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
Fellowship
In line with the UFZ’s strategic vision to develop interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary solutions for a sustainable future, we are offering three international research fellowships to be completed between August and December 2025. The aim is to strengthen equitable collaborations with talented researchers from around the world and foster synergies in advancing innovative approaches in socio-environmental modelling. The fellowships focus on improving our understanding of planetary boundaries and developing context-sensitive, real-world solutions for sustainable land and water management in times of global changes including climate and socioeconomic changes.
Aim of the fellowship
- Collaborate with an inclusive and interdisciplinary team of modelling scientists from three UFZ Research Units (“Smart Modelling / Monitoring”, “Ecosystems of the Future”, “Environment and Society”) and work on a self-proposed, innovative modelling project related to one or more of the topics listed below
- Draft a paper during your stay as a first step toward a collaborative peer-reviewed journal publication
- Strengthen or initiate long-term, equitable research partnerships between the UFZ and groups at your home institution in the field of socio-environmental systems modelling and analysis
Possible project topics include
- Advancing the modelling of multifunctional landscape dynamics under global changes
- Improving the integration of land user behavior in socio-environmental systems models
- Assessing the socio-environmental impacts of policies on biodiversity, land and water pollution
- Exploring the trade-offs and synergies among sustainability goals related to the triple planetary crisis – pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss
Framework of the fellowship
- The freedom to master even the most demanding challenges between basic research and practical application
- The chance to participate in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a variety of perspectives
- First class 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
- Competent support and advice for international colleagues arriving at the UFZ from the ‘International Office’
- A fellowship-place in a vibrant region with a high life quality and social and cultural diversity
Your profile
- A highly motivated researcher with a PhD in Sustainability Science, Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, Geosciences, Computer Sciences or related disciplines – of any nationality, with institutional affiliation outside of Germany
- Strong competencies in (socio-) environmental modelling and analysis (e.g. agent-based modelling, system dynamics, optimisation, model coupling, or other relevant methods – we welcome diverse methodological approaches)
- A solid track record of interdisciplinary research and publications with high interest in building long-term, collaborative research networks and joint funding initiatives
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
Please inculde the following documents in your application
- Cover letter (including preferred 3-month period between August and December 2025)
- Description of your proposed research project (max. 2 pages)
- CV (please do not include a photo, age, or marital status)
- Current status of employment
- Relevant supporting documents
Contract limitations
limited contract / Terms of fellowship: 3 months; location Leipzig; fellowship grant 2500 – 3200€ depending on scientific status and travel cost support
Contact
Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:
For any questions about the position, feel free to reach out:
Prof. Dr. Birgit Müller – (birgit.mueller@ufz.de);
Dr. Rohini Kumar (rohini.kumar@ufz.de);
Your application
Please submit your application via our online portal with your cover letter, CV (please omit your photo, age, or marital status) and relevant attachments.
Diversity and Inclusion
The UFZ has a strong commitment to diversity and actively supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual identity.
We look forward to applications from people who are open-minded and enjoy working in diverse teams.
