Working Student: Soil & Crop Modelling

About the role

We are looking for a highly motivated working student to support our Core Modelling team in a part time (20 hours/week) role for 1 year minimum. The role sits within the Science tribe and focuses on data processing, model support, and scientific analysis related to soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics and crop parameterisation in RothC and associated models.

What you'll do

• Process and quality-check soil sampling datasets (TOC, bulk density, GPS coordinates, sample metadata) received from soil sampling partners
• Integrate soil sampling data into stratification workflows and model input pipelines
• Support the preparation and formatting of RothC model inputs (crop parameterisation, climate data, organic matter inputs)
• Assist with calibration and validation (Cal/Val) workflows, including dataset splitting, statistics calculation, and results formatting
• Help produce figures, tables, and written summaries of model results for internal and external reporting
• Contribute to the preparation of documentation for the Independent Modelling Expert (IME) and SustainCERT verification processes
• Support the team with scripting, data visualisation, and exploratory data analysis tasks as required

What you'll need

• Currently enrolled in a relevant degree programme (e.g. agricultural science, environmental science, data science, geosciences, soil science, applied mathematics)
• Towards the end of your studies (final year or master's level preferred), but with at least one year remaining on your degree programme
• Proficient in Python for data processing, scripting, and analysis — this is a firm requirement for the role
• Comfortable working with tabular and geospatial datasets
• Detail-oriented with strong organisational skills and the ability to document work clearly
• Good written and spoken English; German is a plus

Nice to have

• Previous professional experience (internship or working student role) in a relevant field
• Familiarity with soil carbon models (RothC, CENTURY, etc.) or biogeochemical modelling concepts
• Experience with GIS tools, R, or SQL
• Understanding of carbon accounting standards (e.g. Verra VCS, ISO 14064) is a plus but not required
• Knowledge of agricultural practices, soil science, or agronomy

What they offer

• Be part of our journey from the very beginning, working on an equal footing with the leadership team
• Make a daily and active contribution to combating climate change and promoting consumer education
• Take ownership of your projects and enjoy a high degree of creative freedom
• Urban Sports Club membership or subsidisation of the Deutschlandticket, plus team lunches and regular team events