Department Head (f/m/d) “Thermodynamics of actinides” – 2026/82 Part-time

Department Head (f/m/d) “Thermodynamics of Actinides”

The Institute for Resource Ecology (IRE) conducts applied basic research into the protection of people and the environment from the effects of radioactive radiation.

The department focuses on interdisciplinary research in the fields of geosciences, radiochemistry and artificial intelligence.

The position is initially a two-year fixed-term contract. The intention is to convert the position into a permanent role once the fixed-term contract expires.

Your Tasks

• Technical and disciplinary leadership of the “Thermodynamics of Actinides” department
• Scientific coordination of research on modeling the transport of radioactive substances, as well as the collection of relevant experimental data and parameters, including uncertainty and sensitivity analyses
• Integration of these models with geostatistics and machine learning methods
• Development of digital twins for safety analyses in host rock for deep geological disposal
• Networking at the international and national levels, particularly with partner institutions in the HGF's program-oriented research, with institutes at the HZDR, and with internal partners, leading to the acquisition of third-party funded projects
• Supervision of academic degrees (Bachelor's / Master's / Ph.D.)

Your Profile

• Completed university studies (PhD) in the field of Geo Sciences / Chemistry / Environmental Sciences or related field
• Extensive knowledge in geochemistry and geostatistics
• Expertise in application of artificial intelligence methods to geoscientific problems
• Knowledge about the siting process for radioactive waste in Germany
• Excellent ability to engage in interdisciplinary scientific collaboration
• A professional manner and willingness to engage with others, as well as a responsible, independent, coordinated, and team-oriented approach to work
• Successful acquisition of grant-funded projects at the national and international levels, including the associated project management
• Experience in personnel management and mentoring early-career researchers
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English and German

Our Offer

• A vibrant research community in an open, diverse and international work environment
• Scientific excellence and extensive professional networking opportunities
• Salary and social benefits in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD-Bund) including 30 days of paid holiday leave, company pension scheme (VBL)
• Depending on the personal qualifications, the candidate may be classified in salary group 15 according to TVöD-Bund
• We support a good work-life balance with the possibility of part-time employment, mobile working and flexible working hours
• Numerous company health management offerings
• Employee discounts with well-known providers via the platform Corporate Benefits
• An employer subsidy for the “Deutschland-Ticket Jobticket”

We look forward to receiving your application documents (including cover letter, CV, diplomas/transcripts, etc.), which you can submit via our online-application-system.