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

The UFZ

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.

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

Further information on the job and the application

The anticipated starting date is February 1, 2027.
Applications must be submitted by October 25, 2026.

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.