Job for Researchers: Research Associate in Project Coordination and

Research Associate (f/m/d) – Project Coordination and Knowledge Transfer

Institution: Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI) – Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants
Location: Braunschweig
Application deadline: 24 July 2026
Reference number: BS-G-WA-24-26

About the Project

The position is part of the third‑party funded project “Model and Demonstration Project: Demonstration Farms for Integrated Crop Production in Outdoor Vegetables” (MuD IPB‑FG). Aligned with the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s (BMLEH) Ackerbaustrategie, the project implements and demonstrates innovative, practical measures and techniques on farm level. It operates in several model regions across four federal states and is coordinated and scientifically accompanied by the JKI.

Your Role

As the project coordinator, you will build the foundation for successful project management, knowledge transfer, and external communication. Your expertise in horticulture and project management will ensure that research findings are effectively translated into practice.

Key Responsibilities

• General project management tasks to ensure smooth project progress, e.g., compiling joint reports, organising online and in‑person project meetings, and building/maintaining content for the project website
• Fostering networking and exchange among project colleagues, coordination with all MuD IPB‑FG participants, and collaboration with other relevant projects and networks
• Supporting exchange at the practitioner level
• Preparing and implementing regional and supra‑regional knowledge transfer measures in close cooperation with regional coordinators
• Presenting the project to vegetable producers, in trade media, and at events
• Target‑group oriented preparation of topics, public relations, and project communication in accordance with guidelines
• Creating “from practice for practice” brochures
• Presenting project results at national and international conferences

Your Profile

Essential Requirements

• Completed scientific university degree (Master, university diploma, or equivalent) in horticulture, agricultural sciences, or a comparable discipline
• Initial experience in project management
• Comprehensive knowledge of horticulture, including experience in professional outdoor vegetable production and awareness of current challenges and possible solutions
• Practical experience in production horticulture; experience in model and demonstration projects is an advantage
• Experience in cooperating with practice partners such as agricultural enterprises and advisory services
• Very strong organisational and communication skills, initiative, independence, flexibility, resilience, and team spirit
• Excellent written and spoken German and English
• Driver’s license class B (III) and willingness to drive official vehicles and undertake multi‑day business trips

What We Offer

• A varied, challenging, and interesting position in an international working environment
• Part‑time employment (29.25 hours per week), fixed term until 30 April 2031
• Remuneration according to TVöD (German public sector collective agreement) – pay grade E 13, depending on qualifications and personal requirements
• Earliest possible start date
• Equal opportunity employer; commitment to inclusion and a diverse, open‑minded work culture
• Support for work‑life balance (certified “audit berufundfamilie” since 2021) with flexible working time models
• Option to receive the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket with an employer subsidy of €23.28

How to Apply

Please submit your application online via the Interamt portal by 24 July 2026. Your complete and meaningful application documents must be uploaded in the system by the deadline. If you hold an international degree, please include a statement of comparability from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) or apply for one if you are offered the position.

For further information, please contact Dr. Ute Katharina Vogler (phone: +49 (0) 3946 47‑7700, email: g@julius‑kuehn.de).

The Julius Kühn-Institut is an agency of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMLEH). Address: Julius Kühn-Institut, Zentralabteilung, Messeweg 11/12, 38104 Braunschweig.

Original vacancy