Junior Group Leader (f/m/div) in the Field of Vegetable Cultivation

With its work, the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) contributes to a better understanding of plant systems and thus to the development of sustainable and resilient horticulture. The IGZ conducts research at the interface between plants, humans and the environment. In doing so, we address systemic and global challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, urbanization and malnutrition. We provide scientifically sound recommendations for healthy agri-food systems and sustainable interactions with the environment. The IGZ brings together a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. Employees with different backgrounds conduct research in national and international research co-operations. The IGZ is based in Großbeeren near Potsdam and near Berlin and is a member of the Leibniz Association.

In the programme area “Next-Generation Horticultural Systems” (HORTSYS) and directly placed within the research group “Open Field Horticultural Systems” (HORTSYS 1) we are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious

Junior Group Leader (f/m/div)

in the Field of Vegetable Cultivation

Reference number: 14/2024/4

Employment will be initially for four years. The salary will be based on qualification and research experience according to the wage agreement TV-L, salary domain east, up to pay scale 14, full time.

The task of this position is to identify the challenges and needs in organic vegetable farming in Germany and Europe, and based on that, develop measures to increase the resilience of horticultural agroecosystems. This includes adaptions to climate change through innovative cultivation measures as well as addressing challenges in plant protection to better cope with stress and shocks due to climate change. The research shall take a systemic approach that considers various aspects of cultivation practices, while integrating interactions between plants and microorganisms/insects, ecosystem biodiversity, and diversity in crop varieties. A close collaboration between research and stakeholders is considered a crucial element of achieving these goals and transfer science-based solutions to practitioners. A specific objective of the position is to integrate research activities into academic teaching, in particular at the Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde.

Tasks include

• development of a scientific research program in the field of vegetables cultivation towards the principles of organic farming
• conception of scientific projects, planning and execution of (field) experiments, statical analyses of the resulting data and data management
• responsibility for the scientific evaluation and publication of the results
• publication of research results in international peer-reviewed journals in accordance with IGZ's publication strategy
• acquisition and management of third-party funded projects
• linking the results with decision support systems in collaboration with other scientists in the programme area HORTSYS
• establishment and maintenance of cooperation with national and international partners from science, industry and practice
• supervision and support of PhD, master's and bachelor's students
• organization of workshops and courses

We are looking for candidates with

• a successful PhD degree in agricultural sciences, horticultural sciences, biology, environmental protection or related disciplines
• proven experience in the field of (organic) vegetable cultivation, e.g., in relation to climate adaptation, pesticide reduction, mixed crops, soil health or similar topics
• experience in the planning, execution and management of research projects with field trials
• experience in writing and publishing internationally peer-reviewed scientific publications, as demonstrated by your publication record
• experience in statistical modelling of field data is an advantage
• experience in giving lectures, courses or seminars and supervising students, e.g., for Bachelor's or Master's theses
• experience in the acquisition of third-party funding
• strong communication and teamwork skills as well as high motivation for interdisciplinary collaboration
• fluency in written and spoken English
• very good proficiency in German or willingness to acquire German language skills at B2 level or higher within 2 years

We offer

• an attractive workplace at a modern research institute for horticultural sciences
• a pleasant and appreciative working atmosphere
• integration in a dedicated team of experts from various disciplines
• flexible and family-friendly working hours and the option of remote work (up to 50% of working time)
• subsidy for a company public transportation ticket or a Germany-wide travel ticket

More information on the IGZ under www.igzev.de. For questions, please contact: Prof. Nicole van Dam (vandam(at)igzev.de); phone: +49-33701 - 78 105).

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, world view, disability and belief or ethnic origin.

We prefer to receive applications, including a motivation letter, your CV, copies of relevant certificates, and the names and addresses of two references by email to bewerbung(at)igzev.de in pdf format by 30^th June 2024. Our postal address is: Personalbüro, Leibniz-Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1, D-14979 Großbeeren.