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 aims for excellent and integrated research with societal impact. The institute is a member of the Leibniz Association and is located in Müncheberg (approx. 35 minutes by regional train from Berlin-Lichtenberg). It also maintains research stations in Dedelow and Paulinenaue.

With its Tenure Track System, ZALF aims to recruit excellent scientists with essential expertise by providing a guaranteed transitioning to a permanent contract subject to successful evaluation.

The position will be located in the Research Area 4 “Simulation and Data Science” within the Working Group (WG) “Dimensionality Assessment and Reduction”. The WG aims at developing and testing innovative tools for the analysis of environmental and agronomical data in complex settings.

We are offering at our location in Müncheberg a full-time position as

This Classic Tenure Track Call invites applications of scientists with a focus on development and testing of powerful data-driven landscape diagnostic tools for the statistical analysis of complex, high-dimensional relationships in comprehensive landscape research data sets. Sustainable use of landscape resources balancing competing demands need to be identified and numerous cause-and-effect relationships need to be disentangled at the landscape scale.

The successful candidate will:

• Implement new, develop further and test powerful data analysis approaches for comprehending high-dimensional interrelationships between numerous variables integrating multiple data sources
• Contribute to developing theoretical foundations of landscape research
• Closely collaborate with colleagues from other science disciplines
• Visualize and communicate complex facts to non-scientific stakeholders

The call is addressed to dynamic and highly motivated researchers, preferably early-career researchers, holding a PhD degree in environmental, agronomy, or data sciences. We are looking for independent, out-of-the-box thinking scientists. An understanding of or willing to familiarize with advanced approaches of non-linear dimensionality reduction, time series and spectrum analysis, dynamical systems theory, and machine learning are indispensable prerequisites. Experience with environmental or agricultural research in a multi-disciplinary context would be highly advantageous. The candidates need to demonstrate their capacity to independently carry out research through an excellent publication record, successfully acquired competitive third-party funding, and international networking. Previous experience in interdisciplinary analysis and proven inter-disciplinary communication skills are highly desirable.

The successful candidate will receive a Regular Tenure Track position (2 x 3 years) with transition to a permanent position, subject to successful evaluations (midterm and final tenure evaluation). If candidates are not legally eligible for two consecutive fixed-term contracts (according to German academic employment law - WissZeitVG), they may enter the Fast Tenure Track (1 x 3 years) if the required scientific achievements are fulfilled.

Further:

• Full-time contract, with part-time option to allow for the reconciliation of family and career
• Salary will follow the guidelines for public employees according to the German TV-L, E13
• Individual options for career support such as a mentoring tandem, courses and trainings as well as variable options to access scientific resources
• An interdisciplinary working environment that encourages independence and self-reliance
• A collegial and open-minded working atmosphere in a dynamic research institution
• Relocation within commuting distance of ZALF is welcome; remote working is permitted up to 40% per month
• Company ticket for public transport

Application and candidate selection

ZALF is an equal opportunities employer (audit berufundfamilie® certificate) and specifically encourages female scientists to apply. Applications of disabled applicants with equal qualifications will be favored.

Application documents must follow the specifications given in the respective guideline available at the ZALF website (www.zalf.de/en/karriere/tenure-track) and include two standardized letters of recommendation of scientists who are familiar with your research accomplishments and academic credentials (template available here: Reference_Letter).

Candidate selection is based on scientific achievements, strategic aspects, and personal suitability. Details on criteria, minimum requirements and evaluation processes can be obtained from the ZALF Tenure Track System guideline, which is an official annex to this call: Tenure_Track_Guideline. Please send your application preferably online (see link below). For e-mail application, create a single PDF file and send it to tenuretrack@zalf.de stating the reference number T02-2025.

The deadline for applications is 26 MARCH 2025.

If you have any questions regarding the research profile of this position, please contact Prof. Dr. Gunnar Lischeid (Phone +49(0)33432/82-250; Lischeid@zalf.de). For questions regarding the Tenure Track System, please contact Dr. Susanne Kramer (Phone +49(0)33432/82-221; Susanne.Kramer@zalf.de).

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 ZALF. Your data will be deleted after six months. You can find further information at: www.zalf.de/en/ueber_uns/Pages/Datenschutzerklaerung.aspx