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The Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER) in Dresden offers the following position (employment according to WissZeitVG): Head (f, m, d) of the DRESDEN-concept Research Group SITES.AI “Advanced Environmental Risk and Sustainability Modelling of Cities and Regions Using AI”

  • as soon as possible, on a fixed-term basis until 31 August 2030, with the possibility of an extension
  • the position is classified in pay grade 14 of the TV-L (Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the German Federal States)
  • full-time; part-time arrangements are possible

The Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development is a non-university research centre, and a member of the Leibniz Association. Our subject is the sustainable development and transformation of cities and regions in the context of the global human-ecological crisis.

The DRESDEN-concept Research Group "Advanced Environmental Risk and Sustainability Modelling of Cities and Regions Using AI" (SITES.AI) is being set up by the TUD Dresden University of Technology and the Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development as part of the Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (ScaDS.AI): https://scads.ai. The research group belongs to the IOER research area Spatial Information and Modelling with the IOER Research Data Centre: https://www.ioer.de/en/research/spatial-information-and-modelling.

Your Responsibilities

SITES.AI strives for fundamental and societally relevant methodological advances in the data-intensive modelling of environmental risks and the sustainability of cities and regions through artificial intelligence and data analytics. The Research Group builds on the complementary expertise of the TUD/ScaDS.AI and the IOER, both partners of DRESDEN-concept, in AI and data analytics, geoinformatics and environmental sciences, further developing this particular area of expertise and strengthening its international profile.

The Research Group’s thematic orientation derives from the mission statement and research programme of the IOER as well as research activities of ScaDS.AI regarding the Big Data and AI topic area ‘Environmental and Earth Sciences’. The research focuses on machine learning (ML) methods for the analysis and visualisation of human-environment relationships of cities and regions. The basis is geodata from various sources of the Earth, environmental and spatial sciences such as earth observation, sensor networks and citizen science with different spatial and temporal resolutions. The ML methods are expected to advance the analysis of dynamic human-environment relationships and their visualisation in ways that enhance engagement with societal stakeholders.

The Research Group comprises one to two senior scientists and at least two doctoral researchers. Involvement of further scientists from both research institutions is envisaged. The successful candidate will lead the Research Group, providing an opportunity for further academic qualification towards a professorial appointment at a university. The candidate is expected to further develop the group's research agenda independently, in close collaboration with the team and in alignment with the institute's strategic priorities. This also includes securing high-quality, competitive, and strategically aligned external funding to strengthen the group's scientific profile and support its thematic and team development.

Your Profile

  • in-depth knowledge of and extensive experience with machine learning methods
  • excellent doctorate, preferentially in a field related to environmental or geoinformatics
  • significant publications in international peer-reviewed journals
  • success in acquiring third-party funding projects in academic competition
  • ability to lead a research team with collaborative leadership skills
  • experience with academic teaching and the supervision of scientific qualification theses
  • ability to work independently and to self-organise
  • strong interest in and, if possible, experience with interdisciplinary collaboration
  • English language proficiency (CEFR level C1 or higher)
  • German language proficiency would be an asset

What we offer

  • collaboration in a highly motivated, interdisciplinary team in a leading research institute of the Leibniz Association and its close cooperation with the TUD Dresden University of Technology, one of eleven Universities of Excellence in Germany
  • flat hierarchies and opportunities for participation
  • creative and motivating working environment
  • lively social culture and diversity
  • openness and trusting cooperation
  • family justice and flexible working time models
  • equal opportunities (multiple Total-E-Quality certification)
  • career planning and further education opportunities
  • sustainability management
  • job ticket
  • supplementary pension cover through a company pension scheme (VBL)

Place of work is Dresden. The employer is IOER. The position involves close collaboration with TU Dresden (Dresden University of Technology), and work will be carried out at both institutions.

The IOER promotes professional equality between women and men as well as diversity, and is particularly committed to reconciling family and professional life. Women are expressly encouraged to apply. Applications from recognised severely disabled people are welcome.

Please upload your application (letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, certificates, references) by 10 August 2026.