Academic Researcher (f/m/d)
The Climate-Life nexus initiative at Heidelberg University brings researchers together social science and health with natural science to conduct transdisciplinary research in the intersection of disciplines to provide the solution needed for tackling climate change. Heidelberg University has strong interdisciplinary research in the climate & health and climate & social domain and is leading many important global and regional initiatives and projects in this area. The Climate-Life nexus initiative is aiming to bring these initiatives together into one vibrant and formative research environment. It is now seeking a research manager and coordinator who can help make this happen.
Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR)
Heidelberg University, Germany
Your responsibilities:
The Climate-Life-Nexus needs a coordinator and manager helping with both practical everyday issues, as well as contributing to the strategic development of the initiative, engaging with stakeholders and international partnerships, and coordinating the development of larger proposal assuring long-term funding.
Your tasks:
1. Contribute to the conceptualization and drafting of major scientific research proposals for the initiative
2. Preparation of annual scientific reports, research-based presentations, and other strategic materials that support the Flagship’s visibility and growth
3. Provide scientific support and coordination for the Flagship’s development in close collaboration with the steering group.
4. Foster and oversee effective internal communication, research workflows, and strategic dissemination within the Flagship
5. Ensure broad and inclusive representation of Heidelberg University’s scientific disciplines in the Flagship’s thematic focus
6. Facilitate the integration of diverse scientific perspectives, institutional needs, and academic strengths from all stakeholders and structures within Heidelberg University
7. Actively ensure that all research areas within the Heidelberg University are well represented in the initiative
8. Support the Flagships’ spokespersons in the strategic development of the Flagship’s research and contribute to the strategic development of interdisciplinary research directions
9. Lead the Flagships’ administration together with the steering group
10. Design, coordinate and implement scientific research events, including but not limited to international conferences, workshops, and colloquia, that foster academic exchange and innovation
11. Initiate and strengthen sustainable research collaborations with institutions and researchers in the global South
12. Coordinate research-oriented budget planning and resource allocation in collaboration with the steering group
13. Organize internal calls for funding proposal, including evaluation criterions and peer review
14. Maintain the initiative webpage and external communication materials
15. Represent the initiative in negotiations with external academic and funding partners, service providers as well as with university governance structures
16. Manage science-related administrative processes, including procurement, acquisitions, and different types of contracts in compliance with university and funding regulations
Your profile:
17. A completed doctoral degree
18. Some relevant experience in management and administration in a similar position; knowledge of the structures of large research groups and university administration
19. Experience in drafting manuscripts and research proposals
20. Excellent written and spoken English, and preferably also German
21. Advanced knowledge of common office software (e. g. Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat Pro.)
22. Capacity to coordinate and maintain focus in challenging situations involving many stakeholders, strong organizational and structuring skills for complex processes
23. Ability to prioritize tasks and to adapt to a dynamic environment, in full autonomy
24. Self-motivated, constructive, positive attitude, flexibility and willingness to work with a diverse and dynamic team
25. A team player who is friendly, open-minded, creative, and well organized, and performs well under pressure
26. Experience as a team leader
We offer:
27. Work in a dynamic, creative and truly transdisciplinary environment
28. To devote towards building research capacity and solutions to tackle climate change
29. A stimulating work environment with excellent scientists across disciplines
30. Support for continuing education and professional development
31. Attractive benefits such as retirement accounts (VL) and an occupational pension (VBL)
32. 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31
The advertised position is offered as a fixed-term position until 31.12.2026. Remuneration for the position is based on pay group 13 TV-L. This is a full-time position (39,5 hours/week). Other levels of engagement could be discussed. Applications with the usual documents should be submitted as a single PDF file no later than 21 July, 2025.
Please include:(1) a short motivation letter, (2) a CV with a list of publications, (3) relevant certificates (university degrees only), and (4) contact information for two referees. We ask for your understanding that application documents received will not be returned. Applications should be addressed to Prof. Joacim Rocklöv via joacim.rockloev@uni-heidelberg.de & senani.dayabandara@uni-heidelberg.de. Selection interviews will take place in late July or August 2025.
Heidelberg University stands for equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are especially invited to apply. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Information on job advertisements and the collection of personal data is available at www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/job-market.