Are you searching for sustainability research jobs in Germany within an EU-funded project? Here’s a strong opportunity to work at the intersection of agroecology, sustainability assessment, and international research collaboration. Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU), founded in 1607, is inviting applications for a Research Associate (m/f/d) in the field of Sustainability Assessment of Agroecological Systems.

The position is part-time (50%), funded under the EU partnership project MultiCAS – Multidimensional Performance Assessment of Complex Agroecological Systems, and is expected to run from June 1, 2026, until May 31, 2029 (subject to final funding approval). If you are passionate about agroecology, sustainability metrics, and European research collaboration, this Research Associate position at Justus Liebig University Giessen offers a rare opportunity to work at the forefront of sustainable agriculture assessment.

With strong funding, cross-border partnerships, and real-world impact through Living Labs, this role provides both academic growth and meaningful environmental contribution.

Position Overview

• Job Title: Research Associate (m/f/d)
• Field: Sustainability Assessment & Agroecology
• Start Date: June 1, 2026
• Duration: Until May 31, 2029
• Employment Type: 50% part-time
• Salary: E13 TV-H (State of Hessen collective agreement)
• Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
• Reference Number: 167/09

The role is based at the Chair of Organic Farming with a Focus on Sustainable Soil Use, Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding II, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Nutritional Sciences, and Environmental Management.

About the EU MultiCAS Project

The MultiCAS project focuses on evaluating the performance of agroecological farms across five European countries: Germany, France, Italy, Slovenia, and Turkey.

Its main objective is to adapt and contextualize an agroecological sustainability assessment tool for small farms operating within local producer-consumer networks.

A central feature of the project is the creation of Living Labs, where researchers collaborate directly with:

• Farmers
• Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) networks
• Local stakeholders
• International research partners

At JLU, the focus is on the German state of Hesse, working closely with regional farms to evaluate ecological performance, farm complexity, and sustainability indicators.

Key Responsibilities

As a Research Associate, you will play a hands-on role in shaping sustainable agriculture research in Europe. Your responsibilities include:

• Establishing and coordinating Living Labs in Hesse
• Organizing workshops and conducting stakeholder interviews
• Applying and further developing a sustainability assessment tool
• Identifying ecological and systemic complexity indicators
• Collecting and analyzing social, economic, and environmental data
• Processing datasets using R or Python
• Collaborating with international partners in France, Italy, Slovenia, and Turkey
• Publishing findings in peer-reviewed international journals
• Presenting results at scientific conferences and public events

This role combines fieldwork, data science, sustainability research, and international cooperation.

Required Qualifications

To qualify for this EU research position, applicants must have:

• A completed Master’s degree (or equivalent) in agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, earth sciences, life sciences, or a related discipline
• Experience in empirical research and data analysis
• Strong software skills in R and/or Python
• High interdisciplinary collaboration skills
• Very good German communication skills
• Very good written and spoken English
• A valid Class B driving licence

Experience in sustainability assessment, agroecology, or agricultural systems research will be considered a strong advantage.

Salary and Benefits (E13 TV-H Explained)

This position follows the TV-H E13 salary scale, which is standard for academic research staff in the German public sector.

Benefits include:

• Competitive public-sector salary (50% of full-time E13 scale)
• Company pension scheme
• Child allowance and special payments
• Free public transportation within Hesse (LandesTicket Hessen)
• Flexible working hours
• Access to over 100 professional development seminars annually
• Health and sports programs
• Certified family-friendly university environment

Germany remains one of the most attractive destinations for academic research careers due to its strong funding system and employment-based contracts.

Why This Job Is Ideal for Sustainability Researchers

This opportunity is particularly attractive if you are interested in:

• Agroecology and regenerative agriculture
• Sustainability performance assessment
• EU-funded collaborative research
• Data-driven environmental analysis
• Applied research with real-world farm partnerships
• International academic networking

Working within the MultiCAS framework allows you to influence sustainable farming strategies across Europe while building a strong publication record.

Application Process

Submit your application online by March 31, 2026, quoting reference number 167/09 Apply via our  online form. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Wiebke Niether by phone (+49-641-99 37740) or by e-mail (wiebke.niether).

JLU promotes diversity and equal opportunity. Applications are welcomed regardless of gender, nationality, disability, religion, age, or background. Women and candidates with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is this position fully funded?

Yes. The role is funded through the EU MultiCAS partnership project and follows the TV-H E13 public salary scale.

2. Is this a PhD position?

No. This is a Research Associate position. However, depending on departmental regulations, research activities may support doctoral qualification if arranged separately.

3. Do I need to speak German?

Yes. Very good German communication skills are required, as the position involves close collaboration with farms and local stakeholders in Hesse.

4. Is international collaboration involved?

Yes. You will work closely with research partners in France, Italy, Slovenia, and Turkey.

5. What software skills are required?

Applicants should have experience in R or Python for data processing and statistical analysis.

6. Can international applicants apply?

Yes, provided they meet the qualification criteria and language requirements.

7. What makes this role competitive?

The combination of EU funding, applied sustainability research, international collaboration, and Germany’s public-sector benefits makes it highly attractive for environmental researchers.