Tenure Track Position for a Scientist (m/f/d) on “Model-Model Fusion”

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.

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 Platform “Data Analysis and Simulation” within the Working Group “Landscape Modelling”. This group develops and applies simulation models in the context of agricultural landscapes, with focus on large-area agricultural production and its feedback with the systems’ water and nutrient dynamics and related human decisions.

We are offering at our location in Müncheberg a

Tenure Track Position for a Scientist (m/f/d) on “Model-Model Fusion” [Reference N° T02-2023]

This Classic Tenure Track Call invites applications with clear focus on merging different types of simulation models with different application areas in the context of agriculture. We specifically emphasize individual-based modelling (agent-based modelling, cellular automata, etc.) or reinforcement learning in multi-agent systems for conceptional links with process-based biophysical models.  

The successful candidate will:

1. develop and implement concepts and methods for integrating models for human decision making and biophysical models for ecosystem services
2. improve concepts of agent-based modelling and cellular automata towards Intelligent Agents through reinforcement learning for spatially explicit land-use and -demand modelling
3. analyse the interplay effects of mechanistic biophysical and behavioural models in the landscape context
4. contribute to multi-domain system assessments and analyses

The call is addressed to dynamic and highly motivated researchers with a PhD and postdoc experience in agricultural, geological, biological, or environmental sciences and with sound experience in developing and using individual-based modelling approaches. Good command of machine learning techniques and of programming are mandatory. Candidates must have demonstrated their capacity to independently carry out research, including an excellent publication record, successfully acquired competitive third-party funding, and visibility in their respective field of research. Previous experience in mechanistic modelling and advanced statistical approaches would be beneficial.

We offer:

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, they may enter a Fast Tenure Track (1 x 3 years) if the required scientific achievements are fulfilled.

Tenure contracts are generally offered as full-time contracts, 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, depending on the personal qualification and agreed responsibilities up to the level of E14. The working place is in Müncheberg near Berlin, Germany. The successful candidate will be offered individual options for career support such as a mentoring tandem, courses and trainings as well as variable options to access scientific resources.

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 favoured.

ZALF offers a company ticket for public transport.

Application and candidate selection:

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 at https://www.zalf.de/de/karriere/tenure-track/Documents/ZALF_TenureTrack_App4_Reference_Letter.docx).

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: http://www.zalf.de/de/karriere/tenure-track/Documents/zalf-tenure-track-system-guideline.pdf. Please send your application preferably online (see button online application below). For e-mail application, create a single PDF file and send it to tenuretrack(at)zalf.de stating the reference number T02-2023.

https://jobs.zalf.de/jobposting/bb13f3a5ed0f81d94e00c6b43d2450332cf6732d0

The deadline for applications is 02 June 2023.

If you have any questions regarding the research profile of this position, please contact Prof. Dr. Claas Nendel (Phone +49(0)33432/82-355; claas.nendel(at)zalf.de). For questions regarding the Tenure Track System, please contact Dr. Susanne Kramer (Phone +49(0)33432/82-4052; susanne.kramer(at)zalf.de).

For cost reasons, your 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.