Job Description

Place of work


Leipzig, iDiv (German Institute for Intergrative Biodiversity Research)
Working time


50 % (19,5 h / week)
Contract limitations


limited contract / 18 months
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. Tiffany Knight


tiffany.knight[at]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


The Species Interaction Ecology department is searching for a scientific programmer (f/m/x) to aid in the development and external fruition of the PADRINO integral projection model database. The task of the programmer will be to transform raw, long-term plant demographic data into population projection models and to develop a shiny app to showcase the results of the project to the wider public. We look for a scientific programmer (f/m/x) starting 01.03.2025.


Your tasks


Curate raw long-term plant demographic data, including cleaning, formatting, and error checking using R code Fit linear models using R to obtain population model estimates directly from raw datasets. Use estimates to build population models (either Matrix or Integral Projection Models) Check the functioning of the population models, and validate their results against raw data Develop a shiny app to showcase a large, comparative plant demographic database to a general public audience Perform literature searches to identify datasets, and linked scientific articles, on plant population projection models (Matrix, and Integral, projection models) or plant population time series. Digitize textual or tabular demographic information into the PADRINO databases. Identify the population projection model parameters that can be extracted from the relevant datasets. Whenever needed, directly contact the authors of scientific publications or datasets to ask for clarification or additional data. Collaborate remotely with a worldwide network of colleagues (e.g. Oxford University; Rice University)

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


Master university degree in biology, ecology, or a similar scientific field Proficiency in R coding. Experience with the tidyverse, version control, and shiny apps is an advantage Solid experience in fitting, selecting, and interpreting linear statistical models Experience in the parameterization and analysis of mathematical models. Experience with Matrix or Integral population projection models is an advantage Experience working independently Fluent in English (spoken and written) Experience and enthusiasm working in international teams is an advantage

Application deadline: 22.12.2025


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