Research Associate in Research Data Infrastructures (m/f/d)

Müncheberg

Leibniz-Zentrum für Agrarlandschaftsforschung (ZALF) e.V.

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). The institute maintains further locations in Brandenburg (Dedelow, Paulinenaue) as well as in Hesse (Giessen, Witzenhausen, and Geisenheim).

The Coordination Project Food Systems Research Hub (FSRH): Resilient Agricultural Production Systems – Basis for Nutrition and Security of Supply (FoodBase) is establishing a long-term research infrastructure for resilient and sustainable agricultural and food systems. The objective is to make a decisive contribution to food and supply security through strategic research programming and networked infrastructures. In doing so, we integrate climate adaptation, pesticide reduction, and healthy nutrition along the entire value chain to provide evidence-based decision-making foundations for policy and society. Together with the Julius Kühn Institute (JKI), ZALF coordinates the activities of the FSRH.

We are seeking to fill the position at the earliest possible date (the position is available immediately), with a fixed-term contract until 31.12.2029 with the possibility of continued employment, a full-time position in Müncheberg for a:

Research Associate in Research Data Infrastructures (m/f/d)

51-2026

The shared use of research data infrastructures constitutes a central pillar for improved coordination and networking in agricultural and food systems research. This is a core objective of the FSRH FoodBase project. The position combines scientific expertise with coordinating responsibilities: The successful candidate will develop concepts for cross-institutional data management, design data infrastructures for integrating various member databases, and create interfaces with national and European initiatives. In doing so, they will make a decisive contribution to the further development of research data infrastructures and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration.

Your tasks:

• Conceptualisation & Strategy: Development of a concept for joint research data management (FDM) across various data infrastructures, including the formulation of standardised protocols and data use agreements
• Data Infrastructure & Networking: Development of data infrastructures for integrating and networking existing databases; preparation of interfaces for additional hubs and initiatives (including NFDI, FAIRagro, EOSC)
• Scientific Advisory: Coordination and advisory support for member activities related to research infrastructures
• Mapping & Analysis: Systematic documentation of existing data infrastructures and their holdings; analysis of utilisation potentials for interdisciplinary research questions and joint data use
• Collaboration Formats: Establishment and facilitation of a platform for exchange on research data matters; communication of updates to Hub members

Your qualifications:

The successful candidate will hold a university degree (preferably a doctorate) in agricultural sciences, food sciences, nutritional sciences, data sciences, or a related discipline. They will demonstrate familiarity with data infrastructures in agricultural, food, and nutrition research, as well as current discussions regarding their further development. Substantive expertise in research data management and specialised knowledge of data infrastructures, data standards, and data structures are expected. The role requires proven capacity for independent project management – including planning, coordination, and implementation – combined with a strong interdisciplinary perspective.

What we offer:

• An interdisciplinary working environment that promotes autonomous action and independent work
• A collegial and open work climate within a dynamic research institution
• Salary classification according to the collective agreement of the federal states (TV-L) up to E13, including special annual payment
• Support for subject-specific and cross-disciplinary training, continuing education, and qualification measures
• Support for work-life balance, certified by the "Audit Beruf und Familie" (Work and Family Audit)
• Climate-conscious organisational practices (procurement, vehicle fleet, energy management)
• Company ticket (additional discount on the Deutschlandticket)
• Mobile working options

ZALF promotes equality among all employees and welcomes applications regardless of ethnic, cultural, or social background, age, religion, ideology, disability, gender, or sexual identity. The filling of the position in part-time is possible in principle. 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 CV, proof of qualification and certificates, stating the reference number 51-2026 until 09.12.2026 to (see button e-mail application below).

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: Julia Schiller [julia.schiller@zalf.de], Tel. +49 (0) 33432/82-647.

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