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 offer a PhD position within the BMEL funded project HUMAX. It investigates the interactions between agroforestry systems (AFS), agrivoltaic systems (APV), viticulture and agriculture to optimise carbon sequestration, energy yield and the production of food and renewable raw materials. While other subprojects focus on biophysical interactions, this subproject will analyse the economic viability of the systems under study and explore funding opportunities for the ecological services they provide. To achieve these objectives, this PhD will further develop and apply the bio-economic farm model MODAM.

We offer a temporary 65% part-time position (26 hours per week) subject to funding for 42 months with the earliest starting date in May 2025:

•   collect data on various agricultural production systems (Biochar, Agri-PV and Agroforestry).
•   apply and further develop the bio-economic farm model MODAM
•   conduct integrated economic and ecosystem services analysis within a whole-farm context
•   analyze the potential of new production systems in a regional context
•   develop policy recommendations through scenario analysis

•   a completed master's degree in agricultural economics, environmental economics, or a related field
•   some experience in bio-economic modelling and optimization techniques (GAMS)
•   excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams
•   strong interest in scientific writing and excellent command of English
•   as the project relates to German policies, at least basic (reading) skills in German are required

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

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 13-2025 until 20 März 2025 to (see button e-mail application below).

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:

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.