The newly established working group BirdTwin is developing the data and modelling backbone of an ecological digital twin for bird diversity in Europe. The goal is to build a scalable, operational system that integrates heterogeneous monitoring, environmental, and remote sensing data with ecological models to generate spatially and temporally explicit biodiversity indicators. In the long term, this system will therefore enable scenario analyses to explore how different decisions and management actions could affect biodiversity. In this role, you will contribute significantly to conceptualising, designing and implementing a scalable, data-driven infrastructure: from data integration and system architecture to reproducible modelling workflows. A key focus lies on the operationalization of scientific processes, translating complex ecological and data-related requirements into robust, maintainable technical solutions. You will become part of an ambitious, interdisciplinary team working at the interface of ecology, modelling, data science, and software engineering. Together with partners from iDiv (German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research), DDA (Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten e.V.), the University of Potsdam, and different stakeholders, you will help shape the foundations of ecological digital twins. A field that is still emerging and requires both technical excellence and a willingness to work iteratively under evolving requirements. This position offers a unique opportunity to actively contribute to the development of a complex, data-driven system, turning scientific concepts and heterogeneous data sources into a reproducible, scalable infrastructure for biodiversity analyses. Join us, enable cutting-edge research, and see your work make a tangible impact on biodiversity conservation.
Leipzig or Halle, mobile working is possible
100 % (39 h / Woche)
The job position is available for full-time or part-time employment.
limited contract
/ as soon as possible until 31 August 2029
Remuneration according to the TVöD public-sector up to pay grade 13 including attractive public-sector social security benefits.
Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:
Petra Jacobs
petra.jacobs[at]ufz.de
Dr. Nils Hein
nils.hein[at]ufz.de
Please submit your application via our online portal with your cover letter, CV (please omit your photo, age, or marital status) and relevant attachments.
The UFZ has a strong commitment to diversity and actively supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual identity.
We look forward to applications from people who are open-minded and enjoy working in diverse teams.
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. We are part of
the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz association. Our mission: Our research
seeks to find a balance between social development and the long-term protection of our natural
resources.
The newly established working group BirdTwin is developing the data and modelling backbone of an ecological digital twin for bird diversity in Europe. The goal is to build a scalable, operational system that integrates heterogeneous monitoring, environmental, and remote sensing data with ecological models to generate spatially and temporally explicit biodiversity indicators. In the long term, this system will therefore enable scenario analyses to explore how different decisions and management actions could affect biodiversity. In this role, you will contribute significantly to conceptualising, designing and implementing a scalable, data-driven infrastructure: from data integration and system architecture to reproducible modelling workflows. A key focus lies on the operationalization of scientific processes, translating complex ecological and data-related requirements into robust, maintainable technical solutions. You will become part of an ambitious, interdisciplinary team working at the interface of ecology, modelling, data science, and software engineering. Together with partners from iDiv (German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research), DDA (Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten e.V.), the University of Potsdam, and different stakeholders, you will help shape the foundations of ecological digital twins. A field that is still emerging and requires both technical excellence and a willingness to work iteratively under evolving requirements. This position offers a unique opportunity to actively contribute to the development of a complex, data-driven system, turning scientific concepts and heterogeneous data sources into a reproducible, scalable infrastructure for biodiversity analyses. Join us, enable cutting-edge research, and see your work make a tangible impact on biodiversity conservation.
Working closely with the group leader, other team members and project partners, you will:
Application deadline: 19.04.2026
More information about jobs at the UFZ:
www.ufz.de/career
The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ was established in 1991 and has more than 1,100 employees in Leipzig, Halle/S. and Magdeburg. They study the complex interactions between humans and the environment in cultivated and damaged landscapes. The scientists develop concepts and processes to help secure the natural foundations of human life for future generations.
Our Imprint: www.ufz.de/impressum
