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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.

Scientific Project Coordinator (f/m/x) Environmental Data and AI Platform (DataMon)

The job

DataMon is a new strategic UFZ initiative to build an integrated environmental data and AI platform that brings together established monitoring products, scientific data services and cross-domain analytical capabilities. The platform will make UFZ data products more accessible, interoperable and AI-ready, while creating new opportunities for integrated environmental research and knowledge transfer. As Scientific Project Coordinator, you will play a central role in turning this ambitious interdisciplinary initiative into a coherent implementation process, connecting scientific, technical and organisational perspectives across UFZ and with external partners.

Your tasks

• Establish and maintain the integrated DataMon roadmap across the shared platform, monitor and data-product modules, and cross-cutting AI and spatial-computing services.
• Work closely with module leads to clarify requirements, resolve dependencies and conflicts, prepare decisions, agree on priorities and next steps, and ensure consistent follow-up across the DataMon portfolio.
• Coordinate milestones, deliverables, dependencies, resource requirements, risks and decisions across module leads, research data management, IT, knowledge transfer, research infrastructure units, technical working groups and external service providers.
• Translate scientific and user needs into clear technical and organisational requirements, identify reusable solutions and synergies across modules, and align priorities, interfaces and implementation pathways.
• Prepare and facilitate Steering Group meetings, readiness reviews and cross-project workshops; draft decision papers and ensure that agreed actions are followed up and, where necessary, escalated.
• Establish and maintain project controls for schedules, risks, changes, decisions, reporting and documentation, and prepare concise status and management reports.
• Support the procurement and commissioning of external development services, coordinate service providers, and monitor deliverables, acceptance criteria and knowledge transfer in close cooperation with the responsible UFZ units.
• Coordinate the transition from project implementation to sustainable operation, including responsibilities, update cycles, quality assurance, maintenance requirements and user support.

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
• 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
• 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

• An academic degree at master’s level or equivalent in environmental or natural sciences, computer or data science, geoinformatics, engineering, science and technology management, or a related field
• Several years of experience managing complex, interdisciplinary digital, research-infrastructure, software or data-platform projects, including multi-team roadmaps, deliverables, dependencies, risks and reporting
• Proven ability to lead through influence, create commitment across organisational boundaries, address conflicts constructively, prepare and facilitate decisions, and ensure consistent follow-up
• A strong technical understanding of data platforms and software development, interfaces and APIs, data and metadata workflows, FAIR principles, cloud or compute environments, and AI-enabled services. Hands-on coding experience is welcome, but not essential
• Excellent facilitation, presentation, negotiation and writing skills, with the ability to communicate confidently with researchers, IT specialists, management, stakeholders and external service providers
• A structured, independent and outcome-oriented working style, sound judgement in evolving and complex project settings, and experience with agile or hybrid project management approaches
• Very good written and spoken English and German
• Experience with public procurement, contract deliverables or external service provider management is an advantage

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.

Place of work:
Leipzig, Flexible and mobile working arrangements are supported in accordance with institutional policies.

Working time:
100% (39 h/week)

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

Contract limitations:
limited contract/The position offers a tenure track perspective. The fixed-term contract (initially 3 years and further 3 years after positive interim evaluation) will be based on the individual candidate's circumstances.

Salary:
Remuneration according to the TVöD public-sector up to pay grade 13 including attractive public-sector social security benefits.

Application deadline:
26.11.2026

Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:

Daniela Thrän
daniela.thraen@ufz.de

Thomas Schnicke
thomas.schnicke@ufz.de

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.

Further information on the job and the application

The anticipated starting date is March 1, 2027.
Applications must be submitted by November 26, 2026.

Short interviews are planned to take place online on November 27, 2026, followed by in-person interviews at UFZ Leipzig on December 7, 2026; online participation will be possible. As part of the selection process, candidates invited to the in-person interviews on December 7, 2026 are asked to deliver a presentation outlining their vision for the position and their strategic approach to developing their research programme, followed by a structured interview with the committee.

Please note that external experts will support the selection process alongside UFZ representatives.

Outstanding performance in fulfilling the project may provide the opportunity to obtain a permanent position.

Apply now

More information about jobs at the UFZ:
www.ufz.de/career

Helmholtz-Zentrum für
Umweltforschung GmbH – UFZ
Permoserstraße 15
04318 Leipzig

www.ufz.de/karriere