that will define the future of predictive biodiversity conservation science in Europe. A core scientific challenge of BirdFuture is the integration of diverse, multi-scale datasets. The project will be fueled by fine-scale, high-resolution bird monitoring data from key partners like the Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten (DDA), which must be harmonized with broader, continental-scale environmental data streams (e.g., climate projections, remote sensing land cover). Success in this role will require not just technical skill, but a deep appreciation for spatial ecology and the ability to think and model across scales — from the local habitat that drives an individual bird's presence to the continental forces that shape entire populations.

Your tasks

• Working in close collaboration with the group leader and partners from the TripleBird initiative, you will co‑develop innovative biodiversity forecasting models.
• Your work will form the scientific engine of the BirdFutures project. Develop dynamic (i.e., time-explicit) habitat use models to forecast the impacts of diverse policy and management options on avifauna.
• Project bird metrics with future scenarios that clearly illustrate the long-term consequences of different courses of action for decision-makers.
• Build and implement a continuous evaluation pipeline for biodiversity protection measures, using annually updated data from schemes like PECBMS.
• Play a key role, in close collaboration with other project partners, in the co‑conceptualization and design of related user-friendly data products.
• Together with the team lead and the team’s social scientist, you will be responsible for translating complex model outputs into actionable insights for a diverse range of stakeholders (finance, business, conservation NGOs).
• Publish high-impact research and present your work at international conferences.

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

• PhD in Quantitative Ecology, Computational Biology, Biogeography, Statistics, Applied System Science or a related field.
• Strong background in developing models and scenarios of species distribution and diversity (e.g., species distribution models, occupancy-detection models).
• Excellent conceptual and quantitative skills, with high proficiency in R. Knowledge of Python is an asset.
• Proficiency with GIS software and spatial analysis is essential.
• Proven experience with FAIR science principles, including reproducible workflows and version control (e.g., Git/GitHub). Experience or a strong interest and facility in using High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments.
• Strong interest in developing hybrid models that integrate mechanistic and data-driven approaches.
• Experience with diverse biodiversity data sets and heterogeneous data.
• Experience with machine learning approaches (e.g. neural networks) is an asset.
• Excellent English language skills; German and other European languages are an asset.
• A collaborative spirit and a passion for working in a deeply interdisciplinary team.

Place of work: Leipzig
Working time: 100%
Contract limitations: limited contract / October 31st 2029
Salary: Remuneration according to the TVöD public sector up to pay grade 13 including attractive public sector social security benefits.
Application deadline: 15.02.2026

Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:
Karin Frank
karin.frank@ufz.de
Nils Hein
nils.hein@ufz.de
Tati Micheletti
tati.micheletti@gmail.com

Please submit your application via our online portal with your cover letter, CV (please omit your photo, age, or marital status) and relevant attachments.

More information about jobs at the UFZ: www.ufz.de/career

that will define the future of predictive biodiversity conservation science in Europe. A core scientific challenge of BirdFuture is the integration of diverse, multi-scale datasets. The project will be fueled by fine-scale, high-resolution bird monitoring data from key partners like the Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten (DDA), which must be harmonized with broader, continental-scale environmental data streams (e.g., climate projections, remote sensing land cover). Success in this role will require not just technical skill, but a deep appreciation for spatial ecology and the ability to think and model across scales — from the local habitat that drives an individual bird's presence to the continental forces that shape entire populations.

Your tasks

• Working in close collaboration with the group leader and partners from the TripleBird initiative, you will co‑develop innovative biodiversity forecasting models.
• Your work will form the scientific engine of the BirdFutures project. Develop dynamic (i.e., time-explicit) habitat use models to forecast the impacts of diverse policy and management options on avifauna.
• Project bird metrics with future scenarios that clearly illustrate the long-term consequences of different courses of action for decision-makers.
• Build and implement a continuous evaluation pipeline for biodiversity protection measures, using annually updated data from schemes like PECBMS.
• Play a key role, in close collaboration with other project partners, in the co‑conceptualization and design of related user-friendly data products.
• Together with the team lead and the team’s social scientist, you will be responsible for translating complex model outputs into actionable insights for a diverse range of stakeholders (finance, business, conservation NGOs).
• Publish high-impact research and present your work at international conferences.

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

• PhD in Quantitative Ecology, Computational Biology, Biogeography, Statistics, Applied System Science or a related field.
• Strong background in developing models and scenarios of species distribution and diversity (e.g., species distribution models, occupancy-detection models).
• Excellent conceptual and quantitative skills, with high proficiency in R. Knowledge of Python is an asset.
• Proficiency with GIS software and spatial analysis is essential.
• Proven experience with FAIR science principles, including reproducible workflows and version control (e.g., Git/GitHub). Experience or a strong interest and facility in using High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments.
• Strong interest in developing hybrid models that integrate mechanistic and data-driven approaches.
• Experience with diverse biodiversity data sets and heterogeneous data.
• Experience with machine learning approaches (e.g. neural networks) is an asset.
• Excellent English language skills; German and other European languages are an asset.
• A collaborative spirit and a passion for working in a deeply interdisciplinary team.

Place of work: Leipzig
Working time: 100%
Contract limitations: limited contract / October 31st 2029
Salary: Remuneration according to the TVöD public sector up to pay grade 13 including attractive public sector social security benefits.
Application deadline: 15.02.2026

Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:
Karin Frank
karin.frank@ufz.de
Nils Hein
nils.hein@ufz.de
Tati Micheletti
tati.micheletti@gmail.com

Please submit your application via our online portal with your cover letter, CV (please omit your photo, age, or marital status) and relevant attachments.

More information about jobs at the UFZ: www.ufz.de/career