Department Head (f/m/d) "Thermodynamics of actinides"

With cutting-edge research in the fields of ENERGY, HEALTH and MATTER, around 1,500 employees from more than 70 nations at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) are committed to mastering the great challenges facing society today.

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 IRE is looking for a Department Head (f/m/d) "Thermodynamics of actinides".

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-B und) 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-B und
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.

Organization unit: Institute of Resource Ecology

Place of work/ Working hours: Dresden-Rossendorf Full time

Hire date: 1 September 2026

Limitation: 31 August 2028

For any questions, do not hesitate to ask: Prof. Dr. Thorsten Stumpf Tel.: +49 351 260 3210

Deadline: 8 July 2026

Job-Id: 2026/82 (2255)

At HZDR, we promote and value diversity among our employees. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds regardless of gender, ethnic and social origin, belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

Department Head (f/m/d) "Thermodynamics of actinides"