Postdoctorial researcher (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). It also maintains a research station with further locations in Dedelow and Paulinenaue.

We are offering a postdoc position within the project, Integrated cropping systems analysis: methods and models for climate risk assessments (iCSA) funded by the Leibniz Association. This research aims to advance methodologies and improve models for assessing risk to cropping systems under climate change, particularly for West Africa. Working together with two PhD students and based on experience and expertise, the main focus of this position could be among the following: develop combined data and process-based model approaches to understand drivers of extreme impacts, advance methods for conducting integrated bio-economic risk and impact assessments, and/or support improvement of process based models for use in risk assessments. The position will be based in the Cropping System Analysis working group at ZALF at the Müncheberg campus initially for three years (TV-L 13) with the possibility of extension.

Postdoctorial researcher (f/m/d)

Your tasks:

• Develop conceptual approaches to quantify risk to cropping systems
• Explore hybrid data and process based model formulations to understand drivers of crop yields at regional scales
• Support improvements to process based cropping system models to consider effects of excess rainfall on crop growth and yield formation
• Extend methodologies for and conduct integrated risk and impact assessments
• Aid in daily supervision of BSc, MSc and PhD students working in Germany and West Africa
• Publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals

Your qualifications:

• PhD in agronomy, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering, mathematics, physics or similar
• Strong statistical and quantitative assessment skills
• Computer programing or scripting skills in (e.g., C++, java, python, R)
• Familiarity with process based crop or ecological simulation models
• Experience in conducting climate change impact assessments
• Knowledge of and interest in working on cropping and farming systems in West Africa
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Good team work skills with willingness to collaborate across disciplines and openness to conduct transdisciplinary research

We offer:

• Opportunity to develop scientific profile through participation in on-going research projects in Germany and West Africa
• Collaboration with leading international scientists and networks in cropping and eco-system analysis
• Interdisciplinary working environment that encourages independence
• Strong institutional commitment to a good work-life balance
• Classification according to the collective agreement of the federal states (TV-L) up to EG 13 with a 100% weekly working time (including special annual payment)
• A collegial and open-minded working atmosphere in a dynamic research institution

Please send your application with a cover letter, CV, copy of your MSc and PhD degrees and transcripts, and the names and contact information for three references, stating the reference number 05-2022 by February 9, 2022 to Bewerbungen(at)zalf.de .

This should be sent by e-mail as one PDF file, max. 5 MB. Note, no other file format will be processed or considered. Women are particularly encouraged to apply. Applications from severely disabled persons with equal qualifications are favored.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Heidi Webber, webber(at)zalf.de .

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.

You can find further information at: www.zalf.de/en/ueber_uns/Pages/Datenschutzerklaerung.aspxv

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