Postdoc (f/m/x) Biodiversity and Health

The UFZ

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) is a world-leading institution in environmental research and a member of the Helmholtz Association, Germany’s largest scientific organisation. With approximately 1,200 employees across Leipzig, Halle, and Magdeburg, we have been conducting research since 1991 using a transdisciplinary approach to address the most pressing challenges of our time: biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental pollution. Our goal is to translate excellent research into practical solutions for policymakers, business, and society, and to serve as a reliable partner in supporting transformation processes toward a sustainable and just future for current and future generations. We foster a culture of collaboration, openness, and diversity within a work environment that actively promotes creativity and personal development.

The job

The UFZ Department Biodiversity and People is part of the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig. The center is located in Leipzig and is operated as a consortium of the University of Leipzig together with the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, the Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research - UFZ. It also receives support from the Max Planck Society, the Leibniz Association and the Free State of Saxony.

Your tasks

• Quantitative analyses, empirical work and conceptual synthesis in the fields of biodiversity and human health
• Application of statistical approaches to data integration and systematic evaluation of heterogeneous biodiversity and health data, including citizen science data and epidemiological health cohort data
• Empirical and experimental research on nature-based social prescribing programmes of health interventions
• Active collaboration with NGOs, agencies and other stakeholders at local, national and international level
• Development of scientific collaborations and attraction of third party project funding
• Co-supervision of PhD students and MSc/BSc students
• Publication of results in international peer reviewed journals and presentation at conferences

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 PhD degree in biology, ecology, psychology or health sciences ideally coupled with experience in the field of biodiversity research; good publication record
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills; proficiency in advanced statistical methods
• Experience in conducting and analysing surveys; experience with psychological tests
• Experience in analysis of epidemiological health cohort data desirable
• Experience in database management, scientific programming (R) and data visualization
• Interest to work in an interdisciplinary team and ability to liaise with a variety of stakeholders essential; Experience inorganizing workshops desirable
• Experience in third-party project acquisition, project management and successful implementation desirable
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; German highly desirable
• Excellent team player; high motivation and good organisational skills
• Attracted by the opportunity to develop a scientific research program in our department

The job

The UFZ Department Biodiversity and People is part of the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig. The center is located in Leipzig and is operated as a consortium of the University of Leipzig together with the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, the Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research - UFZ. It also receives support from the Max Planck Society, the Leibniz Association and the Free State of Saxony.

Place of work

Leipzig, at iDiv; some fieldwork in Berlin and other cities

Working time

100% (39h/ week)

The job position is available for full-time or part-time employment.

Contract limitations

limited contract / 2 years, option for prolongation

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. Aletta Bonn
Tel.+49 341 9733153
aletta.bonn[at]ufz.de

Your application

To ensure a fair selection process, please submit your application (cover letter, CV, and relevant supporting documents) via our online portal without a photo, age information, or details about your marital status.

Diversity and Inclusion

The UFZ values diversity and is actively committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their origin, religion, beliefs, disability, age or sexual identity.
We welcome people who represent diverse backgrounds, identities and perspectives. We therefore particularly encourage people who are affected by structural discrimination to apply to us.

Application deadline: 27.07.2026