Head of Research Unit "Water Resources and Environment" (f/m/x)
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung - UFZ
04318 Leipzig
Bewerbungsfrist: 2026-11-27
Your tasks
- The Head of the Research Unit ‘Water Resources and Environment’ 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.
- Development and implementation of an ambitious research strategy in line with the UFZ strategy, strengthening scientific excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and political and societal impact.
- Lead the Unit to be an internationally recognized flagship centre for research and innovation on water security and sustainable water management.
- Research focuses on landscape water balance and its sustainable management, hydrological and ecological processes, and predictive hydro-ecology for future-oriented water management.
- Provide decision support for water management for a range of stakeholders, including administration and politics, and engage in international and national advisory panels and science-policy platforms.
- Utilize large-scale infrastructures (MOBICOS, TERENO) and Helmholtz Solution Labs on Water Safety and Security to boost academic impact and societal relevance.
- Provide leadership for about 140 staff and manage an annual budget of ~€6M institutional funding plus ~€3M third-party funding.
- Role is tenured and designed as a long-term strategic leadership function; regular five-year evaluations; joint professorial appointment with a university possible.
- UFZ provides Institutional support including International Office, Family Support Office, and disability/special needs services.
Tasks
- Shape and implement the Unit’s scientific vision and strategic direction.
- Ensure strategic, personnel, and financial leadership of the Unit.
- Develop and implement a research strategy in line with UFZ strategy.
- Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and societal impact.
- Develop the Unit as a flagship centre for water security and sustainable water management.
- Oversee research on landscape water balance, hydrological and ecological processes, and predictive hydro-ecology.
- Provide decision support for water management; engage in advisory panels and science-policy platforms.
- Manage and optimize infrastructures and funding; coordinate five departments and ~140 staff.
Your profile
- Strong leadership and management competencies with evidence of successful team leadership.
- Distinguished scientific track record in a relevant field; international reputation.
- Interest in AI- and data-driven research environments.
- Excellent international networks and engagement in relevant scientific networks.
- Experience in transdisciplinary research and stakeholder engagement; advisory board experience desirable.
- Strong integrity, reliability, and responsibility; commitment to diversity and equal opportunities.
We offer
- Tenured appointment with long-term strategic leadership function.
- Potential joint professorial appointment with a university.
- Dedicated team support; comprehensive institutional support (International Office, Family Support Office, disability services).
- Competitive compensation according to UFZ salary scales and public-sector benefits.
Conditions
- Location: Magdeburg (Germany).
- Working time: Full-time 39h/week; part-time arrangements possible.
- Contract: unlimited/tenured.
- Anticipated starting date: 1 October 2027.
- Application deadline: 27 November 2026.
Apply now
- Submit application online (cover letter, CV, relevant documents).
- Application deadline: 27 November 2026.
- Further information about UFZ careers and the application process.
Contact
- Questions about the job: Scientific director (Katrin Böhning-Gaese).
- Questions about the application process: UFZ HR.
- Diversity and Inclusion information available from UFZ channels.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- UFZ values diversity and equal opportunities for all employees; encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and identities; supports individuals affected by structural discrimination.