Research Assistant in the field of Transformations for Sustainability with a focus on agricultural initiatives
2026-03-25
As a humanistic, sustainable and action-oriented university, Leuphana University of Lüneburg stands for innovation in education and science. Methodological diversity, interdisciplinary cooperation, transdisciplinary cooperation with practice and an overall dynamic development characterise its research profile in the core topics of education, culture, management/technology, sustainability and state. Its international study model with the Leuphana College, the Leuphana Graduate School and the Leuphana Professional School is unique in Germany and has won many awards.
The University is looking for a responsible, motivated and committed person for the Social-Ecological Systems Institute / International Sustainable Development and planning to start in September 2026.
Research Assistant
in the field of Transformations for Sustainability with a focus on agricultural initiatives
(Pay Grade 13 TV-L, 65%, fixed-term for 3 years)
The applicant is expected to reside in Lüneburg and conduct research at the three different locations of the Biodiversity Exploratories (i.e., Swabian Alb, Hainich-Dün, and Schorfheide-Chorin).
As part of a three-person team (1 PI + 1 PhD + 1 postdoc), the candidate will focus on understanding the transformative potential—defined as the latent capacity to bring about fundamental change toward sustainability—of agricultural initiatives, practices, projects, and organizations at the three study sites of the Biodiversity Exploratories. Specifically, the project aims to (1) identify archetypes of agricultural transformations based on the decision-making patterns of agricultural initiatives, which are defined by their values, rules, and knowledge, (2) characterize these archetypes based on their transformative outcomes, and (3) investigate the enabling and disabling conditions and processes that influence the potential for leveraging transformations.
The research is embedded in the three-year interdisciplinary research project “Understanding the Social-Ecological Transformative Potential of Farming Initiatives (TransFarm),” which is funded by the DFG Priority Program Biodiversity Exploratories.
Your responsibilities:
- Conducting interviews with representatives of agricultural initiatives and performing a content analysis of the interview transcripts
- Characterizing archetypes of agricultural initiatives using multivariate statistics
- Combining biophysical data on biodiversity and ecological processes available in BeXis with the transformation outcomes perceived by landowners
- Facilitating focus group discussions
- Authoring three manuscripts comprising the doctoral thesis
The cumulative doctoral thesis will consist of a series of at least three manuscripts, ideally leading to internationally published, peer-reviewed journal articles.
The candidate will work closely with a postdoctoral researcher who is investigating the interconnections of conditions and processes that hinder or enable transformations in agricultural systems, with the ultimate goal of identifying the points in the system where interventions are needed.
Your Profile:
- Completed graduate degree (Master’s or equivalent) (grade point average of at least 2.5) in sustainability sciences, agroecology, environmental sciences, or a related field
- Demonstrated knowledge of current research on transformations for sustainability
- Experience with qualitative and quantitative methods and statistical analysis
- Demonstrated experience working with databases.
- Willingness to learn new techniques for data collection and analysis
- Knowledge of social data collection approaches (e.g., interviews and focus group discussions)
- Proven ability to work in a team and independently under challenging circumstances
- Advanced written and spoken English and German skills
- Driver’s license
- Interest in creative outreach methods such as podcasts, photos, or videos.
What we offer:
- an inspiring work environment as part of the university community of researchers, faculty, students, and technical and administrative staff,
- a workplace at one of Germany’s most beautiful university locations on a true campus university with an internationally acclaimed central building designed by Daniel Libeskind and the directly adjacent Wilschenbruch nature reserve,
- high job security as part of the public service,
- an additional occupational pension plan through the Federal and State Pension Fund (VBL),
- flexible and family-friendly working hours within a flex-time framework from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.,
- flexible and family-friendly options to switch between on-site work and remote work,
- a comprehensive range of internal and external continuing education opportunities,
- a diverse range of sports activities sponsored by the university, which employees can participate in for one hour per week during working hours to promote health,
- a university-sponsored lunch option in the cafeteria,
- a university-sponsored Deutschlandticket as a job ticket.
Your Application:
For questions regarding the content of the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Berta Martín-López (berta.martin-lopez@leuphana.de, 04131.677-1725).
Leuphana University Lüneburg promotes gender equality in the workplace and diversity among its members. Applications from individuals with severe disabilities will be given preference if qualifications are equal.
Please submit all required documents (a cover letter in which you explain in one paragraph for each point how you meet the individual requirements of the job profile, your CV, and a list of your publications—please do not include a photo) via our application portal by May 20, 2026. We look forward to receiving your application!