Leipzig University is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d/x) in Environmental Data Science and Remote Sensing, subject to funding approval, within the Environmental Data Sciences and Remote Sensing working group led by Professor Miguel Mahecha and Principal Investigator Dr Guido Kraemer. This position is part of the Horizon Europe project “Observation and AI-powered System for Intelligent Water Solutions” (OASIS)—a major European initiative at the intersection of Earth observation, artificial intelligence, environmental policy, and stakeholder engagement.

If your expertise bridges natural language processing, environmental modeling, and applied data science, this opportunity places you at the forefront of AI-driven Earth Intelligence. As environmental policy increasingly relies on data-driven and AI-supported tools, researchers who can bridge environmental science and intelligent systems will shape the next generation of decision-support platforms. Leipzig University’s OASIS project offers precisely that platform—where Earth observation, environmental modeling, and artificial intelligence converge to deliver real-world impact across Europe. Deadline: 30 April 2026 Early application is strongly advised.

Position Overview

• Reference Number: 39/2026
• Location: Leipzig, Germany
• Start Date: Earliest from 1 May 2026
• Duration: Fixed-term until 30 April 2030
• Employment Level: 100% full-time (part-time possible)
• Salary: TV-L E13 (German public sector pay scale)

About Leipzig University

Founded in 1409, Leipzig University is one of Germany’s oldest and largest universities, with approximately 30,000 students and over 5,000 staff across 14 faculties. Located in the dynamic and internationally connected city of Leipzig, the university combines academic tradition with forward-looking research.

The Institute for Earth System Science and Remote Sensing at the Faculty of Physics and Earth System Science hosts internationally recognized research in:

• Earth system modeling
• Remote sensing
• Environmental data science
• Climate and biodiversity analytics

The OASIS Project: AI for Water, Climate, and Biodiversity

The Horizon Europe OASIS project brings together 16 partners and 40 stakeholders to deliver “Earth Intelligence” supporting European policy in:

• Biodiversity conservation
• Climate change adaptation
• Water cycle management
• Environmental resilience
• Evidence-based policymaking

OASIS integrates large language models, environmental datasets, and domain-specific process models into intelligent, user-friendly systems capable of producing trustworthy environmental assessments.

This postdoctoral role plays a central technical and scientific function within the consortium.

Your Role as Postdoctoral Researcher

You will work at the interface between environmental science, artificial intelligence, and policy-relevant knowledge systems.

Core Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality research combining natural language technologies with environmental datasets and process models
• Implement and coordinate Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers for environmental problem-solving
• Develop chat-based natural language interfaces for analyzing environmental data
• Ensure factual reliability and scientific integrity of AI-generated outputs
• Collaborate with international project partners and stakeholders
• Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and project deliverables
• Support the development of AI agents and workflow automation tools
• Participate in workshops, consortium meetings, and stakeholder activities

This position requires both technical expertise and the ability to translate advanced research into operational systems supporting EU-level environmental policies.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications

• Completed doctorate in:
  • Computer Science
  • Remote Sensing
  • Data Science
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Geography
  • Hydrology
  • Or a closely related field
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Experience working within international collaborations
• Ability to engage with policy, civil society, or industry stakeholders

Highly Desirable Technical Skills

Demonstrated experience through past projects, open-source contributions, or a technical portfolio in:

• Strong programming skills (Python, R, or similar)
• Working with Large Language Models (LLMs) via APIs
• Connecting LLMs to MCP servers
• Building AI agents and automated workflows
• Designing natural language interfaces for scientific applications

This role is ideal for candidates who combine deep environmental domain knowledge with applied AI engineering skills.

What Leipzig University Offers

Leipzig University provides a competitive and supportive research environment, including:

• Structured professional development programs
• Flexible working hours and mobile working options
• Public sector remuneration (TV-L E13), annual bonus, and pension plan
• Corporate health programs
• Discounted public transportation (e.g., Deutschlandticket commuter pass)
• Affordable university cafeterias and cafés
• Strong institutional support for research excellence

The university actively promotes gender equity and diversity. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply. Severely disabled persons will receive preference in cases of equal suitability. This role sits at a strategic intersection of:

• Environmental AI research
• Earth observation systems
• Natural language processing
• European policy implementation
• Multi-stakeholder digital infrastructure

It offers long-term funding stability (until 2030), international collaboration, and the opportunity to shape AI-powered environmental intelligence systems that influence EU decision-making. For researchers seeking to position themselves at the cutting edge of AI and Earth system science, this is a rare and timely opportunity.

Application Process

Application Deadline: 30 April 2026 (Extended)

Submit your application quoting reference number 39/2026 to: By Email (single PDF file): dekan@physes.uni-leipzig.de Please note that unencrypted email submissions cannot guarantee confidentiality. Copies only should be submitted, as documents will not be returned. Interview expenses are not reimbursed. For academic inquiries, contact:
Dr Guido Kraemer – guido.kraemer@uni-leipzig.de

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is this position fully funded?

Yes. The position is funded under the Horizon Europe OASIS project until 30 April 2030, subject to final funding approval.

2. What salary level applies?

The position is classified under TV-L E13, the standard German public-sector salary group for postdoctoral researchers.

3. Can international candidates apply?

Yes. The position is open to international applicants. English proficiency is required.

4. Is German language proficiency required?

No. The working language is English, though knowledge of German may be beneficial for integration.

5. What technical background is most competitive?

Candidates with hands-on experience in LLM APIs, AI agents, MCP server integration, and environmental data pipelines will be particularly competitive.

6. Can the position be part-time?

Yes. A part-time arrangement is possible, although the position is advertised at 100% full-time.

7. Are travel and stakeholder engagement expected?

Yes. Participation in consortium meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement activities is part of the role.