Post-doctoral researcher in agricultural or development economics (f,m,d)

The Leibniz-Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) aims for excellence in horticultural research and related plant, environmental, nutritional and social sciences. IGZ is based in Großbeeren close to Berlin and is a member of the Leibniz Association (WGL). IGZ conducts strategic and international research for the sustainable production and use of vegetables, contributing to food security, human well-being and the conservation of natural resources. At IGZ, researchers from different disciplines work together on core-funded and grant-funded projects, in collaboration with national and international research partners.

The research group “Economic Development and Food Security” in the programme area “Plant Quality and Food Security” at IGZ analyses the role of individuals, groups and institutions in creating, shaping and overcoming malnutrition and food insecurity and how food demand responds to rapidly changing institutions and environments. We do so by collecting and analysing micro-level survey data (for example as part of the Life with Corona consortium), implementing impact evaluations and conducting behavioural experiments. We also build capacity, for example in the international expert network Home Gardens for Resilience and Recovery (HG4RR ), and promote inter-disciplinary research on economic development and food security, for example by co-hosting the annual Leibniz Environment and Development Symposium (LEADS ) and the annual Life in Kyrgyzstan Conference (LiK ). Our work hence uncovers how best to achieve food security under challenging circumstances during socio-economic development.

The research group “Economic Development and Food Security” leads the social science work programme of the project Food4Future (F4F), which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research and Education (BMBF) under its call “Agricultural Systems of the Future”. The F4F project is based on a novel and radical approach: We postulate that two mega trends, namely “Designed Food” and “Natural Food”, may act as “creative disrupters” which will not only dominate future diets but also replace traditional agricultural production. This will be done against the background of two profound scenarios, namely “No Land” and “No Trade”. Challenged by these extreme settings, the overall objective of the F4F project is to develop innovative solutions in the food and agro-sector for the sustainable securing of adequate and healthy nutrition. As part of a larger social science work stream, the research group will contribute a series of behavioural experiments to the F4F project testing how consumers react to extreme and rapidly changing institutions and environments.

To undertake the micro-economic research in this project, we are looking for a

Post-doctoral researcher in agricultural or development economics (f,m,d)

Reference number: 12/2021/3

Salary and benefits are according to public service regulations in Germany, up to EG 13 TV-L, full time.

Employment for this position will be available from 1 November 2021 until 29 February 2024.

The successful candidate will:

• conduct and analyse online surveys and behavioural experiments on food demand and consumer behaviour under rapidly changing and extreme institutional and environmental circumstances;
• contribute to the other academic activities of the research group;
• lead the design and writing of grant applications from donors like the DFG, EU and research foundations;
• present research findings internally and externally at conferences and research seminars;
• co-organise the annual LEADS (Leibniz Environment & Development Symposium) event;
• publish project results in leading journals in behavioural, agricultural and development economics and in general-interest (multi-disciplinary) journals;
• co-supervise junior researchers; and
• interact with our academic and policy-oriented partners and collaborators.

We expect:

• a (near) completed PhD in agricultural or development economics;
• an excellent academic record, including peer reviewed publications;
• proven experience conducting online surveys and/or behavioural experiments;
• long-term experience in international economic development, in particular at the micro level;
• excellent quantitative skills in advanced micro-econometric software like Stata and/or R;
• experience in developing and writing grant proposals;
• an interest in horticultural production systems and processes;
• excellent English communication skills; and
• additional language proficiency would be an advantage.

We offer:

• a stimulating job in an interdisciplinary research environment;
• extensive support for postdoctoral researchers; and
• an attractive workplace in the Berlin area.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter research interests and experience, a detailed CV, copies of high-school and academic certificates and the names of two referees.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Tilman Brück, Head of the Research Group “Economic Development and Food Security” ([email protected] , www.igzev.de ).

We encourage a healthy work-life balance. The IGZ attaches great importance to equal opportunities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualifications. The IGZ embraces diversity in its workforce, and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, belief or ethnic origin. In an effort to increase the proportion of female employees in this area, we specifically urge women scientists to apply for the position.

We prefer to receive applications by email to [email protected] in pdf format by 26.10.2021. Please cite the above reference number in the subject line of your email and in the cover letter. Our postal address is: Personalbüro, Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1, D-14979 Großbeeren.