Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) - Hydrological Process Analysis and Modelling for Water Security Solutions
The job
We are looking for an expert in hydrological process analysis and modelling to join SOLVE, a newly established Solution Lab funded by the Helmholtz Initiative for Water Safety and Security.
Human activities and climate change have fundamentally altered natural flow regimes and the ecological functions of river basins, threatening water security, biodiversity, and the ecosystem services on which society depends. SOLVE addresses these challenges by moving beyond fragmented, sector-specific approaches and developing an integrated, science-based framework for water management in the Elbe River basin as a model system.
As an expert in hydrological process analysis and modelling, you will play a central role in improving an existing hydrological model setup to predict the effects of individual water management measures at the catchment scale and in developing solutions for future water safety and security in the Elbe basin.
While the local impacts of measures such as dams, tile drainage systems, artificial groundwater recharge, and others are relatively well understood, their cumulative effects on hydrological indicators at the catchment scale remain poorly understood. By analysing a large dataset of time series on climatic indicators, streamflow, groundwater dynamics, and landscape and subsurface characteristics, you will quantify the local effects of water management measures. In a next step, you will conceptualize these effects to integrate them into existing hydrological model setups for the Elbe basin. This will enable modelling and analysis of cumulative effects and the development of solutions in the Elbe River basin.
You will work closely with colleagues from different disciplines and from different Helmholtz Centres such as UFZ; GFZ and DLR, as well as with key stakeholders, including national and state authorities such as the UBA, the River Basin Community Elbe Elbe, and water management authorities. This position is ideal for candidates who enjoy analysing and conceptualizing hydrological processes at the catchment scale and translating them into modelling approaches.
Place of work
Halle (Saale)
Working time
100% (39 h/ per week)
The job position is available for full-time or part-time employment.
Contract limitations
limited contract
/ 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 Head)
Department Catchment Hydrology
UFZ Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research
Theodor-Lieser-Str. 4 / 06120 Halle (Saale) / Germany
Tel. +49 (0)341 6025 4199
Email. Ralf.Merz@ufz.de
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.
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
We are looking for an expert in hydrological process analysis and modelling to join SOLVE, a newly established Solution Lab funded by the Helmholtz Initiative for Water Safety and Security.
Human activities and climate change have fundamentally altered natural flow regimes and the ecological functions of river basins, threatening water security, biodiversity, and the ecosystem services on which society depends. SOLVE addresses these challenges by moving beyond fragmented, sector-specific approaches and developing an integrated, science-based framework for water management in the Elbe River basin as a model system.
As an expert in hydrological process analysis and modelling, you will play a central role in improving an existing hydrological model setup to predict the effects of individual water management measures at the catchment scale and in developing solutions for future water safety and security in the Elbe basin.
While the local impacts of measures such as dams, tile drainage systems, artificial groundwater recharge, and others are relatively well understood, their cumulative effects on hydrological indicators at the catchment scale remain poorly understood. By analysing a large dataset of time series on climatic indicators, streamflow, groundwater dynamics, and landscape and subsurface characteristics, you will quantify the local effects of water management measures. In a next step, you will conceptualize these effects to integrate them into existing hydrological model setups for the Elbe basin. This will enable modelling and analysis of cumulative effects and the development of solutions in the Elbe River basin.
You will work closely with colleagues from different disciplines and from different Helmholtz Centres such as UFZ; GFZ and DLR, as well as with key stakeholders, including national and state authorities such as the UBA, the River Basin Community Elbe Elbe, and water management authorities. This position is ideal for candidates who enjoy analysing and conceptualizing hydrological processes at the catchment scale and translating them into modelling approaches.
Your tasks
Working closely with the project leader, team members, and project partners, you will:
- Analyse the local effects of water management measures using data-mining and AI techniques.
- Conceptualize these effects within an existing hydrological model setup for Germany.
- Model the regional impact of such measures across the Elbe basin.
- Contribute to publications in high-quality scientific journals.
- Actively participate in the SOLVE Solution Lab and present your work at conferences, workshops, and meetings.
- Build and maintain a network with partners from academia and stakeholders.
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) in environmental science, water science, or a closely related field in the natural or social sciences.
- Strong knowledge of statistical, data-driven analysis of hydro-meteorological processes at the catchment scale.
- Sound experience in applying and further developing hydrological concepts and modelling approaches, including AI approaches and integration into existing systems.
- Excellent programming skills, preferably in R, Python, and Fortran.
- Strong interest in integrated water resources management and in addressing real-world stakeholder needs through scientific work.
- Ability to work in a team, excellent communication skills, and strong scientific writing skills.
- Very good command of English; German is an advantage.
- Motivation to contribute to a long-term, solution-oriented initiative shaping the future of water safety and security in the Elbe River basin and beyond.
Apply now
Application deadline: 17.05.2026
More information about jobs at the UFZ:
www.ufz.de/career
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