Postdoc (m/f/d) on “Experimental Hydrology”

The mission of the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) is to deliver solutions for an ecologically, economically and socially sustainable agriculture. ZALF is a nationally and internationally active research institute located in Müncheberg, with additional sites in Brandenburg and Hesse.

Postdoc (m/f/d) on “Experimental Hydrology”

Responsibilities

• Develop the field of experimental hydrology by conducting innovative lysimeter experiments in Spreewald and Uckermark to capture and describe upscaled effects of biotic and abiotic processes on water storage, mass transport, and nutrient dynamics.
• Refurbish existing infrastructure for gapless, high‑quality data collection at the lysimeter sites.
• Develop approaches to efficiently use existing lysimeter and field hydrological datasets for testing, extending, and improving agro‑ecosystem models such as crop models.
• Analyse dynamic spatio‑temporal interactions among soil structure, groundwater, and surface water bodies using advanced coupled simulation systems.
• Assess the impacts of crops, including root system dynamics and agricultural management, on water‑related ecosystem services such as infiltration, preferential flow, plant water use, carbon storage, erosion control, and drought resilience.
• Integrate ZALF lysimeter‑based hydrological research with external collaborations such as TERENO and eLTER, focusing on critical‑zone processes that combine soil structure, biological activity, and hydrological dynamics.

Qualifications

• PhD in hydrology, soil physics, geography, or related sciences.
• Sound statistical, hydrological modelling, and experimental skills for analysing processes in space and time.
• Capability to independently carry out research.
• Experience with open‑field measurements and monitoring programmes.
• Data management skills.
• Proven publication record.
• Willingness to collaborate in a highly interdisciplinary research environment and experience in interdisciplinary projects.
• Driving licence.

Benefits

• Full‑time contract with the option for part‑time work.
• Interdisciplinary working environment that encourages independence and self‑reliance.
• Classification according to the collective agreement of the federal states (TV‑L) up to E13, including special annual payment.
• Collegial and open‑minded working atmosphere in a dynamic research institution.
• Individual options for career support such as a mentoring tandem, courses, and training, and variable options to access scientific resources.
• Established infrastructure, including highly equipped lysimeter monitoring systems.
• Remote working up to 40% per month.
• Company ticket for public transport.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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