Call for Applications: Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) International Research Fellowships on “Socio-Environmental Modelling of Land and Water Systems”

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Closin Date: 29 May 2025

Call for Applications: Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) International Research Fellowships on “Socio-Environmental Modelling of Land and Water Systems”

Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) is offering three month international research fellowships between August and December 2025. These fellowships aim to advance interdisciplinary solutions for sustainable land and water management amidst global changes. Selected fellows will collaborate with UFZ’s research units and contribute to innovative modelling projects

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. UFZ is part of the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz association.

UFZ mission: UFZ research seeks to find a balance between social development and the long-term protection of its natural resources.

The Fellowship

In line with the UFZ’s strategic vision to develop interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary solutions for a sustainable future, UFZ is offering three international research fellowships to be completed between August and December 2025. The aim is to strengthen equitable collaborations with talented researchers from around the world and foster synergies in advancing innovative approaches in socio-environmental modelling. The fellowships focus on improving UFZ understanding of planetary boundaries and developing context-sensitive, real-world solutions for sustainable land and water management in times of global changes including climate and socioeconomic changes.

Aim of the fellowship

Collaborate with an inclusive and interdisciplinary team of modelling scientists from three UFZ Research Units (“Smart Modelling / Monitoring”, “Ecosystems of the Future”, “Environment and Society”) and work on a self-proposed, innovative modelling project related to one or more of the topics listed below
Draft a paper during your stay as a first step toward a collaborative peer-reviewed journal publication
Strengthen or initiate long-term, equitable research partnerships between the UFZ and groups at your home institution in the field of socio-environmental systems modelling and analysis

Possible project topics include

Advancing the modelling of multifunctional landscape dynamics under global changes
Improving the integration of land user behavior in socio-environmental systems models
Assessing the socio-environmental impacts of policies on biodiversity, land and water pollution
Exploring the trade-offs and synergies among sustainability goals related to the triple planetary crisis – pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss

Framework of the fellowship

The freedom to master even the most demanding challenges between basic research and practical application
The chance to participate in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a variety of perspectives
First class 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
Competent support and advice for international colleagues arriving at the UFZ from the ‘International Office’
A fellowship-place in a vibrant region with a high life quality and social and cultural diversity

Your profile

A highly motivated researcher with a PhD in Sustainability Science, Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, Geosciences, Computer Sciences or related disciplines – of any nationality, with institutional affiliation outside of Germany
Strong competencies in (socio-) environmental modelling and analysis (e.g. agent-based modelling, system dynamics, optimisation, model coupling, or other relevant methods – we welcome diverse methodological approaches)
A solid track record of interdisciplinary research and publications with high interest in building long-term, collaborative research networks and joint funding initiatives
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Please inculde the following documents in your application

Cover letter (including preferred 3-month period between August and December 2025)
Description of your proposed research project (max. 2 pages)
CV (please do not include a photo, age, or marital status)
Current status of employment
Relevant supporting documents