With its work, the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) contributes to a better understanding of plant systems and thus to the development of sustainable and resilient horticulture. The IGZ conducts research at the interface between plants, humans and the environment. In doing so, we address systemic and global challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, urbanization and malnutrition. We provide scientifically sound recommendations for healthy agri-food systems and sustainable interactions with the environment. The IGZ brings together a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. Employees with different backgrounds conduct research in national and international research co-operations. The IGZ is based in Großbeeren near Potsdam and near Berlin and is a member of the Leibniz Association.

The following position is available as soon as possible, limited until January 31, 2027 in the programme area "Next-Generation Horticultural Systems" (HORTSYS), in the research group Open Field Horticultural Systems within a BMEL-funded project ToSuGa: Peat Reduction with Safe Substrates for Professional Horticulture:

Scientist (f,m,div) in Vegetable Cultivation

Reference number: 03/2025/4

The salary will be based on qualification and research experience according to the wage agreement TV-L, salary domain east, up to pay scale 13, 65% of the regular working time.

Horticulture in Germany mainly uses peat as a substrate for plants. The aim of the project is to develop peat-reduced and peat-free growing media that meet the requirements of horticultural practice and ensure plant growth and plant health. At the same time, risks as well as ecological and economic effects are to be comprehensively assessed. Properties such as nitrogen dynamics, water storage and substrate safety can be specifically controlled through targeted combinations of substrate components. For this purpose, the IGZ will develop mixing models that predict the combination effects of different starting materials and identify practicable paths to peat-free substrates.

Tasks include

• planning and conducting greenhouse experiments with vegetable seedlings and ornamental plants
• designing of experiments to investigate mixing effects
• analyzing samples and scientifically evaluating the results
• writing scientific publications and presenting the research results 
• support in the development and programming of an app
• testing and validation of the app using experimental and practical data
• preparation of interim reports and participation in the final project report

We are looking for candidates with 

• a Master or Diploma degree in agricultural sciences, horticulture, biology, environmental protection, or related fields, preferably with a PhD
• solid knowledge in the fields of crop production, plant nutrition and/or soil science
• good knowledge of R programming
• experience in developing and applying mathematical models in crop production is an advantage
• efficient, independent way of working and strong teamwork skills
• very good communication skills in German and in English
• willingness to integrate into an international working environment

We offer

• an attractive workplace at a modern research institute for horticultural sciences
• a pleasant and appreciative working atmosphere
• integration into a successful and dedicated team with expertise from various disciplines
• flexible and family-friendly working hours and the possibility of remote work (up to 50% of working time)
• subsidy for the company ticket for local public transport or the Germany ticket

For more information about IGZ, please visit www.igzev.de. For inquiries, please contact Dr. André Sradnick (033701 78 362; sradnick@igzev.de).

We encourage a healthy work-life balance. The IGZ attaches great importance to equal opportunities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualifications. The IGZ embraces diversity in its workforce, and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, world view, disability and belief or ethnic origin. 

We prefer to receive applications, including a motivation letter, your CV and copies of academic certificates by email to bewerbung@igzev.de in pdf format by February 2, 2025. Our postal address is: Personalbüro, Leibniz-Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1, D-14979 Großbeeren.