PhD Researcher – Spatially Compounding Fire Weather Extremes | PhD Researcher (f/m/x) – Spatially compounding fire weather extremes across Europe

Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung GmbH - UFZ

Leipzig, Sachsen, Deutschland
Published Mar 9, 2026
Part-time
Fixed-term

Job Summary

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join the Emmy Noether Research Group ‘Compound climate extremes’ in Leipzig. This role focuses on advancing the scientific understanding of spatially compounding fire-conducive weather extremes across Europe in the context of climate change. Day-to-day, the researcher will exploit large ensemble climate model simulations to investigate future projections, uncertainties, and worst-case scenarios. Key tasks include computing fire weather indices, analyzing large climate datasets, and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals. This position is ideal for candidates with a strong background in Earth sciences or data science who are eager to solve complex environmental challenges. The role offers excellent research infrastructure, professional development through the HIGRADE graduate school, and the opportunity to work within a prestigious international scientific network. The position is part-time (75%) for a duration of 36 months, providing a supportive environment for balancing academic rigor with personal care responsibilities.

Required Skills

Education

Master's degree in Physics, Data Science, Meteorology, Environmental Science, Earth System and Climate Sciences, Mathematics, or a related field.

Experience

  • Professional experience in working with and analyzing large climate datasets
  • Experience with programming languages such as Python, R, or Bash
  • Experience in atmospheric physics or understanding physical processes of climate extremes
  • Experience with statistics, particularly multivariate statistics is advantageous
  • Experience in an international research environment is preferred

Languages

English (Fluent)

Additional

  • The position is a limited 36-month contract starting from June 2026 or later. Working hours are 75% of a full-time position. Partial mobile work is possible. Location: Leipzig, Germany.