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). The institute maintains further locations in Brandenburg (Dedelow, Paulinenaue) as well as in Hesse (Giessen, Witzenhausen, and Geisenheim).

The BMFTR-funded early-career research group “Improving Soil Health through the Use of Autonomous Field Robots in Diversified Agricultural Landscapes” (SoilRob, ) investigates the effects of using field robots on various soil functions and soil health in diversified cropping systems. The main goal of SoilRob is to determine whether we can improve soil health and enhance ecosystem-based soil services in diversified cropping systems through the use of autonomous robotic systems and high-resolution data. Using state-of-the-art methods and technologies, a comprehensive assessment of physical, chemical, and biological soil parameters is conducted, which are linked to the functions of the soil ecosystem and the goals of sustainable development.

We are offering a student assistant position starting earliest in October 2026, temporarily limited for 12 months (with the option to extend) for 30 - 60 h/month, depending on the applicant’s availability, at our location in Müncheberg

Student assistant for soil sampling campaigns and laboratory work (f/m/d) 34-2026

Your tasks:

• field sampling and measuring campaigns at experiments in Brandenburg (different soil and crop-related parameters, e.g., soil compaction, water infiltration, weed cover)
• support for multi-day sampling campaigns at other locations in Germany (Lower Saxony and Bavaria)
• processing soil samples in the lab (drying, sieving, weighing)
• soil laboratory analysis (e.g., determination of aggregate stability, carbon fractions, microbial biomass carbon)

Your qualifications:

• ongoing advanced B.Sc. or early M.Sc. studies in soil, agricultural, environmental sciences or related studies (Biology, Geology, etc.) at a German university (please upload your current enrollment certificate)
• highly motivated to work in the field under varying weather conditions
• experience in field and/or laboratory work and soil parameter assessment is beneficial
• driving license advantageous

What we offer:

• practical work in the exciting research field of soil health and sustainable agriculture
• interdisciplinary working environment that encourages independence and self-reliance
• collegial and open-minded working atmosphere in a dynamic research institution
• payment according to the usual hourly rates for student/scientific assistants of the state of Brandenburg

ZALF promotes equality among all employees and welcomes applications regardless of ethnic, cultural, or social background, age, religion, ideology, disability, gender, or sexual identity. It is generally possible to work in the position on a part-time basis. Please send your application preferably online (see button online application below). For e-mail applications, create a PDF document (one PDF file, max. 5 MB; packed PDF documents, archive files like zip, rar etc. Word documents cannot be processed and therefore cannot be considered!) with the usual documents, in particular Cover letter, CV, proof of qualification and certificates, stating the reference number 34-2026 until 9th of August 2026 to (see button e-mail application below).

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: Lukas Thielemann () or Lina Rohlmann ()

For cost reasons, application documents or extensive publications can only be returned if an adequately stamped envelope is attached.
If you apply, we collect and process your personal data in accordance with Articles 5 and 6 of the EU GDPR only for the processing of your application and for purposes that result from possible future employment with the 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: