Job Description

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.



In the Soil Erosion Feedback working group of the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) e.V. and in Department IV of the University of Trier, Physical Geography, a temporary position for 36 months in the DFG project “Fire in the Semiarid Pampa: untangling the impacts of fire on soil properties affecting wind erosion and dust emissions under different land uses” is to be filled as a research assistant from 01.12.2025



The global temperate grasslands are an important transition zone to the deserts and the first deposition area for eroded sand and dust particles. The natural undisturbed vegetation cover protects these eolian soils from re-emission. The assessment of the impact of fire on ecology and soil development of the Argentine pampas is still unclear: on the one hand, fire is an integral part of the intact grassland biome, on the other hand, it is a severe disturbance that can lead to increased susceptibility to wind erosion and dust emissions. At the same time, the semi-arid pampa is one of the most intensively farmed regions in South America, including significant social and economic implications. The project aims to investigate, quantify and evaluate the effects of fire on soil erosion and dust emissions in relation to land use and fire characteristics.



For the investigation of the effects of fire on soil properties, wind erosion and dust emissions in the semi-arid pampas, we are looking for a temporary position from 01.12.2025 for a maximum period of 3 years with 65%, for qualification according to WissZeitVG, a



Research Assistant (f/m/d) 46-2025

Your tasks:

co-organization and implementation of measurement campaigns in Argentina publication and presentation of the project results preparation of the dissertation teaching and supervision opportunities

Your qualifications:

Master's degree in agricultural sciences, physical geography, environmental sciences, soil science, biogeography, geoecology, meteorology, or a related discipline research experience in the areas of wind erosion and dust emissions special interest in the effects of fire in semi-arid landscapes and ecosystems willingness to collaborate internationally with Argentinian partners, including longer stays in Argentina experience in at least two of the following fields: (experimental) measurement of wind erosion and dust emissions; statistical analysis of environmental data; climate data analysis; soil physical/chemical analysis; wind erosion modeling; GIS proficiency in two of the following languages: German, English, Spanish

What we offer:

an interdisciplinary working environment that encourages independence and self-reliance salary in accordance with the collective agreement of the federal states (TV-L) up to EG 13 (including annual bonus) an extensive range of further training opportunities a collegial and open-minded working atmosphere a family-friendly university with vacation childcare facilities company ticket for public transportation (ZALF e.V.) discounts for university sports and canteen (Trier University) flexible working hours and family-friendly conditions (mobile working of max. 40% of monthly working hours is possible in agreement with the project requirements)

Women are particularly encouraged to apply. Applications from severely disabled persons with equal qualifications are favored. It is generally possible to work in the position on a part-time basis. Please send your application preferably online (see button online application below). For e-mail applications, create a PDF document (one PDF file, max. 5 MB; packed PDF documents, archive files like zip, rar etc. Word documents cannot be processed and therefore cannot be considered!) with the usual documents, in particular Cover letter, CV, proof of qualification and certificates, stating the reference number 46-2025 until to August 15, 2025 (see button e-mail application below).



If you have any questions about the project and application, please contact Miriam Marzen, mmarzen@uni-trier.de and Dr. Roger Funk, rfunk@zalf.de



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

If you apply, we collect and process your personal data in accordance with Articles 5 and 6 of the EU GDPR only for the processing of your application and for purposes that result from possible future employment with the ZALF. Your data will be deleted after six months.



Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF),



Eberswalder Straße 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany

Contact of Human resource management:

personal@zalf.de



www.zalf.de