Scientist (f/m/x) in hydro-economic modeling and digital twin development
The job
To strengthen the Helmholtz InnoPool project “D-TWINS: Digital Twins for Critical Zones under Climate Change” we are seeking a Scientist (f/m/x) for the Department of Economics at the UFZ, starting March 1, 2027.
Your work will focus on the further development and conceptual comparison of modeling approaches in the context of digital twin technologies. You will investigate the suitability of different approaches for modeling extreme weather events, the impacts of climate change, and adaptation decisions. To this end, you will extend the hydro-economic multi-agent model “DroughtMAS,” conduct model simulations, analyze the results, and compare them with other modeling approaches.
You will publish your research findings together with the project team in a leading international journal.
Place of work
Leipzig, partly remote work is possible
Working time
75% (29,25 h/w)
Contract limitations
limited contract / 7 months
Salary
Remuneration according to the TVöD public-sector up to pay grade 13 including attractive public-sector social security benefits.
Contact
Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:
Dr. Christian Klassert
chrisitan.klassert[at]ufz.de
Your application
To ensure a fair selection process, please submit your application (cover letter, CV, and relevant supporting documents) via our online portal without a photo, age information, or details about your marital status.
Diversity and Inclusion
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.
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.
Your tasks
- Conceptual comparison of various modeling approaches with regard to their potential for digital twin applications
- Further development of the hydro-economic multi-agent model “DroughtMAS” to simulate future climate change adaptation measures
- Implementation of model extensions and execution of simulations in Python
- Evaluation, visualization, and scientific interpretation of the simulation results
- Preparation of the results for a joint publication in an international, peer-reviewed journal
- Collaboration within an interdisciplinary project team
We offer
- The freedom to master even the most demanding challenges between basic research and practical application
- The chance to work 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
- Flexible working hours and a wide range of options for balancing work and care responsibilities through our family office
- Competent support and advice for international colleagues arriving at the UFZ from the 'International Office'
- Special annual payment, capital-forming benefits and subsidised Germany Job Ticket
- A workplace in a vibrant region with a high life quality and social and cultural diversity
Your profile
- A successfully completed master’s degree (or equivalent) in agricultural economics, environmental economics, or a related field
- Ideally experience in agricultural economic optimization, agent-based modeling, and machine learning
- Strong programming skills in Python (or a comparable programming language)
- Experience with climate simulations and/or the use of high-performance computing systems is a plus
- Experience with scientific publications in international, peer-reviewed journals is advantageous
- Very good written and spoken English; knowledge of German is a plus
- Ability to work independently, in a structured manner and with attention to detail
- Strong teamwork and communication skills, as well as a passion for working in an interdisciplinary research environment
Application deadline: 19.11.2026
