Research for the Environment

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ is a research institution within the Helmholtz Association. It provides scientific contributions to the safeguarding of the natural basis of life and of human development potentialities for current and future generations under the challenges of global and climate change. In this way the UFZ contributes towards a sustainable development.

At the Department of Hydrogeology at UFZ we seek a motivated, internationally visible scientist with strong skills in hydrology and biogeochemistry/hydrochemistry to complement and strengthen our team in the field of water and solute dynamics in catchments and at the groundwater(GW)-surface water (SW) interface. In our group we do research on natural and anthropogenically impacted GW-SW systems in temperate, humid as well as semi-arid and arid regions. We work at several experimental field sites and combine new field techniques and methods for the characterization and quantification of water, energy and solute fluxes in catchments with explorative, hypothesis-driven modelling of coupled GW-SW systems. A specific focus of our work is on the links between hydrologic dynamics and biogeochemical processes in the extended transition zone between GW and SW (hyporheic zone and alluvial corridor) and how they affect the functionality of this zone to transform and attenuate nutrients and contaminants. Another aspect is the scalability of these processes to scales more relevant to the management of water quality (entire river systems or catchments).

The potential candidate should have a Ph.D. degree and a strong background in at least one of the following disciplines: hydrology, biogeochemistry, hydrochemistry, geosciences or environmental sciences (with a focus on water and solute fluxes), civil or environmental engineering or related natural sciences. Sound knowledge of hydrology and biogeochemistry/hydrochemistry is mandatory.

Experience in numerical modelling of flow and transport in coupled GW-SW systems and skills in the simulation of biogeochemical/hydrochemical processes and reactions are an additional asset. The successful candidate is expected to further develop his/her own research profile within the interdisciplinary team of the department and with the background of the programme oriented research at UFZ in the respective field.

We can offer work in a young dynamic team at the UFZ in Leipzig, Germany with an initial contract for three years, the option for renewal of the contract and a procedure to eventually apply for tenure under UFZ regulations. Salary will be according to the applicable German civil service level depending on the candidate’s qualifications up to the payment group 14 (TVöD).

The UFZ is an equal opportunity employer. Women are explicitly encouraged to apply to increase their share in science and research. Physically handicapped persons will be favoured if they are equally qualified.

For more information please contact: Jan Fleckenstein: jan.fleckenstein@ufz.de, phone: +49-341-2351207

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please send your complete application documents with a detailed CV (including names and addresses of two potential referees), letter of motivation, reprints of your most important published articles and copies of certificates under the code digit 144/2011 to the personnel department, P.O. Box 500136, 04301 Leipzig, Germany or by e-mail to application@ufz.de.