Referent*in Politische Kommunikation (d/m/w)

About the UFZ

The UFZ values diversity and actively promotes equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their origin, religion, worldview, disability, age, or sexual identity.

We welcome people who represent diverse backgrounds, identities, and perspectives.

Therefore, we particularly encourage individuals affected by structural discrimination to apply.

Work Location:

Leipzig. The role requires regular presence in political Berlin to actively build and maintain important networks. The work location is the UFZ site in Leipzig.

Work Hours:

100% (39 h/week)

The position is suitable for full-time or part-time employment.

Contract Duration:

Limited term / The position is initially limited to two years; an extension option exists.

Compensation:

According to TVöD up to pay group 13, including public service social benefits.

Application Deadline:

February 26, 2026

Questions:

For questions about the position, please contact:

Doris Wolst (Phone: 0341 60251220 or 0151 52739055)

To ensure a fair selection process, please submit your application (cover letter, CV, relevant attachments) without a photo, age, or marital status information via our online portal.

Apply Now

Further Career Information about UFZ:

www.ufz.de/karriere

Helmholtz Centre for

Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ

Permoserstraße 15

04318 Leipzig

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, with its 1,100 employees, has earned an excellent reputation as an international competence center for environmental sciences.

We are part of Germany's largest scientific organization – the Helmholtz Association. Our mission: We conduct research for a balance between societal development and the long-term protection of our livelihoods – for sustainable development.

The Role

As a Political Communication Officer, you will work within the Public Relations and Communications department team, shaping the interface between our research and key stakeholders in federal and state politics (focus on Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia).

Your Responsibilities

• Monitoring and analyzing political developments relevant to UFZ's research topics.
• Contributing to the strategic positioning of UFZ and its research topics within the political landscape.
• Developing content-driven initiatives and/or position papers on climate, biodiversity, and other environmentally relevant political topics in close coordination with UFZ researchers.
• Organizing and facilitating discussions and other exchange formats with ministries, parliamentarians, and politically important associations.
• Expanding and maintaining networks with political actors and socially relevant stakeholders for UFZ.
• Coordinating responses to political inquiries directed at the executive management.
• Recording direct contacts and activities between UFZ researchers and actors in the political sphere.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to jointly make a significant contribution to shaping a diverse and sustainable future.
• An exciting, secure job with varied tasks.
• A comprehensive and high-quality program for qualification and further training.
• Flexible working hours and diverse offerings for work-life balance, supported by our Family Office.
• Competent support and advice for international colleagues on settling in at UFZ through the 'International Office'.
• Annual special payment, capital-forming benefits, and a subsidized Deutschland-Job-Ticket.
• A workplace in a vibrant region with a high quality of life and social and cultural diversity.

Your Profile

• Completed university degree, e.g., in Political Science or comparable politically relevant fields.
• Several years of professional experience in political communication, preferably in the context of federal and/or state politics with a focus on environmental topics.
• A robust network in political Berlin.
• Interest and enthusiasm for engaging with complex environmental research topics to communicate them scientifically sound, needs-based, and targetedly to the political sphere.
• Ability to formulate clearly and precisely.
• Fluent English skills, both written and spoken.
• Good knowledge of common Microsoft Office applications.
• Eloquent, sociable, creative, and flexible.
• You enjoy working in a team and also take initiative in your area of work.

Benefits:

MinSalary:

MaxSalary:

SalaryCurrency: EUR

Remote Model: N/A

Country Code: de