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.
To contribute to the target of resource optimization in protected environment crop production through smart systems we look for an enthusiastic and ambitious
Scientist (f/m/div) in the Area of CEA Systems Modeling
Reference number: 04/2025/4
The employment will be initially from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. The salary will be based on qualification and research experience according to the wage agreement TV-L, up to pay scale 13, full time.
The scientist will be part of the research group HORTSYS - Controlled Environment Horticultural Systems. The main research in this group is aiming at resource use-optimized crop production in controlled environment horticultural systems (CEA). We work towards solutions for resource conservation in greenhouses and controlled environments with mathematical modeling approaches. Use cases are model-based climate control in dynamic climate conditions and production monitoring. We build upon an existing MATLAB-coded model simulator as basis.
The position will be, among others, embedded in the EU Horizon Europe project EcoNutri where we focus on creating models and perform simulation studies of future solutions of agricultural production systems. In this project we participate as WP-coordinator for systems modeling and environmental assessment within an international consortium of 36 partners throughout Europe and China.
Tasks include
- developing process-based mathematical models of sub-processes within CEA production systems
- embedding models in the existing MATLAB-based simulator
- data management
- performing simulation studies
- producing and collaborating on scientific publications in high-quality journals
- supervision of bachelor, master, and PhD students
- active participation in the coordination of the EcoNutri project
- presentation of results to the international scientific audience within the project and beyond
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with the following qualifications and profile
- a PhD with emphasis on horticultural or agricultural context
- strong background in process-based mathematical modeling of crop production systems in horticulture or agriculture
- knowledge of mathematical process-based mathematical modeling
- ability to translate horticultural processes to equations and to systems
- experience in or ability to quick learning of the programming environment MATLAB
- excellent organization and English language communication skills
- open, flexible, and positive person with the ability to take the initiative
- readiness to integrate into an international working environment
We offer
- an inspiring and dynamic research environment, including state-of-the-art research facilities
- possibility for career development in the field of high-technology crop production
- participation in a successful, dedicated and team-oriented research group
- flexible and family-friendly working time models and the possibility of mobile working (up to 50% of working time)
- a place of employment located close to Berlin and Potsdam
- subsidy for the company ticket for local public transport or the Germany ticket
More information on the IGZ can be found at www.igzev.de. For questions, please contact Dr. Oliver Körner (+49 33701 78-355; email).
We encourage a healthy work-life balance. The IGZ attaches great importance to equal opportunities. The IGZ embraces diversity in its workforce and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, romantic orientation, religion, world view, disability and belief, or ethnic origin.
Please send your application, including a strong motivation letter stating why this is an interesting topic for you and why you have the right expertise, your CV, copies of academic certificates, and the names of two references, by email in PDF format by February 9, 2025. Our postal address is: Leibniz-Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1, D-14979 Großbeeren.
