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.

In the Soil Erosion Feedback working group of the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) e.V. and in Department IV of the University of Trier, Physical Geography, a temporary position for 36 months in the DFG project "Fire in the Semiarid Pampa: untangling the impacts of fire on soil properties affecting wind erosion and dust emissions under different land uses” is to be filled as a research assistant from 01.12.2025

The global temperate grasslands are an important transition zone to the deserts and the first deposition area for eroded sand and dust particles. The natural undisturbed vegetation cover protects these eolian soils from re-emission. The assessment of the impact of fire on ecology and soil development of the Argentine pampas is still unclear: on the one hand, fire is an integral part of the intact grassland biome, on the other hand, it is a severe disturbance that can lead to increased susceptibility to wind erosion and dust emissions. At the same time, the semi-arid pampa is one of the most intensively farmed regions in South America, including significant social and economic implications. The project aims to investigate, quantify and evaluate the effects of fire on soil erosion and dust emissions in relation to land use and fire characteristics.

For the investigation of the effects of fire on soil properties, wind erosion and dust emissions in the semi-arid pampas, we are looking for a temporary position from 01.12.2025 for a maximum period of 3 years with 65%, for qualification according to WissZeitVG, a

Your tasks:

• co-organization and implementation of measurement campaigns in Argentina
• publication and presentation of the project results
• preparation of the dissertation
• teaching and supervision opportunities

Your qualifications:

• Master's degree in agricultural sciences, physical geography, environmental sciences, soil science, biogeography, geoecology, meteorology, or a related discipline
• research experience in the areas of wind erosion and dust emissions
• special interest in the effects of fire in semi-arid landscapes and ecosystems willingness to collaborate internationally with Argentinian partners, including longer stays in Argentina
• experience in at least two of the following fields: (experimental) measurement of wind erosion and dust emissions; statistical analysis of environmental data; climate data analysis; soil physical/chemical analysis; wind erosion modeling; GIS
• proficiency in two of the following languages: German, English, Spanish

We offer:

• an interdisciplinary working environment that encourages independence and self-reliance
• salary in accordance with the collective agreement of the federal states (TV-L) up to EG 13 (including annual bonus)
• an extensive range of further training opportunities
• a collegial and open-minded working atmosphere
• a family-friendly university with vacation childcare facilities
• company ticket for public transportation (ZALF e.V.)
• discounts for university sports and canteen (Trier University)
• flexible working hours and family-friendly conditions (mobile working of max. 40% of monthly working hours is possible in agreement with the project requirements)

The recruitment requirements are set out in Section 57 (2) and (3) of the Higher Education Act (HochSchG), in particular an above-average university degree in agricultural sciences, physical geography, environmental sciences, soil science, biogeography, geoecology, meteorology, or a related discipline (Master's degree, diploma or comparable).

Trier University and ZALF e.V. strive to increase the number of female employees and strongly encourage women to apply. Severely disabled persons and persons with equivalent status according to § 2 para. 3 SGB IX will be given preferential consideration if they are suitable (please enclose proof).

Please send your application with CV, copies of certificates and proof of qualifications as a PDF document (one PDF file, max. 5 MB; compressed PDF documents, archive files such as zip, rar, etc.). Word documents cannot be processed and therefore cannot be considered!) stating the reference 46-2025 until to August 15, 2025 to Ute Biwer biweru(at)uni-trier.de.

If you have any questions about the project and application, please contact Miriam Marzen, mmarzen(at)uni-trier.de and Dr. Roger Funk, rfunk(at)zalf.de.

For more information on the processing of your personal data, please refer to the data protection information for application procedures in accordance with Article 13 DSGVO on the homepage of Trier University and the data protection information for application procedures in accordance with Articles 5 and 6 of the EU DSGVO 13.