Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/x) in Predictive Avifauna Modelling
Location: Leipzig, Germany
Organization: Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ)
Contract Type: Full-time (100%), limited contract until October 31st, 2029
Main Description:
The newly established research group BirdFutures is seeking a creative and highly skilled Ecological Modeler to build the quantitative foundation of our project. This project's mission is to develop cutting-edge bird diversity models and scenarios across Europe. Your work will help directly generate products for societal, business, and financial decision-making, and inform critical policy like the EU Nature Restoration Law.
This is a unique opportunity to join a team at its inception that will define the future of predictive biodiversity conservation science in Europe. A core scientific challenge of BirdFutures is the integration of diverse, multi-scale datasets. The project will be fueled by fine-scale, high-resolution bird monitoring data from key partners like the Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten (DDA), which must be harmonized with broader, continental-scale environmental data streams (e.g., climate projections, remote sensing land cover).
Tasks include:
- Co-develop innovative biodiversity forecasting models in collaboration with the group leader and partners from the TripleBird initiative
- Develop dynamic (time-explicit) habitat use models to forecast the impacts of diverse policy and management options on avifauna
- Project bird metrics with future scenarios that illustrate the long-term consequences of different courses of action for decision-makers
- Build and implement a continuous evaluation pipeline for biodiversity protection measures, using annually updated data from schemes like PECBMS
- Co-conceptualize and design user-friendly data products in collaboration with project partners
- Translate complex model outputs into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders (finance, business, conservation NGOs)
- Publish high-impact research and present work at international conferences
Requirements:
- PhD in Quantitative Ecology, Computational Biology, Biogeography, Statistics, Applied System Science or a related field
- Strong background in developing models and scenarios of species distribution and diversity (e.g., species distribution models, occupancy-detection models)
- Excellent conceptual and quantitative skills, with high proficiency in R (knowledge of Python is an asset)
- Proficiency with GIS software and spatial analysis
- Proven experience with FAIR science principles, including reproducible workflows and version control (e.g., Git/GitHub)
- Experience or strong interest in using High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments
- Strong interest in developing hybrid models that integrate mechanistic and data-driven approaches
- Experience with diverse biodiversity data sets and heterogeneous data
- Experience with machine learning approaches (e.g., neural networks) is an asset
- Excellent English language skills; German and other European languages are an asset
- A collaborative spirit and passion for working in interdisciplinary teams
Benefits/Conditions:
- Remuneration according to the TVöD public sector up to pay grade 13 including attractive public sector social security benefits
- Special annual payment, capital-forming benefits and subsidised Germany Job Ticket
- Flexible working hours and options for balancing work and care responsibilities through family office
- First-class integration into national and international research networks
- Excellent research infrastructure and research data management
- Competent support from the International Office for international colleagues
- Workplace in a vibrant region with high quality of life and social and cultural diversity
How to Apply:
Submit your application via the online portal with cover letter, CV (please omit photo, age, or marital status) and relevant attachments.
Application deadline: 15.02.2026
Contact for questions:
- Karin Frank: karin.frank@ufz.de
- Nils Hein: nils.hein@ufz.de
More information: www.ufz.de/career
