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
We are seeking a Scientific Coordinator (f/m/x) for SOLVE, a Solution Lab funded by the Helmholtz Initiative for Water Safety and Security.
Human activities and climate change have fundamentally disrupted the natural flow regimes and ecological functions of river basins, threatening water security, biodiversity, and the ecosystem services on which societies depend. SOLVE addresses these challenges by moving beyond fragmented, sectoral approaches and developing an integrated, science-based framework for water management in the Elbe River basin as a model system. As one of two Scientific Coordinators, you will play a central role at the science-stakeholder interface, connecting seven Helmholtz Centers (UFZ, GFZ, AWI, DLR, MDC, Hereon, and HZDR) with key stakeholders, including national and state authorities such as UBA, DVGW, and the River Basin Community Elbe, as well as water-management authorities. You will facilitate exchange and collaboration across the consortium, coordinate meetings and communication processes, support the presentation of SOLVE to different audiences, and ensure coherence in project activities, reporting, and overall progress.
A core element of SOLVE is the Water Action Hub, a long-term facility dedicated to knowledge transfer that provides stakeholders with sustained access to relevant information, enables continuous dialogue, and supports the co-design, implementation, and assessment of water-management measures. You will contribute to the conceptual design and implementation of its Task Forces, support the identification and prioritization of topics, and help ensure that the scientific agenda responds to the needs of water authorities, policymakers, practitioners, and local communities. This role bridges advanced research in hydrology, ecology, Earth observation, environmental OMICs, and machine learning with actors in water administration, utilities, industry, politics, and the public. It offers a unique opportunity to build a strong, long-term personal network while contributing directly to improving Germany's future water safety and security.
The position is ideal for candidates who enjoy working at the interface of science and practice and who are motivated to shape collaborative processes in complex, multi-actor environments.
Your tasks
Working closely with the project leader, project coordination, team members, and project partners, you will:
- Coordinate the scientific and administrative activities of the SOLVE Solution Lab in close cooperation with the project leader, UFZ administration, and the Helmholtz Water Initiative, ensuring alignment with institutional frameworks and funding requirements,
- Facilitate communication and collaboration across project partners and stakeholders, including the coordination of meetings and exchange processes between scientific and stakeholder communities,
- Oversee reporting processes and ensure coherent communication of project progress across the consortium,
- Represent and present the Solution Lab to the public through conferences, workshops, and lecture series in close coordination with the project leader,
- Support the implementation of the Water Action Hub by contributing to the conceptual design of Task Force objectives, identifying and prioritizing thematic areas, and coordinating communication and information exchange between partners and Task Forces and
- Support scientists in data analysis and literature research.
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
- 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 profile
- Completed university degree (Master’s, Diploma, or Doctorate) with a focus on environmental science, water science, or a closely related field in the natural or social sciences
- Strong interest in integrated water resources management and in working at the interface between science, policy, and practice
- Proven ability to work effectively in complex, multi‑partner environments and to coordinate activities across institutions
- Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills, including the ability to translate scientific content for non‑academic audiences
- Very good command of English; German is an advantage
- Experience in inter-/transdisciplinary project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and interdisciplinary research is highly desirable
- Motivation to contribute to a long‑term, solution‑oriented initiative that shapes the future of water safety and security in the Elbe River basin and beyond
The job
We are seeking a Scientific Coordinator (f/m/x) for SOLVE, a Solution Lab funded by the Helmholtz Initiative for Water Safety and Security.
Human activities and climate change have fundamentally disrupted the natural flow regimes and ecological functions of river basins, threatening water security, biodiversity, and the ecosystem services on which societies depend. SOLVE addresses these challenges by moving beyond fragmented, sectoral approaches and developing an integrated, science-based framework for water management in the Elbe River basin as a model system. As one of two Scientific Coordinators, you will play a central role at the science-stakeholder interface, connecting seven Helmholtz Centers (UFZ, GFZ, AWI, DLR, MDC, Hereon, and HZDR) with key stakeholders, including national and state authorities such as UBA, DVGW, and the River Basin Community Elbe, as well as water-management authorities. You will facilitate exchange and collaboration across the consortium, coordinate meetings and communication processes, support the presentation of SOLVE to different audiences, and ensure coherence in project activities, reporting, and overall progress.
A core element of SOLVE is the Water Action Hub, a long-term facility dedicated to knowledge transfer that provides stakeholders with sustained access to relevant information, enables continuous dialogue, and supports the co-design, implementation, and assessment of water-management measures. You will contribute to the conceptual design and implementation of its Task Forces, support the identification and prioritization of topics, and help ensure that the scientific agenda responds to the needs of water authorities, policymakers, practitioners, and local communities. This role bridges advanced research in hydrology, ecology, Earth observation, environmental OMICs, and machine learning with actors in water administration, utilities, industry, politics, and the public. It offers a unique opportunity to build a strong, long-term personal network while contributing directly to improving Germany's future water safety and security.
The position is ideal for candidates who enjoy working at the interface of science and practice and who are motivated to shape collaborative processes in complex, multi-actor environments.
Place of work
Halle (Saale) , Flexible and mobile working arrangements are supported in accordance with institutional policies.
Working time
50 % (19,5h/week)
Contract limitations
limited contract / until 31.12.2028
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
Department Catchment Hydrology
Ralf.Merz[at]ufz.de
Tel. +49 (0)341 6025 4199
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.
Application deadline: 16.10.2026
