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

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.

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.

• 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
  • (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.

• 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

• 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

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.

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.

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

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