Postdoctoral Researcher in Hydrological Process Analysis and Modelling for Water Security Solutions Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Germany

Postdoctoral Researcher in Hydrological Process Analysis and Modelling for Water Security Solutions at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Germany.

This postdoctoral opportunity is part of SOLVE, a newly established Solution Lab funded by the Helmholtz Initiative for Water Safety and Security. The project focuses on the Elbe River basin as a model system to develop integrated, science-based approaches for water management, water security, biodiversity protection, and ecosystem services.

The successful candidate will work on hydrological process analysis, catchment-scale modelling, and the quantification of cumulative effects of water management measures such as dams, tile drainage systems, and artificial groundwater recharge. The role involves analysing large datasets of climatic indicators, streamflow, groundwater dynamics, and landscape/subsurface characteristics, then translating these findings into improved hydrological model setups for the Elbe basin.

Key tasks include data mining and AI-based analysis of water management impacts, conceptualising hydrological processes for model integration, regional modelling across the basin, contributing to scientific publications, and presenting results at conferences and stakeholder meetings. The position is highly interdisciplinary and involves collaboration with colleagues from UFZ, GFZ, DLR, and external stakeholders such as authorities and river basin organisations.

Eligibility highlights: a completed university degree (Master’s, Diploma, or Doctorate) in environmental science, water science, or a closely related natural/social science field; strong statistical and data-driven analysis skills; experience with hydrological concepts and modelling; programming skills in R, Python, and Fortran preferred; very good English; German is an advantage.

Funding and contract: full-time employment at 100% (39 h/week) on a limited contract until 31.12.2028, with TVöD pay grade up to 13 and public-sector benefits.

Application deadline: 17 May 2026. Applications must be submitted through the UFZ online portal with a cover letter, CV, and relevant attachments.