The UFZ
The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) with its 1,100 employees has gained an excellent reputation as an international competence centre for environmental sciences. We are part of the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz association. Our mission: Our research seeks to find a balance between social development and the long-term protection of our natural resources.
The job
During the last 10 years we developed a process-oriented, systemic soil model (BODIUM) to simulate and predict the impact of climate and soil management on highly relevant soil functions (i.e. productivity, carbon storage, water- and nutrient cycling, biological activity and diversity). The model is open access (git.ufz.de/bodium/bodium_v1-2) and coded in C++. We are looking for a highly motivated scientist to join the team at the Department of Soil System Sciences to further develop the BODIUM model in cooperation with soil scientists at UFZ and beyond. The successful candidate should be prepared to take on a leadership role in model development and to coordinate existing and upcoming collaboration with external partners.She/he should actively participate in applying for external funding. The position is initially limited to 08/2027 but may be extended if approved in a strategy process.
Your tasks
- Further development of the process-based soil model BODIUM for applications in agriculture (decision support for sustainable soil management) and science (mechanistic modeling of soil functions)
- Taking on a coordinating and leading role in model development, including collaboration with internal and external research partners
- Expansion and maintenance of BODIUM as a community model
- Active participation in the UFZ research program, particularly in linking soil models with water, nutrient flux, and vegetation models
- Publication of research results in high-impact international journals and contribution to the acquisition of external research funding
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
- PhD in soil science and/or terrestrial ecology with focus on physical and/or biological process modelling
- Solid understanding of object-oriented programming, ideally C++
- Experience in modelling of natural complex systems based on partial differential equations
- Knowledge of agriculture and especially crop production is of advantage
- Appropriate publication record in international peer reviewed journals
- Willingness to present your research in leading scientific conferences
- Well developed communication skills
- Excellent written and spoken English skills
The job
During the last 10 years we developed a process-oriented, systemic soil model (BODIUM) to simulate and predict the impact of climate and soil management on highly relevant soil functions (i.e. productivity, carbon storage, water- and nutrient cycling, biological activity and diversity). The model is open access (git.ufz.de/bodium/bodium_v1-2) and coded in C++. We are looking for a highly motivated scientist to join the team at the Department of Soil System Sciences to further develop the BODIUM model in cooperation with soil scientists at UFZ and beyond. The successful candidate should be prepared to take on a leadership role in model development and to coordinate existing and upcoming collaboration with external partners.She/he should actively participate in applying for external funding. The position is initially limited to 08/2027 but may be extended if approved in a strategy process.
Place of work
Halle (Saale), Flexible/mobile working arrangements available
Working time
100 % (39h/week)
The job position is available for full-time or part-time employment.
Contract limitations
limited contract / 31.08.2027
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. H.-J. Vogel
Department Bodensystemforschung
hans-joerg.vogel[at]ufz.de
+49 341 60254404
Your application
Please submit your application via our online portal with your cover letter, CV (please omit your photo, age, or marital status) and relevant attachments.
Diversity and Inclusion
The UFZ has a strong commitment to diversity and actively supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual identity.
We look forward to applications from people who are open-minded and enjoy working in diverse teams.
Application deadline: 15.06.2026
