PhD student (f/m/d)

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.

Research at ZALF relies on extensive and well-documented data and simulation as a foundation of scientific work. ZALF’s research platform "Data Analysis & Simulation" is dedicated to the comprehensive collection, long-term storage and documentation of data for research, the further development of modern methods for the statistical analysis of large data sets and of simulation models and methods. The research on and via various modelling approaches integrates the different topics and disciplines at ZALF.

As part of the BMEL-funded research project ModOKlim, we are working to simulate the effect of extreme weather events on the yield development of arable crops in Germany using deterministic and stochastic models. For this task, subject to funding from third parties, we offer a 36-month position at the Müncheberg site, beginning at 01.11.2023, for a

Your tasks:

• development of a damage-level model for the effect of hail on yields of arable crops
• creation of an impact model for lodging of cereals and its effect on yield in response to combinations of heavy rain and strong winds
• development of an algorithm for representing waterlogging in a simulation model
• development of a mathematical method for combining results from deterministic and stochastic simulations for a consistent representation of the future yield expectation of arable crops

Your qualifications:

• University degree in mathematics, physics, geosciences or agricultural sciences
• great interest in the mathematical representation of biophysical processes
• programming experience in Python or R
• very good command of English (written and spoken)

Additional beneficial skills:

• team player
• communication skills
• an independent and well-organised work style and time management

We offer:

• grouping in accordance with the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L) up to E13 (65%) including annual bonus payment
• a versatile job in which you can contribute with your professional skills and personality
• an interdisciplinary working environment that promotes independent action and independent work
• support in reconciling work and family life
• jobticket

Women are particularly encouraged to apply. Applications from severely disabled persons with equal qualifications are favored. The filling of the position in part-time is possible in principle. Please send your application preferably online with the usual documents, in particular CV, proof of qualification and certificates, stating the reference number 82-2022 until 15 August 2023 here .

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact: Prof. Dr. Nendel, Tel. +49 (0) 33432/82-355.

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.