Research Associate – crop science

Research Associate (m/f/d), starting October 1, 2026, fixed-term contract for 3 years with option of extension according to WissZeitVG, TV-L E13, 100%

On a uniquely beautiful campus, the University of Hohenheim, a profile university, unites the three faculties of Agricultural Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Economics and Social Sciences, with approximately 9,000 students enrolled. Our green campus, with its short distances between buildings, fosters collaboration and creates a vibrant and inspiring environment for research, teaching, and work for our approximately 2,000 employees. We are shaping a sustainable future and developing solutions for the societal challenges of our time. Here, up-and-coming minds find a community in which they can grow and develop.

The Chair of Crop Science at the University of Hohenheim combines excellent basic and applied research with modern, practice-oriented teaching in a variety of agricultural science degree programs. To strengthen our team, we are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a deep understanding of crop processes, systemic relationships, and agronomic control mechanisms, who will contribute to crop science research, drive innovation, and bring enthusiasm for modern teaching methods.

YOUR TASKS

Research

• Independent handling of scientific research projects in plant cultivation that correspond to the profile of the chair (e.g., digital plant cultivation, 2D/3D modeling, AI-supported approaches to data collection, plant proteins and innovative cultivation systems, medicinal and specialty crops (e.g., underutilized crops, new, climate-adapted crops, etc.), controlled environment agriculture (e.g., vertical farming)) and expanding this profile in a targeted manner.
• Developing your own research focus to strengthen your scientific career
• Application and communication of statistical evaluations of agronomic trials (R, SAS)
• Independent acquisition of third-party funding
• Publication activity in international journals and presentations at conferences

Teach

• Supervision and delivery of courses in undergraduate Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs at the university (agricultural sciences, agricultural biology, renewable resources, etc.)
• Participation in exercises, practicals and excursions, teaching of key crop production content at a high professional level
• Co-supervision of Bachelor’s, Master’s and, if applicable, doctoral theses
• Fluent German (C1 or higher) is mandatory toconfidently represent the fundamental principles of plant cultivation in German; English at a scientific level is a given. 

Organization & Laboratory Responsibility

• Assistance with the organization of daily life at the chair (security tasks, equipment management, etc.)
• Supervision of laboratories, experimental areas and technical staff

YOUR PROFILE

• CompletedPhD in agricultural sciences(or closely related fields) with ideally existing postdoc experience.
• Proven, soundexpertise in crop production(arable farming, yield physiology, plant ecology, crop development, etc.) as well as demonstrable, deep understanding of crop production processes, system interrelationships and agronomic control mechanisms.
• Excellent knowledge of quantitative methods in field trials; confident use of R, SAS
• Experience in modeling (2D/3D) or a willingness to specifically expand this skill is an advantage.
• Desirable: Knowledge of AI, programming, laboratory automation or related innovation topics in crop production
• High self-motivation, structured work style, teamwork skills
• Willingness to take on responsibility and actively contribute to the further development of the chair
• Enthusiasm for publications, research communication, and scientific exchange
• Documented previous achievements (publications in international journals and presentations at scientific conferences, teaching, projects, awards)

WHAT WE OFFER

We offer a position at a young, interdisciplinary chair with considerable creative freedom, modern research infrastructure, and excellent opportunities for national and international collaboration. The chair supports the development of independent research activities, the acquisition of external funding, and further academic qualification. Flexible working hours, a supportive environment, and ample space for innovative research complete the offer.

WHAT SETS US APART

• Top 10 most attractive employers in the region
• A vibrant and innovative working environment on a green campus with short distances.
• Secure job & excellent work-life balance
• Flexible working hours & mobile working
• Diverse training and further education opportunities & modern personnel and organizational development
• Job ticket & JobBike, cafeteria, health promotion & university sports

The University of Hohenheim promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Your knowledge, skills, and strengths are important to us, regardless of age, gender, origin, or religion. People with disabilities and those with equivalent status are especially encouraged to apply and will be given preferential consideration if their qualifications are essentially equal.

Application deadline:February 28, 2026

Please include the following documents with your application:

We look forward to receiving your application, which you shouldsubmit via our online portal byFebruary 28, 2026 .

This includes a letter of motivation outlining your scientific vision, a meaningful CV with a list of publications, relevant certificates and references, as well as a research statement (max. two pages) and a short teaching statement.

For further questions, please contact the head of department, Prof. Dr. Simone Graeff-Hönninger, at graeff@uni-hohenheim.de or 0711-45924114.