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.

A number of groups at ZALF use dynamic and system modelling approaches to explore options to make cropping systems more resilient and sustainable. Core activity include the development of models to assess cropping and farming systems’ response to their environment, weather, management and policy options; model development and application to support interpretation of experimental and observational evidence; and testing approaches to integrate different types of environmental and socio-economic models. In all of this work, we strive to adhere to FAIR data principles and insuring the reproducibility of our work.

In this context, the Model and Simulation Infrastructure group is offering a full-time position for 24 months, with the option of a permanent contract, as

• work as a team member to develop simulation modules, with lead programming expertise
• integrate modules into existing simulation frameworks at ZALF, e.g., SIMPLACE, MONICA, CASSIS, …
• support with conceptualization and programming for model integration
• ensure internal quality control and reproducibility standards, including archiving
• verify model simulations’ documentation
• assist as needed with scripting for data processing and analysis
• database management
• interact regularly with SIMPLACE framework developers and other ZALF programmers

• university degree in computer science, mathematics, physics, or engineering field or similar
• good proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Java, C++, C#, Python)
• knowledge of Linux and Windows operating systems
• analytical systems thinker who enjoys problem solving
• capable to interact in diverse team but work independently
• excellent communication skills
• very good spoken and written English, German language skills an asset but not required

• an interdisciplinary working environment
• classification according to the collective agreement of the federal states (TV-L) up to E11 (including special annual payment)
• strong institutional commitment to a good work-life balance;
• a collegial and open-minded working atmosphere in a dynamic research institution
• jobticket

Women are particularly encouraged to apply. Applications from severely disabled persons with equal qualifications are favored. It is generally possible to work in the position on a part-time basis. Please send your application preferably online (see button online application below). For e-mail applications, create a PDF document (one PDF file, max. 5 MB; packed PDF documents, archive files like zip, rar etc. Word documents cannot be processed and therefore cannot be considered!) with the usual documents, in particular Cover letter, CV, proof of qualification and certificates, stating the reference number 101-2023 until 15 October 2023 to (see button e-mail application below).

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: Prof. Dr. Heidi Webber, webber@zalf.de. or Michael Berg-Mohnicke, Michael.Berg@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.