Head of Research Unit “Ecosystems of the Future” (f/m/x)
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung – UFZAbout the role
Head of Research Unit “Ecosystems of the Future” (f/m/x)
The job
To further strengthen its strategic research profile, the UFZ is seeking an outstanding scientific leader to head one of its six major Research Units, Ecosystems of the Future.Place of work
Leipzig or HalleWorking time
Full-time appointment (39h/week); part-time arrangements where appropriate.Contract limitations
unlimited contractContact
Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:
please contact the scientific director, Katrin Böhning-Gaese: gf[at]ufz.de
Your contact for any questions concerning the application procedure:
please contact: ines.thronicker[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
To further strengthen its strategic research profile, the UFZ is seeking an outstanding scientific leader to head one of its six major Research Units, Ecosystems of the Future.
Your tasks
Role and Responsibility: The Head of the Research Unit ‘Ecosystems of the Future’ will shape and advance the Unit’s scientific vision and strategic direction within the broader institutional and international research landscape. The position includes overall responsibility for the strategic, personnel, and financial leadership and management of the Research Unit. It further involves the development and implementation of an ambitious research strategy in line with the UFZ strategy, strengthening the Unit’s scientific excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and political and societal impact.
Professional Excellence: The Head is expected to develop the Unit as an internationally recognized flagship centre for research and innovation on biodiversity and future land ecosystems, building on the excellent knowledge, skills and experimental facilities of the Unit. A key objective is to foster synthesis of ecological knowledge, and engagement in international and national advisory panels and science-policy platforms.
The Unit’s research is built on a unique portfolio of large-scale, long-term research infrastructures with a strong global reputation, including the Global Change Experimental Facility (GCEF), the Bad Lauchstädt Experimental Research Station, and the research networks TERENO and eLTER. The Head will be responsible for strategically strengthening their academic impact, international visibility, and societal relevance.
Leadership and Management: The Head of the Research Unit will provide inspiring, inclusive, and responsible leadership for eight departments, encompassing approximately 150 staff members across disciplines and c
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