Tenure Track Scientist (m/f/d) on “Biodiversity in Agricultural Landscapes”

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 Area “Land Use and Governance” within the Working Group “Provisioning of Biodiversity in Agricultural Systems”. This working group aims to increase knowledge about the spatio-temporal interactions of agricultural land use with heterogeneously distributed site factors and their impact on biodiversity patterns.

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

Tenure Track Scientist (m/f/d) on “Biodiversity in Agricultural Landscapes”T04-2025

Call description

This Classic Tenure Track Call invites scientists investigating biodiversity in agricultural landscapes affected by land use and management, including related implications for ecosystem functions and services, as well as their spatio-temporal dynamics. We appreciate a holistic functional understanding of biodiversity and explicitly seek cross-taxonomic research approaches to better encompass the spatio-temporal dynamics of biodiversity at the landscape scale. The position is associated with the prospect of leading the working group.

The successful candidate is expected to develop the field of biodiversity research by at least two of the following aspects:

• investigating biodiversity dynamics under different agricultural land management strategies such as diversification of land use, reduction of pesticides or other agroecological principles
• studying biodiversity patterns and spatio-temporal interactions at the landscape scale in order to develop biodiversity based solutions for the transformation of agriculture
• studying indicators for assessing the benefits of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes, such as indicator species or novel indexes
• studying interactions with specific relevance for agricultural landscapes (e.g. plant-pollinator, soil biome-plant, bird-land use, …) in different land use systems
• developing modelling approaches to understand biodiversity patterns and responses to land use and management at different spatio-temporal scales

The call is addressed to dynamic and highly motivated researchers with a PhD and with an excellent track record in biological, agricultural or environmental sciences. Sound statistical or programming skills to study biodiversity in space and time are required. 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.

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 (according to the German academic employment law – WissZeitVG), a Fast Tenure Track (1 phase) may be negotiated if the required scientific achievements are fulfilled.

• 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, depending on the personal qualification and agreed responsibilities up to TV‑L, E14
• 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 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 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. For e‑mail application, create a single PDF file and send it to tenuretrack@zalf.de stating the reference number T04-2025.

The deadline for applications is 10 DECEMBER 2025.

If you have any questions regarding the research profile of this position, please contact Prof. Dr. Sonoko Bellingrath‑Kimura (Phone +49(0)33432/82-207; Sonoko.Bellingrath-Kimura@zalf.de). For questions regarding the Tenure Track System, please contact Dr. Susanne Kramer (Phone +49(0)33432/82-221; Susanne.Kramer@zalf.de).

For cost reasons, your application documents or extensive publications can only be returned if an adequately stamped envelope is attached.

Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalder Straße 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany

Contact of Human resource management: personal@zalf.de