Scientist (f/m/x) - Water Quality Modelling

Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ)

Leipzig, Germany 🇩🇪

The UFZ

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) with its 1,100 employees has gained an excellent reputation as an international competence centre for environmental sciences. We are part of the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz association. Our mission: Our research seeks to find a balance between social development and the long-term protection of our natural resources.

The job

We are looking for a dedicated scientist to join our team and perform cutting-edge research in integrated modeling focusing on the water-land-climate nexus. At the Department of Computational Hydrosystems (CHS), we specialize in developing and implementing environmental models (mHM/mQM) to underpin science-driven solutions and assessments related to water quantity and quality issues. Our focus extends from catchment-level details to national, continental, and global scales, in the context of changing climate and socioeconomic conditions.

Your tasks

 In a large coordinated project, new ways of thermal use of surface waters are explored by using next-generation heat pumps. As part of the project, in your capacity as a researcher, you will assume a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of the thermal capacity of flowing waters in German rivers. Your main focus will revolve around a comprehensive analysis of contemporary and future river-water temperatures and associated hydro-ecological impacts under changing climate conditions. Your contributions will be integral to the continued development of our integrated modeling system comprising a land-water-climate nexus; and its application and extension to river systems spanning Germany and other neighbouring regions. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact while working within a supportive, interdisciplinary environment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Development and refinement of a water temperature model to simulate the thermal capacity of flowing waters in German rivers
  • Implement the model and conduct an assessment of river temperature and resulting hydro-geological impacts under current and future river temperatures under changing climate and socioeconomic scenarios
    across different German rivers
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers within and outside of the project, sharing insights and knowledge to advance the field of river-temperature modeling.
  • Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences and project meetings to disseminate knowledge and contribute to academic and scientific communities.

We offer

  • The freedom to master even the most demanding challenges between basic research and practical application
  • The chance to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a variety of perspectives
  • Firstclass integration into national and international research networks to work together on global challenges
  • Excellent research infrastructure and research data management to optimally support your work
  • Flexible working hours and a wide range of options for balancing work and care responsibilities through our family office
  • Competent support and advice for international colleagues arriving at the UFZ from the ‘International Office’
  • Special annual payment, capital-forming benefits and subsidised Germany Job Ticket
  • A workplace in a vibrant region with a high life quality and social and cultural diversity

Your profile

  • A Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., Environmental Earth Sciences, Computational Hydrology, Hydro-informatics, Hydroecocolgy, or a related discipline with emphasis on Mathematics and Physics). 
  • Strong background in numerical modeling, with expertise in integrated water quantity, and quality, or hydro-ecological modeling.
  • Proficiency in relevant domain-specific modeling softwares (e.g., mHM, VIC, PCR-GLOBWB, SWAT, HYPE) and programming languages (e.g., Fortran, C, Python, or similar).
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to work with large datasets (e.g., with NetCDF files in CDO/NCO programs).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Collaborative and adaptable, with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented research environment.

Place of work

Leipzig, Leipzig

Working time

maximum 75% (29,25 h per week) working time

Contract limitations

limited contract / limited to 3 years

Salary

Remuneration according to the TVöD public-sector up to pay grade 13 including attractive public-sector social security benefits.

Contact

Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:
Dr. Rohini Kumar
rohini.kumar@ufz.de

Application deadline: 30.09.2024


POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

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