the names and addresses of two references incl. your earliest possible starting date) by email to bewerbung@igzev.de in pdf format by August, 7, 2025.