W3 Professorship for "Economics of international agri-food chains and trade"

The Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO), the leading institute for research on agricultural and economic transformation in formerly centrally planned economies, and Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, invite applications for the jointly appointed

W3 Professorship for"Economics of international agri-food chains and trade"

This position is combined with the roles of Head of the current Department of Agricultural Markets and member of the IAMO Board of Directors. It also contributes to the university’s profile lines, ‘Sustainability’ and ‘Transformation’. The appointment is to be made as of 1 April 2028.

We are seeking a scientist with an outstanding record of research on the transformation of agri-food systems in formerly centrally planned economies from an agricultural, development, or other applied economics perspective. Particular emphasis will be placed on the interdependencies between transition economies and global markets in order to deepen understanding of the complexities of agri-food chains and trade amid economic, geopolitical, and technological change. Applicants should have a proven track record in relevant theories and methods related to at least one of the following areas:

• Market and supply chain structures and price formation
• International trade and geopolitics
• Food safety and food security
• Consumer economics

Experience in several of these areas and/or in IAMO’s target regions is preferred. In addition, candidates must have a strong background in modern quantitative methods (e.g., econometrics, structural economic modelling, including partial and general equilibrium models, data science, or choice experiments), as demonstrated by publications in leading international journals. Experience in transdisciplinary research and in building bridges between academic, business, and societal stakeholders is desirable. We are looking for a candidate with a strong commitment to fostering early-career researchers. Furthermore, applicants also bring a proven track record in leading research groups, developing research programmes, and securing national and international third-party funding. Knowledge of the languages and cultures of the study regions would be an asset.

We offer a stimulating, regionally specialised research environment with a strong network spanning all countries in IAMO’s study regions. The professorship provides excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration within the university, particularly in the fields of agricultural and nutritional sciences and economics, as well as with non-university research institutes. IAMO also offers favourable administrative conditions for project acquisition, management, and leadership development, both within the institute and across the wider Leibniz Association.

Applicants must fulfil the appointment requirements set out in Section 35 of the Higher Education Act of Saxony-Anhalt. Particular emphasis is placed on a Habilitation in the relevant field or equivalent scientific achievements and recognition. Candidates are also expected to have appropriate teaching experience or qualifications. The professorship carries a teaching load of two semester hours per week at the Faculty of Natural Sciences III, specifically within the MSc programme in Agricultural Sciences and related degree programmes. The willingness and ability to teach in English are required. In addition, a cooperative, team-oriented working style and strong communication skills are expected. Further duties and responsibilities are set out in Section 34 of the Higher Education Act of Saxony-Anhalt.

Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg and IAMO are committed to diversity and to fostering an inclusive environment in which staff and students feel valued and inspired. In particular, we seek to increase the proportion of women among our academic staff and therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply. Both institutions are certified as family-friendly and support the reconciliation of work and family life.

Applications from candidates with disabilities are particularly welcome and will be given preference in the case of equal qualification.

Applications will be accepted only via the electronic Appointment Portal of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg: before 27.11.2026. In addition to a cover letter, applicants are requested to upload a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including their academic career history), academic certificates and transcripts, a list of publications, documentation of previous teaching experience (including evaluations), and evidence of successful acquisition of third-party funding. Applicants may also include information on significant roles or activities in organisations, as well as details of invited lectures, professional development courses, or additional qualifications. Applicants are further requested to submit a statement outlining their vision for future research projects—specifically projects that make use of and integrate with the research environment at MLU and IAMO (maximum 2–3 pages)—as well as a teaching concept (maximum 2 pages).

For further subject-related information, please contact Prof. Dr. Thomas Herzfeld (phone: +49 345 2928-100, e-mail: herzfeld@iamo.de). Please note: Applications to this email address will not be considered.

If there are any questions about the appointment portal, please contact the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences III and Chair of the Appointments Committee, Prof. Dr. Matthias Müller-Hannemann (email: dekanat@natfak3.uni-halle.de).

This call for applications is subject to possible budgetary restrictions. Please note that the University is unfortunately unable to reimburse costs associated with the application.