Arbeitgeber: Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung GmbH – UFZ

© Kletr / Fotolia 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 in