Postdoc (f/m/x) Future Flood Risk Assessment under Climate and Socioeconomic Change

Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung - UFZ

04318 Leipzig

Bewerbungsfrist: 2026-10-27

The job

We are looking for an expert in flood risk modelling and scenario analysis to join a new research project on future flood risk assessment in Saxony-Anhalt, funded by the State Ministry for the Environment (MWU).
Place of work Halle (Saale)
Working time 100% (39 h/week)
The job position is available for full-time or part-time employment.
Contract limitations limited contract / until 31.10.2028
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: Prof. Dr. Ralf Merz ralf.merz@ufz.de Tel. +49 (0)341 6025-4199

Develop a machine learning-based emulator approach to estimate flood damage potential under changing climatic and socioeconomic conditions, based on existing flood hazard maps
Integrate climate projections from hydrologic model simulations for different warming levels to derive future runoff scenarios for Saxony-Anhalt
Combine demographic projections and socioeconomic scenarios with spatially explicit asset data (BEAM dataset) to model future exposure and vulnerability
Produce spatially differentiated flood risk scenarios for Saxony-Anhalt up to 2050+, including comprehensive uncertainty analysis across climate, demographic, and socioeconomic dimensions
Derive actionable recommendations for strategic state planning, municipal adaptation concepts, and prioritization of flood protection measures in close coordination with MWU and
Contribute to publications in high-quality scientific journals and present results at conferences and stakeholder workshops

Completed university degree (Master’s, Diploma, or Doctorate) in environmental science, water science, or a closely related field in the natural or social sciences
Strong knowledge of flood risk assessment, including hazard, exposure, and vulnerability analysis at the catchment scale
Sound experience in applying hydrological and hydraulic modelling approaches, including machine learning methods
Excellent programming skills, preferably in R or Python Fortran
Strong interest in integrated flood risk management and in addressing real-world stakeholder needs through scientific work
Ability to work in a team, excellent communication skills, and strong scientific writing skills
Very good command of English; German is an advantage
Motivation to contribute to a solution-oriented initiative shaping the future of flood risk management in Saxony-Anhalt and beyond

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
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
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 contact for any questions you may have about the job: Prof. Dr. Ralf Merz ralf.merz@ufz.de
Tel. +49 (0)341 6025-4199