The job
We are seeking a Postdoc (f/m/x) to join the BMFTR-funded junior research group “navigate – Water-Sensitive Urban-Rural Development for Resilience in Scarcity Crises” at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), starting on March 1, 2027. The research group combines hydrologic-economic modeling, behavioral economics, and transdisciplinary scenario development to anticipate increasing water scarcity risks in historically water-abundant regions and to mitigate water-use conflicts.
In close collaboration with practice partners from the case study region Leipzig-Halle, the group investigates water scarcity risks and trade-offs, develops interactive decision support tools, and explores strategies for water-sensitive regional development. The research also draws on experiences from partner case studies in Santa Cruz, California (Stanford University), Bogotá, Colombia (Universidad de los Andes), and Antony, France (INRAE Paris).
The postdoctoral researcher takes on a central role in the research group, conducting hydrologic-economic analyses and model-based assessments of water scarcity risks, contributing to transdisciplinary research activities, and supporting the supervision of two doctoral researchers within the group. The position offers extensive opportunities to write excellent publications and to develop a strong academic profile.
Place of work
Leipzig, partly remote work is possible
Working time
100% (39h/w)
The job position is available for full-time or part-time employment.
Contract limitations
limited contract / 3 years, 8 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
christian.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
Your main responsibilities will include:
- Extending and applying a hydro-economic multi-agent model to investigate water scarcity risks in the Leipzig-Halle region, building on an existing model from the FUSE project,
- conducting innovative research on water scarcity in historically water-abundant regions, using the project's datasets and models, and publishing the findings in leading peer-reviewed journals,
- contributing to the project team’s transdisciplinary development of practically relevant scenarios, interventions, and online tools, as well as,
- co-supervising two PhD researchers in collaboration with the research group leads.
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 PhD in environmental economics, hydrology, environmental sciences, or a related discipline
- Proficiency in general-purpose or specialized programming languages (e.g., Python, Julia, R, Stata, GAMS)
- Solid expertise in quantitative research methods in statistics, econometrics, and/or machine learning
- Experience in developing or applying economic or hydrological simulation or optimization models or digital twins of human-natural systems (e.g., agent-based models) is an advantage
- Familiarity with (environmental) economic theories and concepts is an advantage
- A strong publication record in environmental economics, hydrology, or environmental sciences
- Excellent written and spoken English skills
- German language proficiency at level B2 or higher
- A strong motivation and aptitude for conducting and coordinating scientific research, co-supervising PhD researchers, and collaborating with academic and practice partners in a trans- and interdisciplinary research project
Application deadline: 26.11.2026
