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 research group “Farm Economics and Ecosystem Services” is a team of dedicated postdocs and PhD students who want to make a difference through good science, mutual support and exchange with other disciplines and practitioners. We are offering a PhD position within the BMEL funded project HUMAX. It examines the interplay between agroforestry systems (AFS), agrivoltaic (APV), viticulture and agriculture to optimize carbon sequestration, energy yield, and the production of food and renewable raw materials. Optimal resource allocation, both socially and economically, depends on natural, economic, and political conditions. While other subprojects focus on biophysical interactions, this subproject will analyze the economic viability of the systems under investigation and explore funding opportunities for the ecological services they offer. This PhD will focus on developing and implementing a comprehensive bio-economic modelling approach using the farm model MODAM to achieve this objective.

We offer a temporary part-time position (65% of regular weekly working hours) subject to funding for 42 months with the earliest starting date in March 2025:

• collect data on various agricultural production systems including biochar applications, Agri-PV and AF.
•   apply and further develop of the bio-economic modeling system MODAM
•   conduct integrated economic and ecosystem services analysis of Agri-PV and AF systems within a whole-farm context
•   analyze the potential of new production systems in a regional context
•   develop policy recommendations through scenario analysis with MODAM

•   a completed master's degree in agricultural economics, environmental economics, or a related field
•   good background in bio-economic modelling and optimization techniques
•   good background in mathematical programming in GAMS for model development
•   excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams
•   strong interest in scientific writing and excellent command of English and German
• as an international research organisation based in Germany, we require good to very good written and spoken English and a willingness to participate in in-house German language training

•   an interdisciplinary working environment that encourages independence and self-reliance
•   classification according to the collective agreement of the federal states (TV-L) up to E13 (including special annual payment)
•   a collegial and open-minded working atmosphere in a dynamic research institution
•   institutional commitment to a good work-life balance
•   in-house language courses in German and English
• company ticket

Women are particularly encouraged to apply. Applications from severely disabled persons with equal qualifications are favoured. 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 motivation letter, CV, proof of qualification, certificates and full transcripts, stating the reference number 108-2024 until 24 January 2025 to (see button e-mail application below).

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Peter Zander, Peter.Zander@zalf.de, Tel. +49 (0) 33432/82 214

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.