PhD student in agricultural or development economics (f,m,d)

The Leibniz-Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) aims for excellence in horticultural research and related plant, environmental, nutritional and social sciences. IGZ is based in Großbeeren and is a member of the Leibniz Association (WGL). IGZ conducts strategic and international research for the sustainable production and use of vegetables, contributing to food security, human well-being and the conservation of natural resources. At IGZ, researchers from different disciplines work together on core-funded and grant-funded projects, in collaboration with national and international research partners.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious

PhD student in agricultural or development economics (f,m,d)
Reference Number: 23/2022/3

The employment will be initially for three years. The position is core-funded by IGZ. The conferral of a doctorate is possible at the Thaer Institute at Humboldt-University of Berlin. The salary will be based on qualification and research experience according to the wage agreement TV-L, salary domain east, up to EG 13 (65% of the regular working time).

The PhD student will be part of the research group “Economic Development and Food Security” led by Professor Tilman Brück. The aim of the research group is to analyse food security and food choices under extreme living conditions in developing, emerging and industrialised countries. We focus our research at the micro-level, collecting and analysing (panel) data on individuals and households. We employ a range of approaches including micro econometrics, impact evaluations and behavioural economics. We work on and in a range of countries, including Bangladesh, Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Mozambique, Uganda and Uzbekistan. The post holder is expected to develop a research agenda in collaboration with the research group members to pursue a PhD in agricultural or development economics on a topic within the remit of the research group. Further information on the research group can be obtained online at https://www.igzev.de/schwerpunkt_type/3-3-oekonomische-entwicklung-und-ernaehrungssicherheit/?lang=en.

Tasks include
● collection and analysis of micro-level (panel) data
● presentation of results to international scientific audience
● supervision of master students and some support with teaching
● writing scientific publications
● completing doctoral studies and a PhD thesis
● support with third-party grant applications

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with the following qualifications and profile
● a Master (M. Sc.) or equivalent degree in economics (preferably with a focus on agriculture, food security and/or development)
● commitment to pursue a PhD at Humboldt-University of Berlin
● knowledge of quantitative methods and corresponding software (R or Stata)
● high sense of responsibility, accurateness, and ability to focus
● readiness to integrate into an international working environment
● excellent English-language communication skills
● knowledge of German, Russian, French or Arabic would be an advantage

We offer
● the possibility to contribute to exciting research agenda on food security, food choice and economic development
● to work in an international team with strong global networks
● a place of employment located close to the cities of Potsdam and Berlin with state-of-the art research facilities
● the opportunity to pursue a PhD in agricultural or development economics under the supervision of Prof Brück at Humboldt-University of Berlin
● flexible and family-friendly working time models
● very good further education opportunities

Please send a cover letter, a two-page research proposal for a possible PhD topic (including a brief discussion of the state of the art in the literature, the knowledge gap, your research question and your planned methods and data), your detailed CV, copies of high school and academic certificates, a sample paper or masters thesis and the names and contact details of three referees as a single pdf file.

More information about IGZ can be found under www.igzev.de. For questions about the position please contact Dr. Damir Esenaliev at esenaliev@igzev.de.

We encourage a healthy work-life balance. The IGZ attaches great importance to equal opportunities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualifications. The IGZ embraces diversity in its workforce, and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, belief or ethnic origin. In an effort to increase the proportion of female employees in this area, we specifically urge women scientists to apply for the position.

Please send your application by email only citing the reference number by 17.11.2022 to Personalbüro, Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1, D-14979 Großbeeren via personal@igzev.de.