Research Associate for quantitative Modelling / CAPRI (f/m/d)
The Institute of Farm Economics at the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, the Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry, and Fisheries, in Braunschweig is seeking, to begin as soon as possible but no earlier than September 15, 2026, on a fixed-term contract through August 31, 2030, a research associate in the field of agricultural economics, agricultural sciences specializing in quantitative modeling / CAPRI (f/m/d) on a part-time basis at 80% of the regular workweek (currently 31.2 hours/week) to contribute to the “NATURISE” project.
The position is funded through the research projects NATURISE. The successful candidate will contribute to both the application and further development of the CAPRI model to address research and policy questions related to nature restoration, ecosystem services, and climate change mitigation and adaptation in European agriculture.
The position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of agricultural and environmental policy modelling in close collaboration with leading modelling teams across Europe. It also involves regular international travel for project meetings and scientific collaboration
The research data can be used to advance one's own academic qualifications by working toward a doctoral degree. The employment relationship is governed by the TVöD Bund collective agreement and, provided the collective agreement and personal requirements are met, is remunerated according to pay grade 13 of the TVöD Bund - which corresponds to an annual salary of 62.489,15 € bis 89.579,84 € for full-time employment.
Your tasksYour tasks
- Extend the CAPRI model to improve the representation of ecosystem services by introducing a more detailed representation of insecticides, enabling improved assessment of impacts on pollinators.
- Identify and integrate external datasets into the CAPRI database to support the disaggregation of insecticides.
- Use the CAPRI model to analyse the costs and benefits of ecosystem restoration measures and environmental policies.
- Couple CAPRI with other partial equilibrium (PE), computable general equilibrium (CGE), and land-use models to analyse environmental and economic policy questions.
- Collaborate closely with partner modelling teams across Europe to develop robust and validated modelling results.
- Present research findings and project progress at project meetings, workshops, and scientific conferences.
- Contribute to scientific publications and project deliverables.
Your profilYour profil
- a university degree (M.Sc., Univ.-Diplom) in agricultural economics, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, agroecology, integrated natural resource management, or a related discipline.
- Hands-on experience with the CAPRI model.
- Good command of the GAMS modelling language.
- Programming experience, preferably in R or Python.
- An interest in agricultural, environmental, and climate policy.
- A strong interest in quantitative modelling and the interpretation of simulation results in a policy context.
- The ability and willingness to work in an international research environment.
Your personal profile
- Enthusiasm for scientific research in interdisciplinary projects.
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- The ability to communicate complex issues clearly to different audiences.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Willingness to undertake occasional international travel
Our offerOur offer
- Security and benefits: collectively agreed, fixed-term employment with attractive social benefits (e.g. company pension scheme, annual one-off payment, capital-forming benefits) upon fulfilment of the collective agreement and personal requirements according to pay group 13 TVöD
- Responsibility and a sense of purpose: responsible work in a dedicated team, involvement in a dynamic, interdisciplinary research institute and proximity to current policy and practice-relevant topics
- Flexibility and work-life balance: flexible working time models, fundamental possibility of part-time employment as well as mobile working and teleworking, certified employer berufundfamilie audit with a wide range of offers for reconciling work and life phases
- Prospects: further training opportunities for the area of responsibility and individual development
- Health: company health management and preventative healthcare programmes
- Mobility: JobTicket, public transport connections, free parking spaces and the option of using e-charging stations
The Thünen Institute promotes professional equality between women and men and therefore expressly welcomes applications from women.
We live a diverse and cosmopolitan coexistence. The Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute is committed to inclusion. Applications from people with severe disabilities are therefore expressly encouraged. They will be given preferential consideration in the selection process. Please enclose proof of severe disability or equal status with your application.
Dr. Alexander Gocht (e-mail alexander.gocht@thuenen.de) will answer any questions about the advertised positions. Please indicate the respective reference numbers.
Please send us your application documents, including a letter of motivation, a curriculum vitae in tabular form (describing your education and professional career), and copies of certificates (Master's certificate, school-leaving certificate, etc.) by 25.08.2026, quoting the reference number 2026-098-BW, preferably electronically (as one pdf document) to bw@thuenen.de
We are looking forward to receiving your application!
