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.

We are offering, from November 2025, the opportunity to write a master's thesis in collaboration with our Team

Agricultural landscapes provide a wide range of ecosystem services (ESs), including food provision, soil fertility, water regulation, pest control, etc. However, farmers vary in how they value and prioritize these ESs, depending on their personal characteristics, socio-economic contexts, etc. These preferences can shape on-farm decision-making, particularly with regard to the crop choice. Using a case study in North China Plain, where the agricultural landscape is initially simplified and intensively cultivated, we want to understand:

• How do farmers’ preference on ecosystem services influence their crop choice towards more diversity in their farms?
• How can policy incentives align with these preferences to promote sustainable land use?

Your tasks:

• understanding the behavior rules of classified stakeholders from the Q methodology dataset
• build an agent-based modelling (ABM) in python or Netlogo
• visualize and interpret results; prepare a short report or presentation at the end

Your qualifications:

• background in environmental sciences, agricultural economics, geography, sustainability science, or similar
• basic knowledge of statistics and data analysis
• experience with or willingness to learn agent-based modeling (Python or NetLogo preferred)
• communication and scientific writing skills

We offer:

• practical skills in agent-based modelling and simulation design.
• how to incorporate real stakeholder data into behavioral modelling.
• an interdisciplinary working environment that encourages independence and self-reliance
• a collegial and open-minded working atmosphere in a dynamic research institution
• mobile working and flexible working hours

In case of interest, please send us your application by e-mail (one PDF file, max. 5 MB) with 1) a motivation letter including a link to the Master thesis topic (one page), 2) a CV, and 3) Proof of qualification (certificates and an example of recent scientific writing, e.g. term paper) stating the reference number 47-2025 until 30 September 2025 to (see button e-mail application below).

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: Dr. Yechennan Peng; Yechennan.Peng(at)zalf.de or Dr. Jiali Cheng;jiali.cheng(at)zalf.de.

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.