PhD Positions in Agriculture Development at University of Iamo, Halle, Germany

IAMO is seeking candidates for four doctoral student positions within the multidisciplinary project “Economic and natural potentials of agricultural production and carbon trade-offs in Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Russia [EPIKUR]“.

EPIKUR aims to estimate agricultural production potentials by combing spatially explicit crop growth models, land use allocation models, and farm-level efficiency analyses. EPIKUR is strongly connected to its partners from the study region and to international universities and research institutes. The project contributes to building a strong network for advancing the science and understanding of agricultural potentials in transition economies. All doctoral candidates are expected to complete dissertations of high scientific quality and policy impact.

Doctoral position 1 and 2:
Both doctoral positions aim at assessing the natural potentials of agricultural production across the region. Position 1 focuses on agricultural land resources and position 2 on agricultural productivity. Using spatially explicit modelling both doctoral candidates will assess current production and project future production potentials under scenarios of climate, technological, and farm structural changes in close cooperation with the other EPIKUR scientists.

Required qualifications and experience for positions 1 and 2:

  • Outstanding Master´s degree (or equivalent) in Agricultural Sciences, Geography, Applied Computer Sciences, or related disciplines
  • Advanced knowledge of statistical methods and experience with geographic information systems and/or remote sensing
  • Programming skills (e.g. C++, Java, Python) are an asset

Doctoral position 3 and 4:
Both doctoral positions aim at analysing the economics of the exploitation of agricultural production in the regions. Position 3 focuses on economic yield potentials given the current level of land use. Position 4 will build on that finding and investigate the economic benefits resulting of an increase and restructuring of farm inputs

Required qualifications and experience for position 3 and 4:

  • Outstanding Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Agricultural Economics, Economics, or a related discipline
  • Strong interest in neoclassical production economics
  • Strong analytical skills and experiences using econometric and statistical methods


All applicants are expected to meet the following qualifications and experience requirements:

  • Interest in agricultural development in transition economies
  • Very good skills in oral and written English, skills in Russian are an additional asset
  • Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment

Terms of offer:
All positions are internationally recruited and the appointment will be for an initial period of three years, renewable depending on research performance. The salary is based on the TV-L E13 (50%) with the social benefits valid for public servants. Alternatively, a scholarship according to the Guidelines for the promotion of stays of visiting academics at IAMO will be granted. IAMO offers an international and collegial working environment with an excellent infrastructure.

Applications:
Qualified applicants are encouraged to send us their application documents, which should include a cover letter illustrating the suitability for the preferred position and a detailed curriculum vitae. IAMO is an equal opportunity employer. Female researchers are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications of disabled persons will be preferred in cases of equal qualification.

Applications should be sent via email to:
Dr. Daniel Müller (mueller@iamo.de) for positions 1 and 2 and to
Prof. Dr. Heinrich Hockmann (hockmann@iamo.de) for positions 3 and 4.

Application expenses will not be reimbursed. Applications for both positions will be considered until March 15th, 2012 or until the positions are filled.
Starting date: Preferably May 2nd, 2012

About IAMO:

The Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Central and Eastern Europe (IAMO) is a leading international center of expertise for the scientific analysis of agricultural and rural development in transition economies. IAMO offers a stimulating research environment in an international, ambitious, and multidisciplinary team. The institute is located in Halle (Saale), an old city with a vibrant research and student environment. The city is very well connected to major railway lines and to the airport Leipzig/Halle.

 

 

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