The Department of Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry of the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) Berlin invites applications for a tenure track group leader position in ecohydrological modelling of connected terrestrial-aquatic ecosystems. The successful candidate will develop a research group and program on how ecohydrological processes in landscapes affect water bodies (lakes, ponds, rivers, floodplains, wetlands, littoral zones or marshlands), and how ecohydrological settings as well as human-induced changes (urbanization, climate change, management) affect ecohydrological processes in freshwater ecosystems. The position follows the IGBs commitment and the strategic need to enhance capacity in the critical area of ecohydrological modelling.
We seek a dynamic, motivated and ambitious scientist to join an interdisciplinary science and modelling team to support the development of coupled hydrological-ecological modelling at IGB. This expansion of the Department builds on a long history of internationally recognised research excellence in ecohydrology. This position aims to understand the functioning of connected landscapes and waterscapes. The impacts of global change on these connected landscape-waterscape ecosystems will be investigated through advanced process-based modelling approaches. It is expected that the modelling will utilise unique long-term data sets from instrumented research sites operated by (and close to) IGB. Access to lab- and field-based data for model testing and validation and use of high-performance computer clusters is available to facilitate the application and development of “state-of-the-art” research models. Further, IGB leads research on incorporating tracers into ecohydrological models to inform model structure and parametrisation as well as reducing modelling uncertainties. We are seeking to enhance and complement the existing strengths and look for an excellent researcher that enhances our capacity to conduct advanced ecohydrological modelling and link this to freshwater systems.
IGB is the largest freshwater ecology research institute in Germany and a member of the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. and the Leibniz-Association (www.wgl.de). IGB – consisting of 5 Departments - offers excellent laboratory and field facilities for interdisciplinary research, large-scale experimental facilities, and long-term research programs and data sets. We work interdisciplinary, internationally, and with flat hierarchies, fostering the development of young talents and career advancement. The aim of the research and outreach efforts of the Department of Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry is to gain a comprehensive understanding of ecohydrology and biogeochemistry in order to manage future change. We collaborate with other colleagues across IGB in newly established Competence and Technology Centers (CTPs) and thematic program areas on a wide range of freshwater ecological research.

Your role

• Increasing the understanding of the ecohydrological functioning of connected landscapes-waterscapes
• Investigating the impacts of global change on landscape ecohydrology and its impact on freshwater ecosystems through advanced numerical modelling approaches
• Development and application of hydrology-based numerical models to simulate cross-scale spatio-temporal patterns of ecohydrological processes
• Familiarity with using conservative and reactive tracers to inform tracer-aided, ecohydrological modelling
• Scenario simulations of the response of connected landscape-waterscapes to both natural and human-caused disturbances and how this contributes to the functioning of freshwater ecosystems
• Use of these models to assess the effectiveness of sampling strategies and science-based information of land, water and ecosystem management as well as policy making.
• Strong understanding of reducing data and modelling uncertainty in modelling experiments
• Establish a successful research group on ecohydrological processes of landscapes and their closely connected water bodies

Your profile

• A Ph D in hydrology/ecohydrology, or a related field of environmental science or engineering
• Experience in the development and application of numerical hydrological models at various spatial scales and different environmental science contexts
• Excellent programming and numerical skills
• A strong publication record (commensurate with career stage)
• An established national or international research profile (commensurate with career stage)
• Strong English language skills both in oral and written communication
• Good track record or potential for raising external research funds (commensurate with career stage)

• Experience in research supervision
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Experience in working in interdisciplinary research projects and collaboration with stakeholders.

Our offer

We offer an interesting position with a long-term perspective according to IGB’s tenure-track guidelines in a dynamic international scientific environment. The working language is English. We have flat hierarchies, encourage active participation, and provide high individual freedom, enabling scientists to develop their creativity to the best of their abilities.
The position is full-time with an option for temporary or permanent work time reduction. Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund E14). We foster career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. Given our commitment to diversity, we welcome all applications, regardless of gender and gender identity, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and physical disabilities, age or sexual orientation. IGB is committed to increasing the number of women in this field, therefore applications from women are particularly welcome. Various measures are in place at IGB to support gender equality. We support the reconciliation of work and family life. Applicants with a disability will be given preference if they are equally qualified.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application as a single PDF file, including a motivation letter, complete CV, a statement on your vision for research (including links to other IGB research groups; max 3 pages) and on how to foster diversity and gender equality in your team (1 page max), publication list, copies of relevant degrees and contact details of three references by January 6th 2025. Please apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs, stating the job reference number 41/2024. Any questions can be directed to Prof Dörthe Tetzlaff (doerthe.tetzlaff@igb-berlin.de).

"Research for the future of our freshwaters" is the mission of IGB – Germany’s largest and one of the leading international centres for freshwater research. In order to investigate different aspects of freshwater ecosystems, their biota and societal relevance, we unite a wide range of disciplines and understand research as a joint effort. With more than 350 employees and guests from all over the world, we conduct research at five locations in Berlin and at Lake Stechlin (Brandenburg). IGB is a member of the German Leibniz Association and the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V. www.igb-berlin.de