Scientist (f/m/div) in Resource-Efficient Controlled Environment Horticulture Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) in United Kingdom

The Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) in Großbeeren, Germany, is offering a scientist position in the research group Controlled Environment Horticultural Systems (CEA) focused on resource-efficient controlled environment horticulture. This is a postdoctoral research position with the title Scientist (f/m/div), aimed at candidates who want to build an independent research profile in sustainable horticultural production systems.

The successful candidate will work on sensor- and model-based approaches for monitoring, decision support, and optimization of crop production in greenhouses, indoor farms, and related controlled environment systems. The research sits at the intersection of crop physiology, environmental monitoring, sensor technologies, process-based modeling, artificial intelligence, and digital twin concepts, with the goal of improving productivity, sustainability, and resource-use efficiency.

Possible research activities include greenhouse and controlled environment experiments, crop monitoring and phenotyping, environmental sensing, process-based modeling, data analysis, and the development of innovative approaches for resource-efficient crop production. The role also includes scientific publishing, acquisition of competitive research funding, participation in national and international collaborations, and contribution to the strategic development of the research group.

IGZ is part of the Leibniz Association and is known for interdisciplinary horticultural research spanning plant science, environmental science, and applied production systems. The institute offers access to state-of-the-art infrastructure including greenhouses, fully climate-controlled plant production chambers, and advanced sensor technologies. The position is based in Großbeeren near Potsdam and Berlin.

Eligibility highlights include a PhD in horticultural sciences, controlled environment agriculture, plant physiology, biosystems engineering, agricultural engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field; strong research independence; experience with controlled-environment experimentation; and programming/modeling skills, preferably in MATLAB. Excellent English communication skills and motivation to secure third-party funding are also expected.

The contract is initially for three years, with a possible three-year extension after satisfactory evaluation. Salary is based on qualifications and research experience according to TV-L up to pay scale 13, at 100% working time. The position is part-time eligible with a minimum of 32 hours per week. Benefits include flexible working arrangements, mobile working up to 50%, annual bonus, 30 days of vacation, and VBL Ost pension coverage.

Applications should be submitted by email as a PDF, including a cover letter, CV, certificates, up to three representative publications, a 2-page research statement, and two references. The application deadline is 2026-09-30.