Tätigkeitsprofil:

The Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy e. V. (ATB) is a pioneer and driver of bioeconomy research. We create scientific foundations for the transformation of agricultural, food, industrial, and energy systems into a comprehensive bio-based circular economy. We develop and integrate techniques, processes, and management strategies, effectively converging technologies to crosslink bioeconomic production systems intelligently. By conducting research in dialogue with society, we aim to create knowledge-motivated and application-inspired solutions.

The Working Group on Innovations in Sociotechnical Systems (ISTS) envisions well-aligned social and technical systems that facilitate innovation and thereby support the transition toward a sustainable biobased economy. Its mission is to contribute to the generation and institutionalization of knowledge on the interplay of subsystems in support of an innovative, circular, inclusive, and cumulative biobased economy. To this end, holistic strategies, processes, as well as structures for collaboration, governance, and learning are co-designed and implemented jointly with stakeholders, employing innovative methods and tools to foster sustainable transformations toward a biobased economy. Within the framework of the Horizon Europe project NEXRUR, the following position is to be filled as part of the ISTS team:

Researcher in Community and Business Development in Sustainability Transitions (m/f/d) (50%-75%)

Combined applications for multiple positions within the NEXRUR Project are possible up to a total extent of 100%.

Your responsibilities

• Perform action research in the context of the following project tasks:
  • Conduct action research to understand change and innovation dynamics, and identify strategies, pathways, tools, and policy measures that support successful community-led businesses and rural development.
  • Map key stakeholders and networks, analyze the policy and regulatory landscape, and develop tools and engage to support business development in rural communities through National Stakeholder Panels (NSPs).
  • Develop and implement methods for knowledge transfer and replication of successful approaches in collaboration with related rural innovation projects.
• Lead and contribute to project deliverables, scientific publications, research proposals, and dissemination hrough journals and conferences.
• Manage and execute internal and external events.
• Contribute to research projects of the ISTS group, and actively participate in the activities of the ISTS group and ATB.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers, including Doctoral, Bachelor’s and Master’s students, and undertake a limited teaching responsibility.

Your qualification profile

• General qualifications:
  • Academic background (preferably PhD) and expertise in rural and community development studies, agricultural economics, rural business sciences, policy analysis, sustainability transitions, or equivalent.
  • Experience with participatory, action-oriented approaches to research.
  • Excellent English skills, evidenced by scientific publications; knowledge of German is desirable, and Chinese is an asset.
  • Excellent written and spoken English communication skills, evidenced by scientific publications; knowledge of German is desirable, and Chinese is an asset.
  • Experience with teaching and coaching students is an advantage.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative and transdisciplinary team.
  • Project management experience, including financial, legal, and technical coordination; strong communication and dissemination skills with a preparedness to develop research proposals and reporting.
  • High level of enthusiasm, self-motivation, and strong organizational capabilities.
• Specific qualifications:
  • Experience in support strategies for rural community enterprises, rural policy analysis, including regulatory frameworks and landscape assessments relevant to rural enterprises.
  • Strong research skills and scientific mindset, with experience in designing and implementing empirical and conceptual studies, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches.
  • Experience in developing and implementing strategies and tools for supporting rural communities and businesses.

Anforderungsprofil:

We offer you

• An interdisciplinary and collaborative working environment at the forefront of research on sustainability transitions and community development.
• The opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in business development and entrepreneurship in rural areas with high societal relevance.
• Mentorship and support in publishing and developing research proposals.
• Family-friendly working conditions and a supportive team atmosphere.
• Participation in the VBB company ticket or Deutschlandticket.
• Access to excellent research infrastructure and a picturesque location in Potsdam.

The part-time position (50%) is limited to four years and will be compensated according to salary group TV-L 13. This position is complementary to the position for a research associate advertised as part of the NEXRUR project at Humboldt Universität zu Berlin. The position is expected to begin in October 2025, contingent upon the final approval of the project by the funding agency.

For further information, please contact PD Dr. Philipp Grundmann (email: pgrundmann@atb-potsdam.de) and visit our website at www.atb-potsdam.de.

If you would like to contribute your professional competence to our interdisciplinary research, please apply by the following deadline16.06.2025using ATB’s online application form for the job advertisement,reference 2025-TA-STCD-6, athttps://www.atb-potsdam.de/de/karriere/offene-stellen. Applications received after the application deadline cannot be considered.

The interviews are scheduled for 01/02/03.07.2025.

Equality of opportunity is part of our personnel policy. Disabled applicants with adequate qualification will be preferentially considered.

By submitting an application, you agree that your job application documents will be stored for a period of six months, even in the case of an unsuccessful application. Further information on the processing, storage and protection of your personal data can be found athttps://www.atb-potsdam.de/en/services/data-protection-declaration-for-the-application-process.

Published on May 08, 2025

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