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 our working group Economics of Technologies in Agriculture in the Department Technology Assessment, we are seeking to fill the position as soon as possible:

Scientist (m/f/d)

The successful candidate will conduct the economic analysis of the impacts of modern site-specific sensor and application systems for fertilization in agriculture. For this purpose, on-farm field experiments will be designed and supervised on commercial farms. Based on the data generated from these experiments, as well as data from existing trials provided by project partners, analyses will be carried out to derive economic and environmental insights for the evaluation of site-specific fertilization practices. This will include advanced simulation approaches and statistical analyses.

Your tasks

• Design, planning, and implementation of scientifically based on-farm experiments in cooperation with farmers
• Supervision, organisation, and evaluation of practical field trials
• Data collection, analysis, and interpretation
• Preparation of scientific publications and project reports, as well as participation in conferences
• Support in organisational tasks, including communication with project partners and the planning of project meetings and events.

Your qualifications

• Successfully completed university degree (Diploma or Master’s), preferably in Agricultural Sciences with a focus on Agricultural Economics
• Very good knowledge of crop production systems
• In-depth expertise in the economic analysis and optimisation of crop production systems (e.g. using linear programming); experience in simulation and risk analysis is an advantage
• Confident use of MS Office applications and statistical software (e.g. SAS, R, JMP)
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken
• Willingness to travel and possession of a valid class B driving licence
• Ability to work independently, strong personal commitment, interest in scientific career development, reliability, flexibility, as well as teamwork and a collaborative mindset.

We offer

• The position offers the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree, subject to the successful acquisition of additional third-party funding
• 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 full-time position (40 hours/week) is initially limited until 30 November 2027. Part-time employment is also possible if desired. Salary will be based on your qualifications and experience according to TV-L up to pay grade E 13.

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

Have we piqued your interest? Then apply by 20 February 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-1) at https://www.atb-potsdam.de/en/career/vacancies. Applications received after the application deadline cannot be considered. We look forward to your application!

Interviews will take place in early March 2026.

We are committed to equal opportunities. Applications from severely disabled candidates will be given preference if equally qualified.

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: