Postdoc position “Agronomy and Crop Systems Modelling”

The Department of Crop Sciences, Division Tropical Plant Production and Agricultural Systems Modelling (TROPAGS) at the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen is looking to fill a qualification position (which includes the possibility of habilitation). This position should be filled by 1 January 2019.

Postdoc position “Agronomy and Crop Systems Modelling”

Salary TV-L 13/100% (according to the German salary scale), initially for the duration of three years.

Your working environment, tasks /expected activities and outputs:

The division Tropical Plant Production and Agricultural Systems Modelling (TROPAGS) has its research focus on the analysis and modelling of globally important plant production systems. Central questions relate to the development of sustainable crop/ farm management practices of smallholder systems, food security, risks analyses and land use planning, especially in regions that are particularly vulnerable to climate and other global changes. We offer a stimulating, international and interdisciplinary research and work environment in a team with extensive expertise in tropical agronomy and land use issues and the design, development, testing and applications of agricultural systems models at different scales (see, webpage: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/106511.html).

Currently we are seeking to fill a position that is at the core of our divisions’ research: combining experimentation with eco-physiological modelling from field/farm to region. While research activities and teaching will focus on tropical plant production systems, namely in Africa; participation in projects on temperate agricultural systems and in other world regions is also expected.

Required qualifications and skills:

• A PhD in Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Sciences or related fields- with specific knowledge in agronomy, agricultural systems and other managed ecosystems
• Deep understanding of theory and concepts of crop simulation modelling and in model evaluation methods
• Excellent command and operational skills in applying APSIM and/or DSSAT or SUCROS type and/or other widely used crop models (CropMs)
• Knowledge/experience in model development and improvement and about associated data requirements and field experimentation
• Experience in designing and conducting experiments in the greenhouse and field in support of model development and evaluation
• Experience in working with and coordinating research groups in developing countries
• Very good written and spoken English language skills
• Keen interest and proven experience in writing peer-reviewed scientific articles
• Interest and willingness to learn and communicate in German

Desired qualifications:

• Experience and interest in performing project management tasks
• Experience in teaching MSc students in agricultural systems modelling
• Profound expertise in statistics, experience with R and/or other programming languages
• Good knowledge of crop and soil management for common smallholder and commercial crop cultivation systems in Africa and/or Asia, Latin America and Europe
• Ability to work in/with a multi-cultural team and research partners world-wide

The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The mission of the University is to employ a greater number of severely disabled persons. Applications from severely disabled persons with equivalent qualifications will be given preference.

Applications should be sent to (and in cc to: apape2@gwdg.de) and should include a cover letter, a short summary of teaching and research interests, CV, complete certificates, and the names (with email addresses) of two potential referees.

Closing date for applications: 31.10.2018. For further information, please, contact: Prof. Dr. Reimund P Rötter: reimund.roetter@uni-goettingen.de

Please note:

With submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in terms of data-protection law. Further information on the legal basis and data usage is provided in the Information General Data Protection