Are you a PhD graduate passionate about AI in agriculture, smart irrigation systems, and sustainable farming? A unique scientist position is now open at Geisenheim University, Germany, offering a career-defining opportunity in digital agriculture research.
This full-time job is based at the Institute for Vegetable Crops, located in the scenic Rheingau region near Wiesbaden. If you’re ready to drive innovation in smart farming, this role is perfect for you.
🌱 Project Overview – iSoBeD: AI for Smarter Irrigation
This position is part of the iSoBeD Project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). The project focuses on optimizing irrigation strategies for organic and integrated crop systems using cutting-edge technologies:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning (ML)
- Environmental sensors
- Decision support systems (DSS)
You’ll play a central role in developing and enhancing ANNI, an Artificial Neural Network-based system designed to forecast irrigation demands using a blend of historical, environmental, and real-time sensor data.
🧪 Key Responsibilities
As a Scientist in Smart Agriculture, your tasks will include:
- Developing AI models for irrigation optimization using machine learning and R programming.
- Conducting field experiments at trial and commercial sites.
- Validating AI-powered irrigation tools with real-world data.
- Collaborating with universities, government bodies, and agribusiness stakeholders.
- Supervising students and contributing to peer-reviewed publications and industry-focused reports.
🎓 Required Qualifications
To be eligible for this role, applicants must have:
- A PhD in horticulture, agriculture, geosciences, or related natural sciences.
- Expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, and sensor-based monitoring.
- Strong skills in R programming and a working knowledge of neural networks.
- A solid publication record and experience with interdisciplinary research.
- Practical experience in agriculture or horticulture (preferred).
- Fluent English skills, ability to work independently, and excellent teamwork.
- A valid driver’s license (Class B).
💼 What Geisenheim University Offers
As a member of the Geisenheim research community, you’ll benefit from:
- Secure public sector employment (up to pay group 13 TV-H)
- Pension and social security benefits
- Flexible working hours and mobile work options
- 30 days of annual leave
- Professional development opportunities
- Free public transport in Hesse (LandesTicket 2025–2026)
- A vibrant, green campus surrounded by vineyards and history
🌍 Why This Role Matters
This is more than a research job—it’s a mission to revolutionize sustainable agriculture. Your work on AI-based irrigation technologies will directly support:
- Water conservation amid global climate stress
- Increased crop efficiency in organic and integrated systems
- Tech-driven solutions for food security challenges
🤝 Commitment to Inclusion
Geisenheim University embraces diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Applications from women, underrepresented groups in STEM, and individuals with disabilities are especially encouraged. Candidates with disabilities will be given preference if equally qualified.
📅 Application Details
- Application Deadline: August 5, 2025
- Start Date: December 1, 2025 (subject to funding approval)
- Contract Duration: Fixed-term until November 30, 2028
- Workload: Full-time (40 hours/week)
📧 How to Apply
Submit your application (in PDF format) quoting Reference No. 38/2025 to:
📩 bewerbung@hs-gm.de
📞 Contact for Inquiries
- Aline Wenzl / Verena Klein: +49 (0)6722 502-2291 / 2292
- Prof. Dr. Jana Zinkernagel: 📧 Jana.Zinkernagel@hs-gm.de
✅ Final Thoughts
If you’re driven by innovation in precision agriculture, this Scientist job in Germany gives you the chance to shape the future of AI-powered sustainable farming. Join the team at Geisenheim University and contribute to impactful research that benefits both local agriculture and the global climate challenge.