Job posting (m/f/d): Project employee for the project “Insect protection through Minimizing insecticide applications in winter oilseed rape”
In Germany, winter oilseed rape is the arable crop with the highest insecticide intensity in agricultural crop production. Savings in the use of insecticides are therefore particularly relevant for this culture. In addition, the reduced use of insecticides, especially in this crop, can have a positive effect on pollinator insects (e.g. wild bees) and generally have a positive effect on biodiversity in the agricultural area.
The minimization of the insecticide applications to the necessary extent (without relevant reduction in yield) requires an exact recording of the infestation situation in the field and the alignment of the control decision with control values.
In the project plan, the feasibility of integrated plant protection in pest control is to be demonstrated on practical areas of agricultural businesses in Thuringia in winter oilseed rape and the possible effects on beneficial insect populations in the culture are to be demonstrated. In addition, field trials are planned to reduce pest infestation in winter oilseed rape using new, alternative approaches.
Main tasks:
- Supervision of large-scale trials on farms (infestation surveys, prognosis calculations, control decisions, etc.) as well as performance reviews of the control measures used in practice and evaluation of the prognosis methods used
- Collection of samples for carrying out resistance tests on the most important oilseed rape pests (rape weevil, rape stalk weevil, cabbage weevil, pollen beetle and cabbage pod weevil)
- Investigations on the occurrence of beneficial insects on selected demonstration areas (yellow shells, landing net catches, floor traps) and hatching controls (examination of rape pods)
- Creation and supervision of exact tests to reduce pest infestation in winter rape with alternative test approaches
- Data analysis and presentation as well as reports
Applicants are expected to:
- Completed degree in agricultural, biological, horticultural or geosciences or comparable courses, eg land management, nature conservation, landscape ecology (diploma, bachelor’s or master’s degree); or technical college degree in agriculture
- Solid computer skills (including Microsoft Office, scientific evaluation and presentation software)
- (Basic) knowledge of entomology would be a great advantage but not a requirement
- Independent way of working, high level of organizational talent and ability to work in a team
- Willingness to react flexibly to seasonal work peaks
- Possession of a category B driver’s license, if possible with driving experience
We offer you:
- a temporary full-time position as a project employee initially until December 31, 2025
- the advertised position can also be filled as a part-time position
- a responsible and varied job in a highly motivated team
- Place of work: Jena, headquarters of UAS Umwelt- und Agrarstudien GmbH
If you are interested in working in our company, we look forward to receiving your application. Send us your complete application documents (preferably electronically) by July 15, 2023 to the address below. The documents of applicants who are not considered will be destroyed after the application process has been completed:
Dr Joerg Perner
UAS Environmental and Agricultural Studies GmbH
D-07743 Jena, Ilmstrasse 6
Phone: (03641)628 17 02
Mail: j.perner@uas-jena.de