Scientist (f,m,d) in the area Resource-Efficient Controlled Environment Horticulture

The Leibniz Institute for Horticultural Sciences (IGZ) strives for excellence in horticultural research and related plant, environmental, and social sciences. Based in Großbeeren, close to Potsdam and Berlin, IGZ is a member of the Leibniz Association (WGL). Our mission is to provide science-based solutions that address four challenges currently threatening horticultural systems: climate change, biodiversity and pesticide reduction, healthy nutrition and food quality, and resource‑efficient agricultural and food systems.

Our scientific expertise covers the entire spectrum, from molecular plant physiology and biochemistry to human nutrition, food security, and horticultural production systems, thereby covering the full range from fundamental to applied research.

To contribute to the target of resource optimization in controlled environment crop production, the research group ’CEA-Controlled Environment Horticultural Systems’, we look for an enthusiastic and ambitious

Reference Number: 12/2026/4

Employment will be initially for three years with a three‑year extension upon a satisfactory evaluation after 2.5 years according to the IGZ criteria for postdoctoral careers. The salary will be based on qualifications and research experience in accordance with the collective agreement TV‑L, up to pay scale 13, and covers 100% of the regular working time. The position is suitable for part‑time employment with a minimum of 32 hours per week.

The scientist will be part of the research group CEA. The group develops sensor‑ and model‑based approaches for monitoring, decision support and optimisation of resource‑efficient crop production in greenhouses, indoor farms and other controlled environment systems. Research activities of the group focus on the integration of crop physiology, environmental monitoring, sensor technologies, process‑based modelling, artificial intelligence and Digital Twin concepts to improve productivity, sustainability and resource‑use efficiency (RUE).

The successful candidate is expected to establish an independent research profile aligned with the research strategy of the group in resource‑efficient controlled environment agriculture. The research should focus on the integration of plant experimentation, crop physiology, environmental control, sensor technologies, and process‑based approaches to improve the productivity, sustainability and resource‑use efficiency of horticultural production systems. Research activities may include greenhouse and controlled‑environment experiments, crop monitoring and phenotyping, environmental sensing, process‑based modelling, data analysis, and the development of innovative approaches for resource‑efficient crop production.

Active scientific publishing, acquisition of competitive research funding, and participation in national and international research collaborations are expected.

• building an independent research portfolio aligned with the research strategy of the group
• designing and conducting experiments in controlled environment horticulture using advanced sensors and imaging
• investigating plant responses to environmental conditions and resource management in CEA
• developing and applying process‑based approaches for analysing, predicting and optimising crop performance and RUE
• integrating experimental, physiological and environmental data for improved understanding of crop production systems
• analysing and interpreting crop, environmental and production system data
• scientific publication in international peer‑reviewed journals
• acquisition of national and international third‑party funding
• supervision of Bachelor, Master and PhD students
• contribution to the scientific coordination and strategic development of the research group

• a PhD in horticultural sciences, controlled environment agriculture, plant physiology, biosystems engineering, agricultural engineering, environmental engineering, or a related discipline
• strong interest in sustainable and resource‑efficient controlled environment horticultural production systems
• demonstrated…