Scientific Project Coordinator (f/m/x) Environmental Data and AI Platform (DataMon)

© Kletr / Fotolia The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research

(UFZ) is a world-leading institution in environmental research and a

member of the Helmholtz Association, Germany’s largest scientific

organisation. With approximately 1,200 employees across Leipzig,

Halle, and Magdeburg, we have been conducting research since 1991

using a transdisciplinary approach to address the most pressing

challenges of our time: biodiversity loss, climate change, and

environmental pollution. Our goal is to translate excellent research

into practical solutions for policymakers, business, and society, and

to serve as a reliable partner in supporting transformation processes

toward a sustainable and just future for current and future

generations. We foster a culture of collaboration, openness, and

diversity within a work environment that actively promotes creativity

and personal development. Scientific Project Coordinator (f/m/x)

Environmental Data and AI Platform (DataMon) The job DataMon is a new

strategic UFZ initiative to build an integrated environmental data and

AI platform that brings together established monitoring products,

scientific data services and cross-domain analytical capabilities. The

platform will make UFZ data products more accessible, interoperable

and AI-ready, while creating new opportunities for integrated

environmental research and knowledge transfer. As Scientific Project

Coordinator, you will play a central role in turning this ambitious

interdisciplinary initiative into a coherent implementation process,

connecting scientific, technical and organisational perspectives

across UFZ and with external partners. Your tasks Establish and

maintain the integrated DataMon roadmap across the shared platform,

monitor and data-product modules, and cross-cutting AI and

spatial-computing services. Work closely with module leads to clarify

requirements, resolve dependencies and conflicts, prepare decisions,

agree on priorities and next steps, and ensure consistent follow-up

across the DataMon portfolio. Coordinate milestones, deliverables,

dependencies, resource requirements, risks and decisions across module

leads, research data management, IT, knowledge transfer, research

infrastructure units, technical working groups and external service

providers. Translate scientific and user needs into clear technical

and organisational requirements, identify reusable solutions and

synergies across modules, and align priorities, interfaces and

implementation pathways. Prepare and facilitate Steering Group

meetings, readiness reviews and cross-project workshops; draft

decision papers and ensure that agreed actions are followed up and,

where necessary, escalated. Establish and maintain project controls

for schedules, risks, changes, decisions, reporting and documentation,

and prepare concise status and management reports. Support the

procurement and commissioning of external development services,

coordinate service providers, and monitor deliverables, acceptance

criteria and knowledge transfer in close cooperation with the

responsible UFZ units. Coordinate the transition from project

implementation to sustainable operation, including responsibilities,

update cycles, quality assurance, maintenance requirements and user

support. We offer The freedom to master even the most demanding

challenges between basic research and practical application The chance

to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a

variety of perspectives First class integration into national and

international research networks to work together on global challenges

Excellent research infrastructure and research data management to

optimally support your work Flexible working hours and a wide range of

options for balancing work and care responsibilities through our

family office Competent support and advice for international

colleagues arriving at the UFZ from the 'International Office' Special

annual payment, capital-forming benefits and subsidised Germany Job

Ticket A workplace in a vibrant region with a high life quality and

social and cultural diversity Your profile An academic degree at

master’s level or equivalent in environmental or natural sciences,

computer or data science, geoinformatics, engineering, science and

technology management, or a related field Several years of experience

managing complex, interdisciplinary digital, research-infrastructure,

software or data-platform projects, including multi-team roadmaps,

deliverables, dependencies, risks and reporting Proven ability to lead

through influence, create commitment across organisational boundaries,

address conflicts constructively, prepare and facilitate decisions,

and ensure consistent follow-up A strong technical understanding of

data platforms and software development, interfaces and APIs, data and

metadata workflows, FAIR principles, cloud or compute environments,

and AI-enabled services. Hands-on coding experience is welcome, but

not essential Excellent facilitation, presentation, negotiation and

writing skills, with the ability to communicate confidently with

researchers, IT specialists, management, stakeholders and external

service providers A structured, independent and outcome-oriented

working style, sound judgement in evolving and complex project

settings, and experience with agile or hybrid project management

approaches Very good written and spoken English and German Experience

with public procurement, contract deliverables or external service

provider management is an advantage The UFZ values diversity and is

actively committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all employees,

regardless of their origin, religion, beliefs, disability, age or

sexual identity. We welcome people who represent diverse backgrounds,

identities and perspectives. We therefore particularly encourage

people who are affected by structural discrimination to apply to us.

Place of work: Leipzig, mobile work is possible for up to 50% of

working time in accordance with the