Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/div) in the Field of Organic Vegetable Production

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.

For the third-party funded project “ökoZuG-BB: Sustainable ecological horticultural systems in Brandenburg,” the junior research group “Organic Cultivation Systems” (HORTSYS.JR) is looking for a committed and motivated

Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/div) in the Field of Organic Vegetable Production

Reference number 19/2025/4

The position is to be filled as soon as possible and is limited until December 31, 2028. 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 aim of the “ökoZuG-BB” research project is to develop and implement innovative, sustainable, and resilient organic vegetable cultivation systems that meet the specific climatic challenges of the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region. To this end, a systemic approach is being pursued that takes into account the factors of fertilization, irrigation, plant protection, and weed control. For the position advertised here, there is the option of continuing an existing research idea or starting a newly developed research idea to address the topic of plant protection.

Tasks include

• development and testing of an ecosystem-based plant protection concept, e.g. with intercropping, for organic outdoor vegetable cultivation under local conditions and climatic conditions in Brandenburg
• planning and implementation of scientific field trials in organic vegetable cultivation
• development of a decision support system (DSS) for practitioners to introduce the tested practical approaches
• participation in the implementation of the overall project, e.g., by supervising theses
• evaluation and publication of the results in international journals
• presentation of the project and its results at national and international conferences

We are looking for candidates with

• completed scientific university education (Master's/Diploma) with PhD in horticulture sciences, agricultural sciences, biology environmental protection or a related field
• in-depth knowledge of organic or integrated pest management with hands-on experience in agricultural field trials
• solid knowledge of statistical analysis and publication of research results
• first experience in acquiring third-party funding is an advantage
• very good written and spoken English and German
• class B driver's license
• self-motivated, independent and responsible work ethic and strong organizational skills
• ability to work in a team and willingness to integrate into an international work environment

We offer

• a challenging role in applied plant science
• a committed and competent team
• excellent further training opportunities
• flexible and family-friendly working time model and the possibility of mobile working (up to 50% of working time)
• VBL Ost company pension scheme for public sector employees, as well as a collectively agreed annual bonus and 30 days' vacation per year
• subsidy for a company ticket for public transport or the Germany Ticket

Further information about the can be found on the Internet at www.igzev.de . For questions, please contact Dr. Sophie Stein (+49 (0)33701 78 229; stein(at)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.

Please send your complete application (stating the reference number and including a motivation letter, your CV, academic certificates, and the names and addresses of two references incl. your earliest possible starting date) by email to bewerbung(at)igzev.de in pdf format by August 3, 2025.