Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg

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 is a member of the Leibniz Association and is located in Müncheberg (approx. 35 minutes by regional train from Berlin-Lichtenberg). The institute also maintains locations in Dedelow and Paulinenaue.

Within the DFG-funded project "MEGAFORP – Mechanisms of gene flow among spatially isolated forest herb populations in European agricultural landscapes”, we want to study how the landscape structure determines the gene flow among small forest fragments that are imbedded within a matrix of agricultural land. We will use population genetic and landscape ecological methods to investigate whether gene flow occurs primarily via bumblebee-mediated pollen dispersal or via animal-mediated seed dispersal. Together with partners from France, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, and Poland, we will be able to include various agricultural landscapes and different gradients of landscape structure. Genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from both the nuclear and chloroplast genome will allow us to quantify both contemporary and past gene flow.

We are offering a 65% position over 36 months, starting preferably on March 1, 2026, at our location in Müncheberg as

Your tasks:

• Conducting field work in two regions (NE Germany and NW Germany)
• Coordination of field work with European partners
• Molecular lab work (DNA extraction, DNA quality check)
• Bioinformatic processing and analysis of next-generation sequencing data
• GIS-based landscape analysis
• Statistical modelling of the relationship between genetic measures and landscape metrics
• Preparation of manuscripts for publication

Your qualifications:

• M. Sc. in Biology, Landscape Ecology, or a related field
• Experience with molecular lab work
• Command-line experiences (favorable using Linux OS)
• Desirable: experiences in sequence bioinformatics and working with NGS data
• Basic skills in GIS (ArcGIS Pro or QGIS)
• Sound skills in statistical data analysis (R)
• Excellent command of English (oral and written)
• Driving license

We offer:

• An interdisciplinary working environment that encourages independence and self-reliance
• Salary according to the German public sector wage agreement (TV-L), up to EG13 level, including an annual special payment
• The option to work remotely for up to 40% of your monthly working hours
• Support in reconciling work and family life
• Various training courses for PhD students
• Access to a subsidized job ticket for public transportation
• A well-equipped, quiet workplace in the green environment of Müncheberg (commuting to Berlin is possible)
• Contacts with national and international project partners, in particular the FLEUR network
• PhD supervision in collaboration with the University of Bremen

ZALF promotes equality among all employees and welcomes applications regardless of ethnic, cultural, or social background, age, religion, ideology, disability, gender, or sexual identity. It is generally possible to work in the position on a part-time basis. Are you interested? Please, send your application including a letter of motivation (max. 2 pages), a CV with contact details of two references, and a copy of your master certificate, and stating the reference number 71-2025 until January 6 2026. Please, send your application preferably online (see button "online application” below). For e-mail applications, create a single PDF document (one PDF file, max. 5 MB; packed PDF documents, archive files like zip, rar etc. Word documents cannot be processed and therefore cannot be considered!) and use the button "e-mail application” below.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: Dr. Tobias Naaf, Tel. +49 (0) 33432/82-114.

For cost reasons, application documents or extensive publications can only be returned if an adequately stamped envelope is attached. If you apply, we collect and process your personal data in accordance with Articles 5 and 6 of the EU GDPR only for the processing of your application and for purposes that result from possible future employment with the ZALF. Your data will be deleted after six months.