Research Associate position in Ecological Crop Production and Agroecosystem Research in the Tropics and Subtropics

Part-time position with half the regular working hours of a full-time employee. The position is initially limited until March 31, 2029 (qualification position pursuant to Section 72 of the Hessian Higher Education Act in conjunction with Section 2 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 of the Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act). The opportunity to pursue a doctorate is available. An extension is intended.

Long-term agronomic experiments are crucial research infrastructures and form the basis for the quantitative assessment of environmental and management effects on the yield, product quality, and nutrient balance of crops and soils. Comprehensive datasets from tropical regions are rare. A factorial experiment running for ten years in South India forms the basis for the advertised position. Previous work investigated various specific aspects over shorter periods. The outstanding task is the comprehensive analysis of numerous climate, soil, and vegetation data collected in the experiment at various spatial and temporal scales, with a focus on nutrient analyses (using NIRS), nutrient balances, and nutrient cycles at the field level. Since data and samples are already available, the position does not require any research stays abroad.

Tasks:

• Scientific collaboration in research and teaching in the field of OPATS
• Independent work on the research topic outlined above in agronomy/agroecology
• Close cooperation with scientists from the research group “Sustainable Rurbanity” (FOR5903), within which the field experiment is being continued.
• Presentation and publication of scientific results

Requirements:

• A completed university degree in agricultural sciences with a focus on agronomy/plant nutrition/soil science. The required degree must be obtained by the start date at the latest.
• Excellent knowledge of and experience with relevant statistical software and/or programming languages, preferably R
• Ability to structure and visualize large datasets, and enjoyment in working with large, complex datasets.
• Meticulous work ethic and attention to detail within set timeframes

The following are advantageous:

• Knowledge/experience in Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS)
• Interest in interdisciplinary issues and enjoyment of a diverse, international working environment
• Good English skills as a common working language

For further questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Andreas Bürkert or Dr. Ellen Hoffmann, Tel.: +49 561 804-1251.

Our range:

as an employee of the University of Kassel

• This opens up an interesting and diverse field of activity for you within the framework of a modern and up-and-coming university,
• You will become part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere,
• You have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary training measures,
• Your workplace is located with good access to public transport, which is currently free for you to use.

Furthermore, you will benefit from the many advantages of employment in the public sector, such as:

• an additional company pension scheme (VBL),
• an optional child allowance according to TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including emergency childcare),
• an annual bonus payment in the month of November
• an entitlement to asset-building benefits,
• a promotion of voluntary engagement,
• cost-effective participation in university sports and the full range of fitness options within the framework of Unifit, as well as workplace health promotion.

You can find more job postings at stellen.uni-kassel.de

Please submit your application, including the usual supporting documents and the reference number in the subject line, via the online form. Further information can be found in our FAQs .

In exceptional cases, we also accept your application documents in paper form or via the email address bewerbungen(at)uni-kassel.de , quoting the reference number.

For postal applications, please submit only copies of your documents (no folders), as these cannot be returned. All documents will be destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations after the selection process is complete.

The protection of your personal data is very important to us, therefore we will handle your personal data with care. By providing us with your data, you consent to its storage and use in accordance with the Hessian Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act. You may object to this at any time. Your personal data will then be deleted.

Information pursuant to Article 13 GDPR regarding the collection of personal data can be found at:
https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/datenschutz

Information and FAQs on applying for a job offer:
https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/universitaet/stellenangebote/hinweise-und-faq-zur-bewerbung-auf-ein-stellenangebot

The University of Kassel is deeply committed to the professional satisfaction of its employees. It has been recognized as a family-friendly university and, in the spirit of equal opportunities, strives to offer everyone the same development prospects and counteract existing disadvantages. It promotes the Family Welcome Service and, for academic and research positions, the Dual Career Service. One of the University of Kassel’s strategic goals is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Severely disabled applicants and those with equivalent status will be given preference if equally qualified, capable, and professionally competent. Full-time positions are generally divisible (except for civil service positions).