Scientist (f,m,div.) in the Field of Organic Vegetable Production

Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 45.000 - 55.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A renowned research institute is seeking a Scientist in Organic Vegetable Production to contribute to research on resilience strategies in horticulture. The position is part-time and offers flexibility, with opportunities to collaborate on trials across various commercial farms in Germany. Ideal candidates will have a Master's degree and strong skills in plant production and statistical analysis.

Leistungen

Flexible working hours

Company pension scheme

Annual bonus

30 days' vacation

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree relevant to horticulture or agricultural sciences required.
• In-depth knowledge of plant nutrition needed.
• Experience with field trials is essential.

Aufgaben

• Conduct surveys to assess vegetable farm resilience.
• Implement fertilization trials on commercial farms.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Kenntnisse

Knowledge of plant production

Experience in statistical analysis

Very good communication skills in English

Very good communication skills in German

Independent work ethic

Teamwork ability

Ausbildung

Master's degree in horticulture, agricultural sciences, biology, or related field

Tools

R or comparable programming language

Jobbeschreibung

Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops

Organisation/Company Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops Department HORTSYS Research Field Agricultural sciences » Agronomics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country Germany Application Deadline 3 Dec 2025 - 00:00 (Europe/Berlin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Hours Per Week 32 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number 27/2025/4 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? Yes

Offer Description

The Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) strives for excellence in horticultural research and related plant, environmental, and social sciences. Based in Großbeeren, close to Potsdam and Berlin, IGZ is a member of the Leibniz Association (WGL). Our mission is to provide science-based solutions that address four challenges currently threatening horticultural systems: climate change, biodiversity and pesticide reduction, healthy nutrition and food quality, and resource-efficient agricultural and food systems. Our scientific expertise covers the entire spectrum, from molecular plant physiology and biochemistry to human nutrition, food security, and horticultural production systems, thereby covering the full range from fundamental to applied research.

The following position is available at the Institute at the earliest possible date , until 30.11.2028, in the research group “Open field horticultural systems” (HORTSYS.1)within the BMLEH project “Resilience in organic vegetable farming – development and testing of strategies and innovations through practical research (ROBUSTGemüse)”:

Scientist (f,m,div.) in the Field of Organic Vegetable Production

Reference number: 27/2025/4

The salary will be based on qualification and experience in accordance with thewage agreement TV-L, up to pay scale 13, 80% of the regular working time.

The aim of the research project “ROBUSTGemüse” is to develop and scale up operational innovation that increase resilience to risks and stressors, such as the consequences of the climate crisis. Together with farming associations, advisory and research institutions, we are working to establish a Germany-wide practical research network consisting of various farming regions and crop groups. The IGZ is responsible for the scientific coordination of the North-East region, focusing on increasing nutrient efficiency and developing resilience strategies with regard to plant protection and irrigation.In addition, the IGZ will be responsible for an assessment tool for evaluating resilience.

Tasks include

• status quo survey to assess the resilience of participating open-field vegetable farms in Germany
• recording and development of utilization concepts of relevant material flows on participating farms
• development of a catalog of measures for combining fertilizers, compost, and cultivation measures (e.g., mulching systems/underseeding)
• coordination and implementation of fertilization trials on 4-6 commercial farms
• development of a decision tree for overall resilience enhancement, taking into account nutrient and water management
• communication with project participants, in particular scientific institutions, consultants, and vegetable farms
• publication and presentation of research results in peer-reviewed journals and at national and international conferences

We are looking for candidates with

• a master’s degree in horticulture, agricultural sciences, biology, environmental protection or a related field
• in-depth knowledge of plant production and/or plant nutrition especially in the open-field (field trials)
• experience in the statistical analysis of research results or willingness to acquire such using R or comparable programming language
• experience in creating and evaluating surveys is desirable
• very good communication skills in English and in German
• willingness to attend business trips, therefore a Class B driver's license (car) is an advantage
• self-motivated, independent and responsible work ethic and strong organizational skills
• ability to work in a team and willingness to integrate into an international work environment

We offer

• a challenging role in applied plant science at a research institute in horticultural science
• a committed and competent team
• flexible and family-friendly working time models and the possibility of mobile working (up to 50% of working time)
• VBL Ost company pension scheme for public sector employees, as well as a collectively agreed annual bonus and 30 days' vacation per year
• subsidy for a company ticket for public transport or the Deutschlandticket

Further information about the can be found on the Internet at www.igzev.de . For questions, please contactMargita Hefner ([phone]; [e-mail] ).

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.

Please send your complete application (stating the reference number and including a motivation letter, your CV and academic certificates, incl. your earliest possible starting date) by email to [e-mail] in pdf format by 03.12.2025.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Agricultural sciences » Agronomics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Languages GERMAN Level Excellent

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops Country Germany City Großbeeren Postal Code 14979 Street Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1 Geofield