Data Research Associate – Sustainability of Food Systems (m/f/x) (80 %)

Join us!

Are you interested in the transformation of food systems and experienced in quantitative research and data analysis? Are your familiar with the true costs of food? Then you are the one we are looking for! TMG is currently hiring a

Data Research Associate – Sustainability of Food Systems (m/f/x)
(80 %)

to join our team in Berlin.

About TMG GmbH

TMG – Töpfer, Müller, Gaßner GmbH provides strategic advice and implements concrete solutions for sustainability to governments, private firms, and international organisations. It brings sound knowledge and practical experience in facilitating national, European, and international processes and is dedicated to the analysis and solution of new and complex challenges.

With a strong focus on advising both public and private sectors, TMG emphasizes the application of true cost accounting to ensure that environmental, social, and economic impacts are fully considered in decision-making processes. By integrating cutting-edge research with practical solutions, TMG aims to create resilient and equitable food systems that support long-term sustainability. Leveraging our scientific expertise and experience in food systems governance, we guide policy reforms at national and regional levels. By collaborating with leading food producers and financial institutions in Europe, we aim to build alliances that integrate environmental, social and health costs into economic and financial systems, paving the way for sustainable transformation.

Your tasks

• Implementing the scientific work of the programme (research and scientific analyses, documentation and presentation of findings to policy makers)
• Conducting quantitative impact analysis, data collection and economic valuation of environmental, social and health impacts of food systems and products
• Contributing to the development of the true cost accounting (TCA) method and strategies for mainstreaming the TCA approach in policy and business decision making
• Managing your own workstreams within the programme and ensuring timely delivery of work packages
• Coordinating the cooperation with external experts, service providers and stakeholders, lead multi-stakeholder consultations and maintain and build new partnerships
• Supporting in strategically positioning the project programme in the relevant (policy) debates through various types of publications and events

Your profile

• Master’s degree with a quantitative background (economics, sustainability management, agriculture, environmental sciences or another relevant field)
• Several years of professional experience with LCA (incl. software and databases), economic valuation or True Cost Accounting or, alternatively, experience with conducting quantitative economic analysis, economic modelling, and applying econometric techniques and data analysis in general
• Scientific knowledge of sustainability issues of food production and consumption and their potential solutions, experience in the fields of sustainable agriculture and food systems as well as sustainable diets
• Experience with programming (e.g. Python) and databases is a plus
• Knowledge in the areas of sustainable finance, integrated reporting, CSRD, Gemeinwohlökonomie or similar is a plus
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and good working knowledge of German
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, strong team spirit and a commitment to working within a dynamic, transdisciplinary, policy-relevant research field

We offer you

• Work in a transdisciplinary think tank with a truly international work programme and the aspiration to enable sustainability transformations
• The opportunity to shape and drive a systemic food system shift to ensure a healthy planet and sustainable livelihoods
• Flexible working hours and mobile working
• Salary in accordance with E13 TVöD (Bund) including annual bonus payment acc. to TVöD (Bund)
• 30 days of paid annual leave in accordance with TVöD
• Opportunities for professional development
• Regular social events

The position is to be filled as soon as possible with a duration of two years with the prospect of contract extension pending further funding. Preferred duty station is Berlin. 

How to apply

Please submit your full application including a cover letter, CV with two references (contact persons) and/or reference letters  and links to selected publications (non-academic publications are equally welcome) in one PDF document (max. 5 MB) by the application deadline. Please upload your application online via the application button.

For details on the position or project, please contact Olivia Riemer (olivia.riemer@tmg-thinktank.com). For details on the application process, please contact Vanessa Venne (hr@tmg-thinktank.com).

TMG is an employer that promotes equal rights and equal opportunities and provides a respectful work environment free from discrimination and intimidation. We treat all applicants equally, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, religion/belief, age, migration background, disability, sexual orientation and identity. People with disabilities and people with a migration background are particularly encouraged to apply.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!