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 Microbial Ecoengineering group in the department Technology Assessment, we are seeking a

This position is to be filled for the BMBF-funded collaborative project "Diversification of cropping systems for the one health of soils, plants and humans (DCropS4OneHealth)".

In the field of agrobiodiversity, the DCropS4OneHealth project aims to identify causal relationships between how the diversification of crop production systems affects biodiversity in the agricultural landscape, health-relevant properties of field produce and human health. The position is assigned to ATB's Technology Assessment Department in close collaboration with the Department Data Science in Bioeconomy. External partners are the Teaching and Research Station for Animal Breeding and Husbandry (LVAT), the University of Potsdam, the Leibniz Institute for Plant Biochemistry (IPB), the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).

Your tasks

• Scientific work in the project’s work package on the plant microbiome
• Support in carrying out the on-farm field experiment including taking plant samples
• Isolation of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) from plant samples
• Bioinformatic data analysis (including application of multivariate statistics)

Your qualifications

• Very good Bachelor degree in the fields of microbiology, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences or related subjects
• High interest in an interdisciplinary research topic at the interface of agronomy and microbial ecology
• Very good knowledge of standard microbiological/molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA isolation, PCR techniques)
• Knowledge of bioinformatic data analysis (e.g. with BioNumerics, ARB, R) is an advantage
• Profound German and English skills
• High interest in science, experimental field work and laboratory work
• Ability to analyse and understand complex topics
• Teamwork skills, reliability, flexibility, commitment and the ability to work independently
• EU driving license class B is an advantage

We offer

• 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 position (38 hours per month) is initially limited to 8 months. The salary is depending on your degree (15,81 Euros per hour with Bachelor’s degree, 15,20 Euros per hour without degree). The position is planned to start in January 2027.

For further information please contact Dr. Lena Simon (Phone: +49 331 5699 853) and visit our website www.atb-potsdam.de.

Have we piqued your interest? Then apply by November 4, 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-4) at https://www.atb-potsdam.de/en/career/vacancies. Applications received after the application deadline cannot be considered.

Interviews will take place on November 16 and 17, 2026.

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.

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: