Germany PhD In Integrated Economic And Sustainability Modeling At Leibniz Centre For Agricultural Landscape Research

University: Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF)

Country: Germany

Deadline: 2025-09-07

Fields: Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics, Applied Mathematics, Sustainability Science, Environmental Modeling

Are you passionate about leveraging economic modeling to pave the way for sustainable and resilient agricultural systems? Are you motivated to address global challenges such as climate change, rural development, and food security through innovative research? If your academic drive aligns with making a tangible impact on future agricultural landscapes, this opportunity may be the next step in your scholarly journey.

Strong About the University or Research Institute

The Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) is a renowned research institute located in Müncheberg, Germany, just a short train ride from Berlin. As a proud member of the prestigious Leibniz Association, ZALF is recognized nationally and internationally for its commitment to developing ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable agricultural solutions. The institute boasts a vibrant interdisciplinary environment, with additional research stations in Dedelow and Paulinenaue, fostering collaboration across diverse scientific fields. ZALF’s mission is to address complex societal challenges by integrating cutting-edge research with practical applications, making it an ideal location for scholars seeking to create meaningful change in agriculture.

Germany itself stands out as a leading destination for higher education and research, offering world-class facilities, a strong culture of academic excellence, and a high quality of life. Its central location in Europe provides unparalleled opportunities for international networking, collaboration, and cultural exchange.

Strong Research Topic and Significance

The offered PhD position is embedded within the Horizon Europe-funded GREENCOOP project, which supports the transition of rural communities towards resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart business models. The research focus centers on modeling and assessing the sustainability and macroeconomic implications of integrating agroecological and digital innovations (ADIs) into new Rural Community Business Models (RCBM). In today’s rapidly changing climate and economic environment, the development of sustainable agricultural practices is crucial for ensuring food security, promoting rural prosperity, and mitigating environmental impacts. By advancing knowledge on how innovative business models can be scaled and adapted, this research will contribute directly to shaping the future of sustainable agriculture in Europe, China, and beyond.

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Strong Project Details

The Successful Candidate Will Join The “Farm Economics And Ecosystem Services” Research Group At ZALF, a Dynamic Team Of Postdocs And PhD Students Committed To Impactful Science And Interdisciplinary Collaboration. The PhD Project Involves The Development And Implementation Of An Integrated Modeling Chain That Combines The Farm-level Bio-economic Model MODAM With Macroeconomic Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) Modeling Approaches. Key Tasks Include

– Developing and implementing integrated MODAM and CGE models to assess RCBM strategies at farm and regional levels.

– Conducting ex-ante impact assessments of ADI-based RCBMs on economic viability, environmental outcomes, and social indicators.

– Collaborating with GREENCOOP partners, especially those managing Living Labs and stakeholder engagement activities.

– Contributing to data preparation, sustainability indicators development, and multi-criteria decision-making analyses for scaling RCBMs across Europe and China.

– Applying the SWOT method to develop long-term, quantitative strategic plans for sustainable agribusiness enhancement.

This PhD position is carried out in collaboration with the Doctoral Program in Agricultural and Forestry Research at the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Spain, under the research line of “Integrated Economic Modelling for Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry Development.”

Strong Candidate Profile

Ideal Candidates Will Have

– A master’s degree in agricultural or environmental economics, applied mathematics, or a related field.

– A solid background in bio-economic modeling, CGE modeling, and optimization techniques.

– Experience with mathematical programming in GAMS for model development.

– Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.

– A strong interest in scientific writing and an excellent command of English.

Applicants should be motivated, collaborative, and eager to contribute to innovative research at the intersection of economics, sustainability, and agricultural systems.

Strong Application Process

ZALF offers a temporary part-time position (65% of regular weekly working hours) for 42 months, with the earliest starting date in November 2025. The position is classified according to the collective agreement of the federal states (TV-L) up to E13, including special annual payments. ZALF is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. The position is suitable for part-time employment.

Applications should be submitted preferably online via the official application portal (see button online application below). For e-mail applications, documents must be submitted as a single PDF file (max. 5 MB). Please include your CV, proof of qualifications, and certificates, and state the reference number 50-2025. The application deadline is September 7th, 2025.

Please refer to the official advertisement for application details.

https://jobs.zalf.de/jobposting/2f17202410f56c12021fdcea31cd0a860ed9010a0

Strong Conclusion

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in sustainable agriculture, develop advanced modeling skills, and collaborate with leading experts in an international setting. If you are passionate about shaping the future of agricultural landscapes and rural communities, we encourage you to apply and to follow similar opportunities below this post.

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