Leading Scientist (f/m/x) in Biodiversity Research

Academics; Halle (Saale); On-site; EUR 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Line management responsibility

Active integration into national and国际

Mentoring and leadership training

Access to excellent research infra

Work-life balance support

Support for international staff

Research networking opportunities

Job summary

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research UFZ in Halle (Saale) invites applications for a Leading Scientist (f/m/x) in Biodiversity Research to lead a 6-year project at its Bad Lauchstädt platform. This tenure-track position aims to advance biodiversity–ecosystem function research and foster international collaboration.

We seek an outstanding researcher to develop questions on wild plant species responses to climate and land-use change, and to secure third‑party funding.

Qualifications

• PhD in biology, ecology, geoecology or a comparable research field.
• Research focus on experimental biodiversity–ecosystem function research, experimental ecosystem resilience research, and/or experimental biodiversity and global change research
• Experience in setting up and coordinating experimental research and related infrastructure
• Well-developed modelling/statistical skills
• Solid knowledge of the flora and grassland vegetation of Central Europe
• Excellent publication record in relation to career stage in at least one of these research fields
• Good record of third-party funding acquisition
• Experience in scientific cooperation, e.g., within project groups or scientific networks
• Experience in supervision (Bachelor, Master, and/or PhD) and/or leadership responsibilities
• Well-developed communication skills
• Excellent written and spoken English skills

Responsibilities

• Lead the research group and manage its resources supporting the project's focus areas (i) and (ii).
• Develop and implement a decision‑making process for selecting internationally compelling and feasible research questions and experiments at Bad Lauchstädt RI.
• Coordinate and manage the research infrastructure.
• Secure third‑party research funding sufficient to staff the research group.
• Engage in international collaborations and disseminate findings through publications and talks.

Skills

Modelling

Statistics

Communication skills

English language skills

Team leadership

Education

PhD in biology, ecology, geoecology or a comparable research field

Tools

R

Python

Job description

© Kletr / Fotolia The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) is a world-leading institution in environmental research and a member of the Helmholtz Association, Germany’s largest scientific organisation. With approximately 1,200 employees across Leipzig, Halle, and Magdeburg, we have been conducting research since 1991 using a transdisciplinary approach to address the most pressing challenges of our time: biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental pollution. Our goal is to translate excellent research into practical solutions for policymakers, business, and society, and to serve as a reliable partner in supporting transformation processes toward a sustainable and just future for current and future generations. We foster a culture of collaboration, openness, and diversity within a work environment that actively promotes creativity and personal development.

Leading Scientist (f/m/x) in Biodiversity Research

The job To pioneer outstanding plant biodiversity–ecosystem function research at UFZ's unique experimental platform in Bad Lauchstädt, the UFZ is seeking an excellent leader for the 6-year project "Biodiversity Research for Plant Communities and Ecosystem Functions Resilient to Global Change". The project is structured into two three-year phases, with the second phase contingent on a successful interim evaluation. The position offers a tenure-track perspective.

Your tasks

Research Concept & International Collaboration

Develop and design key research questions within the two focus areas (i) the response of non-cultivated (wild) plant species in managed agricultural vegetation (grassland and/or cropland) to climate and land‑use change, and (ii) actionable solutions for improved pollination, pest control, and other ecosystem functions and establish international research collaborations in these areas.

Third-Party Funding Acquisition

Secure third‑party research funding (e.g., from BMFTR, DFG, or the EU) sufficient to establish and staff a dedicated research group supporting the project's focus areas (i) and (ii).

Scientific Leadership

Lead the research group and manage its resources supporting the project's focus areas (i) and (ii), including co‑supervision of doctoral researchers and responsible planning, coordination, and oversight of personnel, financial, and infrastructure resources for the research group and, where relevant, the research infrastructure.

Coordination & Management of the Research Infrastructure

Develop and implement a decision‑making process for selecting internationally compelling and feasible research questions and experiments to be conducted at the Bad Lauchstädt research infrastructure (RI), in coordination with the RI's governing committee.

Public Engagement & Dissemination

Communicate the project's research findings through peer‑reviewed publications, internal UFZ presentations, and international conference talks.

We offer

• Line management responsibility for your own working group and a voice in strategic and financial decisions at department level
• Active integration into leading national and international research networks and support in building your professional profile
• Freedom to shape your own research agenda between basic and applied sciences, embedded in strong scientific networks
• Access to excellent research infrastructure and a well‑equipped technical working environment to support your research
• Active mentoring and leadership training
• Clear target agreements and regular feedback discussions to support your ongoing career development
• A supportive, flexible working environment with strong support for work‑life balance, accommodating individual needs, as well as support for international staff
• A vibrant region with high quality of life and cultural diversity

Your profile

• PhD in biology, ecology, geoecology or a comparable research field
• Research focus on experimental biodiversity‑ecosystem function research, experimental ecosystem resilience research, and/or experimental biodiversity and global change research
• Substantial experience in setting up and coordinating experimental research and related infrastructure
• Well‑developed modelling/statistical skills
• Solid knowledge of the flora and grassland vegetation of Central Europe
• Excellent publication record in relation to career stage in at least one of these research fields
• Good record of third‑party funding acquisition
• Experience in scientific cooperation, e.g., within project groups or scientific networks
• Experience in supervision (Bachelor, Master, and/or PhD) and/or leadership responsibilities
• Well‑developed communication skills
• Excellent written and spoken English skills

Diversity Statement

The UFZ values diversity and is actively committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their origin, religion, beliefs, disability, age or sexual identity. We welcome people who represent diverse backgrounds, identities and perspectives. We therefore particularly encourage people who are affected by structural discrimination to apply to us.

Location and Working Conditions

Place of work: Halle (Saale), flexible and mobile working arrangements are supported in accordance with institutional policies.

Working time: 100% (39 h/week) Contract limitations: limited contract / The position offers a tenure track perspective. The fixed‑term contract (initially 3 years and further 3 years after a positive interim evaluation) will be based on the individual candidate's circumstances.

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

Interview Information

The anticipated starting date is February 1, 2027.

Applications must be submitted by October 25, 2026.

Your contact for any questions you may have about the job: Sonja Knapp sonja.knapp[at]ufz.de

Short interviews are planned to take place online on November 6, 2026, followed by in‑person interviews at UFZ Halle on November 19, 2026. As part of the selection process, candidates invited to the in‑person interviews on November 19 are asked to deliver a presentation outlining their vision for the position and their strategic approach to developing their research programme, followed by a structured interview with the committee.

Please note that external experts will support the selection process alongside UFZ representatives.

Outstanding performance in fulfilling the project may provide the opportunity to obtain a permanent position.

More information about jobs at the UFZ: www.ufz.de/career Helmholtz‑Zentrum für Umweltforschung GmbH – UFZ Permoserstraße 15 04318 Leipzig www.ufz.de/karriere