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.

The BMBF-funded junior research group “Enhancing Soil Health through the Use of Autonomous Field Robots in Diversified Agricultural Landscapes” (SoilRob, www.soilrob.de) is investigating the effects of field robot deployment on various soil functions and overall soil health in diversified cropping systems. The main goal of SoilRob is to determine whether the use of autonomous robotic systems and high-resolution data in diversified cropping systems can improve soil health and enhance ecosystem-based soil services. Using state-of-the-art methods and technologies, the group conducts a comprehensive assessment of physical, chemical, and biological soil parameters, linking them to ecosystem functions of soil and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This student position will support the SoilRob researchers to forward the simulation of various selected soil functions such as water infiltration or compaction in a digital twin of diversified agricultural landscapes within the virtual environment of the Farming Simulator game.

We are offering a student position (60-80 hours/month) for a period of 9 to 12 months (with the possibility of extension), starting as soon as possible at our location in Müncheberg or alternatively at Technical University of Dresden (Chair of Industrial Design Engineering) as

• support the integration of soil and weather information (prepared from multiple sources) into the Farming Simulator game environment
• assist with 3D modeling of field robots, landscapes, and assets using tools such as Blender or similar
• work with and extend Lua scripts for simulating farming processes
• contribute to the development of a digital twin as part of the digi.farming.lab in the SoilRob project
• participate in testing, documentation, and iterative development of the digital twin in Farming Simulator, including the simulation of agricultural processes, integration of real data, and 3D visualization of field robots and landscapes.
• continuous communication and collaboration with TU Dresden, Chair of Industrial Design Engineering

• recently completed B.Tech., B.E., or B.Sc. in Computer Science, Geoinformatics, Game Development, or a related technical discipline and currently enrolled in a M.Tech., M.E. or M.Sc. program at a German university (please attach your enrollment certificate)
• hands-on experience with Farming Simulator (preferably FS22) is essential
• confidence and/or experience in Lua scripting is required
• familiarity with 3D modeling software (e.g., Blender, Cinema4D, Maya) is expected
• interest in agriculture, environment, and interactive science tools is a plus
• knowledge of German language will be needed

• practical experience in a cutting-edge research project at the intersection of agriculture, climate science, and game development
• creative and interdisciplinary environment in collaboration with TU Dresden and ZALF
• opportunity to work on a real-world science demonstrator for public outreach (e.g., FUTURIUM Berlin)
• fair compensation based on Brandenburg’s standard rates for student assistants
• fexible working hours including home office partly and a friendly working environment in the team
• company train ticket

Women are explicitly encouraged to apply. Applications from persons with disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications. Please submit your application with the usual documents — in particular, CV, enrollment certificate, proof of qualifications, and academic transcripts — preferably online via the "Online Application" button below. For email applications, please create a single PDF document (max. 5 MB). Compressed PDF files or archive formats such as ZIP or RAR, as well as Word documents, cannot be processed and will not be considered. Please include the reference number 29-2025 and apply by 31 May 2025 via the “Email Application” button below.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: Adrija Roy (Adrija.roy@zalf.de: Tel. +49 33432 82 121) and Dr. Kathrin Grahmann (Kathrin.Grahmann@zalf.de; Tel +49 3343282-142)

For cost reasons, application documents or extensive publications can only be returned if a sufficiently stamped return envelope is included.

If you apply, we will collect and process your personal data in accordance with Articles 5 and 6 of the EU GDPR, solely for the purpose of processing your application and for any potential future employment at ZALF. Your data will be deleted after six month.