Vacancy in Computational Ecology at UFZ

The UFZ has a vacancy for a position in computational ecology and statistical modelling working in European Union funded project “BMD: Biodiversity Meets Data”

The UFZ

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) with its 1,100 employees has gained an excellent reputation as an international competence centre for environmental sciences. It is part of the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz Association.

The job

Subject to funding of the European Commission, they offer a position in Computational Ecology – Statistical modelling working in the European Union funded project “BMD: Biodiversity Meets Data”. At the Halle (Saale) location, starting date 01.03.2025. Contract limited until the end of the project 28.02.2029.

Your tasks

  • Using biodiversity data provided in the BMD project (and beyond) to provide summary statistics on spatial and temporal dynamics of populations, species and communities;
  • Using environmental data on climate, land use and management incl. remote sensing data, provided in a structured format as to be agreed with the partners;
  • Assisting in and conducting the development of appropriate automated work-flows from the different biotic and abiotic data sources to the model;
  • Develop models for spatial and temporal dynamics on different aspects of biodiversity at various scales based on predefined Use Cases that can also attribute changes to environmental data;
  • Implementing these models in Virtual Research Environments on BMD cloud computers and providing user-friendly interfaces and Shiny apps to allow customized data analyses;
  • Present and publish results at scientific conferences and peer-reviewed scientific journals.

They 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

  • PhD in Biostatistics, Ecology, Biology, Geo-ecology, Geography, Mathematics or similar;
  • Sound knowledge in ecological statistics with a focus on trend analyses, species-distribution modelling and modelling of spatio-temporal dynamics;
  • Advanced knowledge of scientific Python, R, Shiny and Git;
  • Basic understanding of parallel and distributed computing preferred;
  • Ecological knowledge in at least one taxonomic group;
  • Excellent communication skills in English and ability to work in a large, diverse interdisciplinary team with international partners. Traveling is foreseen;
  • Present and publish results at scientific conferences and peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Application details

Application deadline: 15.09.2024. For any questions you may have about the job contact Prof. Dr. Ingolf Kühn (ingolf.kuehn@ufz.de).

Submit your applications on the UFZ job portal.