Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Potsdam

The Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB) is a pioneer and a driver of bioeconomy research. We create the scientific foundation to transform agricultural, food, industrial and energy systems into a sustainable bio-based circular economy. We develop and integrate techniques, processes and management strategies, effectively converging technologies to intelligently crosslink highly diverse bioeconomic production systems and to control them in a knowledge-based, adaptive and largely automated manner. We conduct research in dialogue with society, policymakers, industry and other stakeholders - knowledge-driven and application-inspired.

To support Economics of Technologies in Agriculture in the Technology Assessment Department we are seeking, at the earliest possible date a

for the research area "Economic analysis of innovative fenland use".

The economic analysis includes various lines of utilization of biomass from wet fenland sites and analysis of greenhouse gas abatement potentials resulting from the change in land use. Cost analysis includes approaches and cost estimates for planning, permission, management, and harvest of mixed vegetation, storage and transportation, and processing in innovative biomass utilization pathways. Labor times, costs, and potential savings from autonomous harvesting vehicles, among others, are identified. Reference uses and innovative business models are also considered to determine the economic viability of specific processes.

The aim of the project is to create a network of model and demonstration projects for the use of rewetted fens with representative fen areas, biomass utilization pathways and relevant actors in Brandenburg. Partners are in addition to ATB the Brandenburg State Office for the Environment (LfU), the University for Sustainable Development Eberswalde (HNEE), the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) and the Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). The WetNetBB network is part of a network of model and demonstration projects (PaludiNet) coordinated by the Thünen Institute (TI) and Greifswald Moor Centrum (GMC) as PaludiCenter. The position is assigned to the Technology Assessment Department at the ATB, and close cooperation with the Systems Process Engineering Department is intended.

Your tasks

• Development of models for calculating the economic potential of different utilization systems on wet fenlands
• Recording and analysis of the labour time requirements of novel forms of use of wet fenlands
• Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of scientific results
• Development of scenario-based calculations of the costs of agricultural use through paludiculture on lowland bog sites
• Presentation of project results at scientific conferences and stakeholder meetings
• Writing of scientific publications and project reports

Your qualifications

• Very good university degree in agricultural economics or related subjects (Diploma or Master of Science)
• Knowledge and experience in economic analysis of agricultural systems
• Knowledge in statistical data analysis
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration
• Very good knowledge of written and spoken English
• Very good knowledge of German for communication with stakeholders and farmers
• Ability to work in a team and willingness to cooperate, reliability, flexibility, personal commitment and independent working skills
• EU driving license class B desirable

We offer

• Encouragement and support for PhD candidates in pursuing their doctoral studies in collaboration with partner universities
• An attractive, research-intensive, and interdisciplinary working environment
• A varied position at the interface of science and practice
• Excellent infrastructure for scientific work
• Access to national and international networks for your scientific development
• Training and further education opportunities
• Family-friendly working conditions to promote work-life balance
• Participation in the VBB company ticket or Deutschlandticket
• A workplace at the edge of a picturesque landscape, easily accessible by bike or public transport

The part-time position (30 hours/week) is initially limited to 4 years. Salary will be based on your qualifications and experience according to TV-L up to pay grade E 13.

For further information, please contactDr. Andreas Meyer-Aurich(phone +49 331 5699-222) and visit our website at www.atb-potsdam.de.

Have we piqued your interest? Then apply by 30 September 2026 with your cover letter, CV (without photo), and employment references and/or contact details of referees via our online application portal for this job posting (reference number 2026-TA-3) at www.atb-potsdam.de/en/career/vacancies.

As a certified family-friendly institute, the ATB is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, ethnic or social background, age, religion, disability, or sexual identity. Applications from people with severe disabilities are particularly encouraged and will be given preference in the event of equal qualifications.

The ATB aims to increase the proportion of women among doctoral researchers and therefore explicitly encourages applications from women.

By submitting your application, you agree that your documents may be stored for up to six months even in the case of an unsuccessful application. Further information on data protection can be found here: www.atb-potsdam.de/en/data-protection-declaration-for-the-application-process.