Postdoctoral Researcher Job in Soil Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at ZALF, Germany
Researchers interested in artificial intelligence, robotics, precision agriculture, remote sensing, and environmental data science now have an excellent opportunity in Germany. The Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) is inviting applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher position within the SoilRob Junior Research Group, a project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).
This two-year research position, expected to begin as early as October 2026, is based in Müncheberg, Germany, approximately 35 minutes from Berlin. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research that combines autonomous field robotics, machine learning, remote sensing, digital agriculture, and sustainable soil management.
For researchers looking to build an international academic career while working with advanced agricultural technologies, this position offers an outstanding combination of interdisciplinary research, competitive salary, and strong institutional support.
Position Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Reference Number | 32-2026 |
| Institution | Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) |
| Project | SoilRob – Towards Healthy Soils by Using Autonomous Field Robots |
| Funding | German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) |
| Location | Müncheberg, Germany |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Contract Duration | 2 Years |
| Expected Start Date | October 2026 (Earliest) |
| Application Deadline | 31 July 2026 |
About ZALF
The Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) is one of Germany’s leading research institutes dedicated to developing innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture.
As a member of the prestigious Leibniz Association, ZALF conducts internationally recognized research focused on improving agricultural productivity while protecting natural resources and ecosystems.
The institute’s headquarters are located in Müncheberg, with additional research facilities across Brandenburg and Hesse.
Researchers benefit from collaboration with universities, research institutes, government organizations, and international partners working on climate resilience, precision farming, environmental sustainability, and digital agriculture.
About the SoilRob Project
The SoilRob project investigates how autonomous agricultural robots and high-resolution environmental data can improve soil health and support sustainable crop production.
The research aims to determine whether diversified farming systems supported by intelligent robotic technologies can:
- Improve soil health.
- Increase ecosystem services.
- Enhance agricultural productivity.
- Reduce environmental impacts.
- Improve long-term farming sustainability.
The project integrates robotics, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, environmental monitoring, and digital farming technologies.
Research Responsibilities
The successful researcher will lead several interconnected research activities throughout the project.
1. Sensor Calibration and Data Collection
You will:
- Calibrate hyperspectral sensors.
- Optimize thermal cameras.
- Configure LiDAR systems.
- Improve autonomous robotic sensing platforms.
- Collect high-resolution soil and plant data from experimental agricultural fields.
2. Data Integration and Machine Learning
A major component of the role involves managing complex environmental datasets.
Responsibilities include:
- Harmonizing heterogeneous sensor datasets.
- Integrating multi-source environmental data.
- Processing high-dimensional spatial information.
- Developing reproducible data pipelines.
- Applying machine learning models.
- Validating predictive models.
- Detecting systematic sensor bias.
- Integrating field observations with external spectral libraries.
3. Digital Farming Simulation
The researcher will collaborate closely with the Technical University of Dresden (TU Dresden) to integrate processed datasets into the digi.farming.lab virtual environment.
This includes:
- Implementing crop models.
- Integrating soil models.
- Developing simulation scenarios.
- Supporting the Farming Simulator platform for research applications.
Additional Responsibilities
The successful candidate will also:
- Publish research papers in international peer-reviewed journals.
- Present findings at scientific conferences.
- Contribute to new research proposals.
- Participate in science communication activities.
- Work across interdisciplinary research teams.
- Collaborate with project partners across Germany.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should possess:
- A PhD in Agronomy, Environmental Science, Geosciences, Engineering, Data Science, or a related discipline.
- Experience using field-based soil sensors.
- Knowledge of hyperspectral imaging or LiDAR technologies.
- Strong Python programming skills.
- Experience developing machine learning models.
- Knowledge of environmental data processing.
- Experience with reproducible research workflows.
- Statistical modelling experience.
- Ability to work with heterogeneous datasets.
Preferred Skills
Additional strengths include:
- GIS and spatial data analysis.
- UAV or satellite remote sensing.
- Driver’s license.
- Willingness to travel within Germany.
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
- Experience working in interdisciplinary research environments.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers an attractive employment package that includes:
- Full-time employment (40 hours per week).
- Salary according to TV-L EG13 (German public sector pay scale).
- Annual special payment.
- Company train ticket.
- Excellent work-life balance.
- Flexible working arrangements, including possible part-time employment.
- Access to international research networks.
- Opportunities for scientific publications.
- Collaboration with leading universities and research institutes.
Why Apply?
This position offers a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Robotics
- Precision Agriculture
- Environmental Science
- Machine Learning
- Digital Farming
- Remote Sensing
- Sustainable Agriculture
Researchers will gain valuable experience in cutting-edge technologies while contributing to solutions for global agricultural challenges.
Who Can Apply?
The position is open to qualified researchers who meet the academic and technical requirements.
ZALF strongly encourages applications regardless of:
- Nationality
- Gender
- Age
- Disability
- Religion
- Ethnic or cultural background
- Sexual orientation
The institute is committed to diversity, equality, and inclusive hiring practices. The Postdoctoral Researcher position at ZALF offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career scientists to contribute to the future of AI-powered sustainable agriculture. By combining autonomous field robotics, machine learning, remote sensing, and environmental science, the SoilRob project addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing modern farming.
With competitive TV-L EG13 funding, access to world-class research infrastructure, international collaboration, and strong support for career development, this position is ideal for researchers seeking to make a meaningful impact in agricultural innovation and digital farming. Be sure to submit your application before the 31 July 2026 deadline.
Application Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- PhD certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Relevant certificates
- Supporting documents
For email applications:
- Submit one PDF file
- Maximum file size: 5 MB
- Do not submit ZIP, RAR, or Word files, as they will not be processed.
- Online application
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Earliest Start Date | October 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 31 July 2026 |
Contact Information
Research Contacts
Dr. Adrija Roy
Email: Adrija.Roy@zalf.de
Dr. Kathrin Grahmann
Telephone: +49 (0) 33432 82-142
Email: Kathrin.Grahmann@zalf.de
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this a PhD or postdoctoral position?
This is a postdoctoral research position intended for applicants who have already completed a PhD.
How long is the contract?
The appointment is for two years, with the earliest start expected in October 2026.
Is the position fully funded?
Yes. The position is funded through the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) as part of the SoilRob Junior Research Group.
What programming language is required?
Applicants should have strong Python programming skills, particularly for machine learning, data processing, and workflow automation.
Which research areas are involved?
The project combines:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Precision Agriculture
- Soil Science
- Robotics
- LiDAR
- Hyperspectral Imaging
- Thermal Imaging
- GIS
- Remote Sensing
- Environmental Data Science
Is previous remote sensing experience required?
Experience with GIS, UAVs, satellite imagery, or spatial data analysis is considered highly desirable.
Is travel required?
Yes. The researcher should be willing to travel within Germany for field campaigns and collaboration with project partners.
What salary scale is offered?
The position is classified under TV-L EG13, the standard German public-sector salary scale for postdoctoral researchers.
Can international researchers apply?
Yes. Qualified researchers from around the world are welcome to apply if they meet the required academic and technical qualifications.
Where is the position based?
The position is located at ZALF in Müncheberg, Germany, approximately 35 minutes from Berlin by regional train.
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