Leading Scientist (f/m/x) in Modelling 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 bioeconomy and resource systems research within the UFZ's BENOPT modelling framework, the UFZ is seeking an excellent leader for the 6-year project „Cost-optimal and Sustainable Bioeconomy and Resource Systems". 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 refine key research questions within two focus areas: (i) assessing possible future biomass demand and supply systems as drivers of land use, and developing cost-optimized supply options for diverse regions; and (ii) embedding the use of renewable energy and resources in multifunctional landscapes by incorporating additional landscape functions as input data.
• Third-Party Funding Acquisition
  Secure third-party research funding (e.g. from DFG, EU or BMFTR) sufficient to establish and staff a dedicated research group supporting the project's focus.
• Scientific Leadership
  Lead the research group and manage its resources supporting the project's focus, including co-supervision of doctoral researchers and responsible planning, coordination, and oversight of personnel, financial, and infrastructure resources for the group and, where relevant, the research infrastructure.
• Advancing the Modelling Infrastructure
  Develop the BENOPT optimization models, software components, and user interfaces beyond their current scope, testing new methodological approaches whose feasibility and payoff are not yet fully established. Build a more flexible model infrastructure that opens up novel applications within the department and in national and international research collaborations.
• Public Engagement & Dissemination
  Communicate the project's research findings through peer-reviewed publications and international conference talks. Represent the research field in international scientific networks and advisory bodies (e.g., EERA, IEA Bioenergy). Transfer scientific findings into policy, industry, and society, and initiate and maintain strategic collaborations.

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

• Master's degree and PhD in industrial engineering, operations research, systems engineering, bioeconomy, energy economics, environmental science, economics or a comparable research field
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and applying mathematical optimisation and simulation models for complex resource and energy systems
• Research experience with integrated modelling of bioeconomy, biomass or energy systems
• Solid knowledge of quantitative methods, scenario analysis and decision support
• Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and international research networks
• 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 March 1, 2027.
Applications must be submitted by November 6, 2026.

Short interviews are planned to take place online on November 27, 2026, followed by in-person interviews at UFZ Leipzig on December 7, 2026; online participation will be possible. As part of the selection process, candidates invited to the in-person interviews on December 7, 2026 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.