The Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, Braunschweig offers the position for a Scientific Lead SILVA Database (m/f/d) The position has a salary level according to TV-L 14 and is initially limited to 2 years with the perspective to become a permanent position. The position is offered as full time (39.8 hours per week). SILVA is a renowned database that provides comprehensive quality checked ribosomal RNA reference sequence data and accompanying tools. The datasets are used by thousands of researchers worldwide as a basis for their research and publications have been cited over 44,000 times in total. As the scientific lead of the SILVA database, you will be responsible to guide the development of this scientific resource to align data and services with the scientific user needs. As the responsible scientist, you will ensure that SILVA serves as a solid basis for disciplines such as microbial ecology and diversity research in general. Taxonomically, related resources like LPSN, GTDB and RDP have to be aligned. Together with the technical lead and the DSMZ team of biologists and software developers you will improve the existing structure and develop new features. Adapting the SILVA service portfolio to needs in microbial ecology and diversity research Development and curation of the SILVA taxonomy with respect to international developments Designing workshops and connecting with the expert communities Publications & Scientific cooperation Ph.D. degree in biology or a related field Experience in rRNA related topics Accuracy and quality-orientation Intrinsic motivation and team-spirit Fluent in English / knowledge in German is beneficial Proven ability in writing scientific publications Willingness to undertake occasional business travel An interdisciplinary working environment with frequent exchange of experience Participation in building a research data infrastructure Motivated colleagues and a pleasant working atmosphere in a scientific area Further development and support of scientific data services at the DSMZ Plenty of room for creativity & challenging topics Opportunities for further education and training An employer certified according to audit berufundfamilie®, therefore flexible possibilities to combine work and family life