Research Associate (m/f/d) Bioeconomy Material Flows (m/f/d) - Reference: 06-2026 LauTra -

The LauTra research project investigates transformation processes towards a circular use of plant-based raw materials in regional bioeconomy value chains in Lusatia, Saxony. It combines the analysis of existing and future natural fiber value chains with an inter- and transdisciplinary investigation of actor networks, governance structures, institutional framework conditions as well as conflicts of use, interests and objectives along the entire value chain. LauTra views transformation as an interplay of material flow-based modeling, systemic transformation research, dialogue-oriented participation formats and regionally anchored governance processes. By involving stakeholders from agriculture, business, administration and civil society, evidence-based transformation paths are reconstructed, comparatively evaluated and reflected in dialog-oriented formats in order to support decision-making processes in the regional bioeconomy.

The post holder will have the following tasks in particular

• Collaboration in the work package WP 2 "Models and scenarios for a dynamized and spatially explicit material flow analysis",
• Spatially explicit modeling of biomass supply based on land use data, catchment areas ("supply sheds") and regional quantity structures,
• Establishment, application and further development of a dynamic material flow model (Dynamic MFA) for circular value chains of natural fiber use in Lausitz (e.g. in AnyLogic),
• Development and comparison of alternative material flow and land use scenarios, taking into account different transformation narratives,
• Conducting sensitivity analyses on legal, technical and raw material-side influencing factors on regional bioeconomy networks,
• Derivation of a qualitatively and quantitatively distinct scenario corridor with regional transformation paths
• Iterative validation of model assumptions and results with decision-makers at different aggregation levels
• Participation in the creation of a case study booklet with compact profiles of regional value chains and comparative material flow analyses,
• Cross-sectional collaboration in other work packages under the leadership of the TRAWOS Institute and the IÖW, Berlin:
  • Participation in the analysis of regional actors, networks and institutional framework conditions as well as in actor mapping; feedback of governance and actor analyses with the results of dynamic material flow modeling.
  • Technical input for inter- and transdisciplinary cooperation as well as for dialog-oriented development and validation of regional transformation pathways, including the preparation of model-based results for workshops, decision-making and transfer formats.

The following knowledge and skills are required

• Completed scientific university degree (Master's/Diploma) in an environmental, spatial or systems science-oriented course of study, such as environmental sciences, applied systems sciences, bioeconomy, forest sciences, geography or geoinformatics, or a comparable discipline, with proven reference to land use or material flow modeling and spatial data analysis,
• sound knowledge of material flow analysis (MFA), material flow accounting or comparable systems analysis approaches,
• Experience in modeling complex systems, ideally with dynamic or agent-based models,
• Confident handling of quantitative data, statistics, geodata or spatially explicit data sets,
• very good written and spoken German.

In addition, the following are desirable

• Network contacts in agriculture and bio-based economy in Lausitz,
• Experience with software tools for material flow or process modeling (e.g. AnyLogic, Umberto, OpenLCA or comparable tools),
• Knowledge of GIS applications and spatial data analysis,
• Basic knowledge in the evaluation of ecological or socio-economic effects (e.g. LCA, indicator systems),
• Experience in scenario development, transformation research or regional innovation and bioeconomy systems,
• Interest in natural fiber-based value chains and bioeconomic transformation processes in the structural change region Lausitz,
• good written and spoken English.

We expect from you

• A scientifically serious, analytical, structured and interdisciplinary way of working,
• Willingness to develop professionally and personally,
• Commitment, reliability and flexibility,
• strong communication and teamwork skills.

We offer you

• an interesting and challenging field of activity,
• flexible and family-friendly working hours within the framework of the applicable service agreement,
• personal and professional development opportunities through targeted training and further education,
• attractive social benefits (company pension scheme, annual special payment, capital-forming benefits),
• company health management with offers for workplace health promotion and
• the opportunity to use a job ticket.