The mission of the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) as a nationally and internationally active research institute is to deliver solutions for an ecologically, economically and socially sustainable agriculture – together with society. ZALF is a member of the Leibniz Association and is located in Müncheberg (approx. 35 minutes by regional train from Berlin-Lichtenberg). It also maintains a research station with further locations in Dedelow and Paulinenaue.

The long-term on-farm project Basisprogramm Acker is monitoring crop yields under current agricultural practices in the Quillow region in Brandenburg. Since 1999, this project has continuously monitored over 20 commercial fields, providing a unique, multi-decadal dataset on crop yields, management practices, and landscape effects. A detailed soil survey was carried out in 2003 and is planned to be repeated in 2026 to analyze changes in soil carbon, nutrients and hydrological conditions over time.

To support us in the soil sampling campaign 2026, we are looking for a student assistant (60 hours/month) for a period of 6 months, starting optimally in May at our location in Müncheberg:

Student Assistant for Soil Sampling Campaign (f/m/d) 08-2026

Your tasks:

• Support the field-based soil sampling campaign
• Assist in revisiting and validating permanent sampling points using GPS and field maps
• Support soil sample processing, documentation, and laboratory analysis
• Assist in the organization and quality control of field information and research data

Your qualifications:

• Enrolled in a B.Sc., M.Sc., or equivalent program in Soil Science, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Geoinformatics, or a related field (please attach enrollment certificate) in a German University
• Hands-on experience with soil sampling is essential
• Basic experience with data handling (e.g. Excel, R, GIS, or similar tools) is an advantage
• Willingness to do physically intense work during soil sampling campaigns
• Knowledge of German language is an advantage
• Class B driver’s license is mandatory

What we offer:

• Practical experience in a cutting-edge research project with high scientific value
• A collaborative and interdisciplinary working environment at ZALF
• Salary according to the usual hourly rates for student assistants in Brandenburg.
• Flexible working hours and a friendly working environment in the team
• Company train ticket

ZALF promotes equality among all employees and welcomes applications regardless of ethnic, cultural, or social background, age, religion, ideology, disability, gender, or sexual identity.

Please submit your application with the usual documents — in particular, CV, enrollment certificate, proof of qualifications, and academic transcripts — preferably online via the "Online Application" button below.

For email applications, please create a single PDF document (max. 5 MB). Compressed PDF files or archive formats such as ZIP or RAR, as well as Word documents, cannot be processed and will not be considered. Please include the reference number 08-2026 and apply by 25 March 2026 via the “Email Application” button below.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact: Tara Meghana Kaila () or Dr. Kathrin Grahmann ().

For cost reasons, application documents or extensive publications can only be returned if a sufficiently stamped return envelope is included.

If you apply, we will collect and process your personal data in accordance with Articles 5 and 6 of the EU GDPR, solely for the purpose of processing your application and for any potential future employment at ZALF. Your data will be deleted after six months

Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF),

Eberswalder Straße 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany

Contact of Human resource management: