Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) is a modern university with a long tradition of academic excellence and a broad network of international partner institutions. It is the largest university in Saxony-Anhalt, with approximately 20,000 students, more than 3,000 employees, and a 500-year history of teaching. MLU enjoys excellent collaborations with numerous partners, including over 250 universities worldwide, research institutions, and business enterprises.
The Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), a nationally and internationally active research centre with around 500 employees, investigates the interrelationships in agricultural landscapes and provides society with the knowledge base for the sustainable use of agricultural landscapes through its excellent research. ZALF is a member of the Leibniz Association and, in addition to its main site in Müncheberg (approx. 35 minutes by regional train from Berlin-Lichtenberg), maintains further sites in Dedelow, Paulinenaue and – from 2026 – in Gießen, Kassel and Geisenheim.
As part of a joint appointment, the following position within the framework of the Jülich Model is to be filled at the earliest possible date at the Faculty of Natural Sciences III - Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Geosciences and Computer Sciences of the MLU and at ZALF:
W2-Professorship
“Co-Design of Agroecological Innovations in Crop and Grassland Systems”
This position is part of the Innovation Centre for Agricultural System Transformation (IAT). The IAT is a large strategic extension of ZALF that focuses on conducting research in, with and about agricultural living labs. Within the framework of the IAT, a total of five long-term living labs are being developed in representative agricultural regions in Germany. The IAT's 19 working groups conduct inter- and transdisciplinary research on various cropping and grassland systems, including developing value chains, comprehensively monitoring and evaluating the effects of the developed innovations, and reflected on the research conducted in living labs.
We are seeking an experienced scientist to develop and implement research approaches for innovating resilient and sustainable cropping and grassland systems within the working group. A key element of the research is the co-design approach that integrates relevant non-scientific stakeholder, particularly farmers. Using agroecological principles, innovative production and land-use systems will be developed, tested, and evaluated in collaboration with these stakeholders. Research focus will be on better utilising the beneficial effects of biodiversity and improving the multifunctionality of land use (e.g., through the integration of agroforestry or agri-PV, the spatial and temporal diversification of cropping systems, habitat connectivity and field design, and the agricultural use of rewetted peatlands). Close collaboration with farmers, other landowners and users, government agencies, market participants, and policymakers will ensure the feasibility and scalability of agroecological innovations, in conjunction with other research groups at the IAT.
Tasks and qualifications
The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting experiments (field, on-farm, and/or landscape experiments) within the network of various living labs. Expansion to other regions and countries is welcome. The research should contribute to the further development of co-design methods. We expect close collaboration with working groups from other research areas of ZALF, IAT, and the Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences at MLU.
The successful candidate will hold a PhD in agricultural or crop or grassland sciences or a related field and will have a proven track record of internationally recognized excellent publications, as well as successful acquisition of third-party funding from competitive and excellence-oriented programs. Experiences in experimental research (field, on-farm, and/or landscape experiments) and expertise in monitoring and analysing data from cropping or grassland systems (including their dynamics and interactions with soils, water, and biodiversity) are essential. Experiences in collaborating in inter- and transdisciplinary teams is required. A strong interest in and motivation are desirable for transdisciplinary co-design work with diverse stakeholders from agricultural practice.
This professorship entails a teaching obligation of at least two semester hours per week at the Faculty of Natural Sciences III of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg.
Further duties and responsibilities are stipulated in section 34 of the Saxony-Anhalt State Law of Universities.
Applicants need to fulfil the pre-conditions of appointment as stipulated in section 35 of the Saxony-Anhalt State Law of Universities. Particular emphasis is placed on a Habilitation in the relevant field, or an equivalent level of scientific achievement and recognition. Candidates are expected to have attained the appropriate level of experience or qualification in teaching.
