PhD Researcher (f/m/x) on improving the representation of biodiversity in land-use models
The job
The successful candidate (f/m/x) will contribute to advancing the representation of biodiversity dynamics in global land use modelling frameworks. A focus will thereby be placed on integrated assessment models that link climate, land use, biodiversity, trade, and economic systems at global scale. These models are widely used to explore long-term development trajectories and assess the impact of environmental and socio-economic change under different policy scenarios.The central aim of the position will be to improve the integration of biodiversity dynamics in land-use models. This will involve two primary targets: First, we will aim to integrate landscape structure into relevant modelling frameworks and account for the joint responses of biological communities to changes in land-cover, management intensity and landscape structure. Second, the functional impact of biodiversity on the productivity of agricultural land use are to be parameterised and incorporated into integrated assessment models.
Hence, the work will help to close the loop and account for the feedback loop between biodiversity and land use practices in a next generation of land use models. The work is part of the EU-Horizon project NatureRISE and will be implemented in close collaboration with colleagues from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Austria.
Place of work
LeipzigWorking time
65 % (25,35 h / week)Contract limitations
limited contract/ 01.09.2026 until 31.08.2029
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:
alfred.burian[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.
The job
The successful candidate (f/m/x) will contribute to advancing the representation of biodiversity dynamics in global land use modelling frameworks. A focus will thereby be placed on integrated assessment models that link climate, land use, biodiversity, trade, and economic systems at global scale. These models are widely used to explore long-term development trajectories and assess the impact of environmental and socio-economic change under different policy scenarios.
The central aim of the position will be to improve the integration of biodiversity dynamics in land-use models. This will involve two primary targets: First, we will aim to integrate landscape structure into relevant modelling frameworks and account for the joint responses of biological communities to changes in land-cover, management intensity and landscape structure. Second, the functional impact of biodiversity on the productivity of agricultural land use are to be parameterised and incorporated into integrated assessment models.
Hence, the work will help to close the loop and account for the feedback loop between biodiversity and land use practices in a next generation of land use models. The work is part of the EU-Horizon project NatureRISE and will be implemented in close collaboration with colleagues from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Austria.
Your tasks
- Data curation Assessing different large-scale
biodiversity datasets. Implementing quality control measures for
individual datasets, linking and comparing different datasets. - Processing of geospatial data Establishing metrics of landscape structure for grided data
- Statistical modelling Analyses of biodiversity datasets and establishing parametrised relationships defining the response of natural communities to landscape structure and their impact on agricultural yields
- Coordination with project partners Taking over communication task with scientific and non-scientific project partners
We offer
- Excellent supervision and optimal professional and interdisciplinary qualification through our HIGRADE graduate programme
- The freedom to master even the most demanding challenges between basic research and practical application
- The opportunity to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a wide range of perspectives
- Firstclass 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
- A wide range of options for balancing care responsibilities and work 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 Deutschland-Job-Ticket
- A workplace in a vibrant region with a high life quality and social and cultural diversity
Your profile
- Completed MSc in ecology, environmental, or a closely related field in the natural or social sciences
- Good understanding of ecological theory and biodiversity science
- Strong knowledge of statistical, data-driven analyses and programming skills, preferably in R or Python is an advantage
- Ability to work in a team, excellent communication skills, and strong scientific writing skills
- Very good command of English
Application deadline: 26.06.2026