Research Associate (m/f/d) in Socio-Economic Analysis of Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems

Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen; Gießen; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A research university in Hessen seeks a part-time Research Associate to enhance integrated crop-livestock systems. Candidates should possess a Master's degree and be proficient in data analysis software such as R and Python. The position provides opportunities for personal development and includes competitive remuneration based on TV-H. Applications are invited until 02.10.2025.

Leistungen

Flexible working hours

Free use of local public transport

Health and sports programmes

Company pension scheme

Qualifikationen

• Completed university degree (Master’s level) in Agricultural or Food Economics.
• Knowledge of empirical social and economic research.
• Experience in data analysis.

Aufgaben

• Design and implement focus group discussions with farmers.
• Conduct consumer surveys using quantitative methods.
• Perform statistical and econometric analyses.

Kenntnisse

Statistical analysis

Data analysis software proficiency (R, Python, STATA)

Empirical social and economic research

Collaboration

English proficiency

Basic French knowledge

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in Agricultural or Food Economics or related field

Tools

R

Python

STATA

Jobbeschreibung

Founded in 1607, Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is a research university rich in tradition. Inspired by curiosity about the unknown, we enable around 25,000 students and 5,800 employees to advance science for society. Join us in breaking new ground and writing success stories - your own and those of the university.

Support us from 01.11.2025 in part-time (65 %) as a

Research Associate (m/f/d)
in Socio-Economic Analysis of Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems

The position is to be filled in the project "I-CRO-LIVE – Enhancing the potentials of underutilized local taurine breeds in integrated crop-livestock systems to improve resource efficiency, environmental impact and nutrition security in Benin", funded by third parties (BMEL) and is limited for the duration of three years at the Professorship of Agricultural and Food Markets Analysis, Institute of Agricultural Policy and Market Research, at the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Ecotrophology and Environmental Management. If the requirements of the salary scale are met, remuneration will be paid in accordance with salary group 13 of the TV-H.

I-CRO-LIVE seeks to develop strategies for integrating crop and livestock production and promoting endangered local cattle breeds in Benin. The goals are to strengthen farming system resilience to climate change, reduce environmental impacts, and improve smallholder nutrition and income. Participatory research methods—such as focus groups, on-farm monitoring, and modeling—will assess current systems and identify sustainability indicators. Digital data platforms and community-based breeding programs will support farmer training, information sharing, and cattle selection schemes. Expected outcomes include co-created frameworks for resource-efficient crop-livestock systems and new market opportunities for local breed products. A total of three scientific positions are being filled at JLU for this project.

This position focuses on (i) analyzing farmers’ current crop-livestock integration practices, motivations, and adoption barriers using participatory methods; (ii) conducting consumer research to identify preferences and niche markets for local livestock products, and generating insights for market development, (iii) evaluating the impact of sustainable practices on farm performance, income, and household nutrition through structured surveys and econometric analysis. Findings will guide the development of strategies that strengthen livelihoods and improve market opportunities.

Your tasks at a glance

• Design and implementation of focus group discussions with farmers as well as a quantitative farm household survey
• Design and implementation of a consumer survey using quantitative market research methods
• Data preparation and performance of statistical/econometric analyses
• Close collaboration with the project partners of JLU and the Beninese Universities
• Publication of research results in international, peer-reviewed journals

The opportunity to pursue a doctorate is available alongside work on the project.

Your qualifications and competences

• Completed university degree (Master’s level) in Agricultural or Food Economics, Economics, or a related field
• Knowledge of empirical social and economic research
• Experience in data analysis, including proficiency with software (R, Python, STATA)
• High willingness to learn and collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment
• Very good command of English, both written and spoken
• At least basic knowledge of French
• Willingness to undertake extended research stays for data collection in the study regions in Benin, West Africa

Our offer to you

• A varied job with flexible working hours
• Free use of local public transport (LandesTicket Hessen)
• More than 100 seminars, workshops and e-learning opportunities per year for personal development, as well as a wide range of health and sports programmes
• Remuneration according to TV-H, company pension scheme, child allowance and special payments
• Good compatibility of family and career (certificate "Audit familiengerechte Hochschule")

JLU welcomes qualified applications regardless of biological and social gender, disability, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, age as well as sexual orientation and identity. The JLU aims for a higher proportion of women in accordance with the women's promotion plan. We therefore particularly encourage qualified female candidates to apply. JLU is certified as a family-friendly university. Applications from disabled people of equal aptitude will be given preference.

You want to break new ground with us?

Apply via our online form by 02.10.2025, indicating reference number 470/09. We look forward to receiving your application.