Reference Number
11225
Today, most scientific projects cannot be done without the support of research software. Be it software packages developed in-house or third-party applications, which are used for the acquisition of scientific knowledge: The quality, traceability, and reproducibility of research depend to a large extent on those software packages. The Helmholtz Federated IT Services (HIFIS) support research software development within Helmholtz with a wide range of services, including fostering communities, software consulting, infrastructure, as well as education & training. Within HIFIS, the GFZ is leading the HIFIS Software Community work package, where our goal is to foster and connect the research software engineer (RSE) communities within Helmholtz and beyond. \n
Do you believe that quality, findable software is important for reproducible research? Do you enjoy working with people and believe in the importance of connected teams and communities for people to be able to reach their full potential? Then, join our team to help us build a community alongside the people who produce research software tools in Helmholtz.\u00a0 \n
Your responsibilities: \n
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1. Build and foster the research software engineer communities at Helmholtz and GFZ, and help shape our communities into an effective network \n
2. Organise and facilitate community events (such as workshops, conferences, coding clubs) to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing \n
3. Play a key role in the strategic development of community platforms aimed both at Helmholtz internal and external audiences, such as the Helmholtz Research Software Directory (helmholtz.software) \n
4. Create and curate content on helmholtz.software, such as newsletters, blog posts and tutorials \n
5. Coordinate and collaborate with other Helmholtz institutions, such as HiRSE and the Open Science Office \n
6. Build partnerships and support collaboration with other scientific software communities and research infrastructures, within HIFIS as well as nationally (e.g. deRSE, FutuRSI) and internationally (e.g. SSI UK, Netherlands eScience Center) \n
7. Provide guidance and support on building communities of practice around Helmholtz-developed research software tools \n
8. Participate in national and international conferences, workshops and projects to further develop the RSE community and showcase HIFIS software activities to the outside world \n
About You: \n
Essential qualifications: \n
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9. A Master's degree or equivalent in computer science, data science, natural sciences, media and communication studies, or a related discipline \n
10. Proven experience in community management, scientific communication, or a similar role, preferably in a research or open-source context \n
11. Enjoy thinking creatively and taking initiative \n
12. Familiarity with research software development techniques, open-source principles or digital research infrastructures \n
13. Experience in organising and leading events, workshops, or training sessions \n
14. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, who is able to engage in dialogues across organisational hierarchies \n
15. Very good English and German skills (B2+), both spoken and written \n
What we offer: \n
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16. Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment \n
17. State-of-the-art equipment \n
18. Public service benefits \n
19. Extensive training opportunities \n
20. Flexible working hours and conditions \n
21. Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work \n
22. Institute day-care centre on site \n
23. Working at the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam\u00a0 \n
24. Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus \n Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 2 years (with possibility of extension)
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to \u201cTV\u00f6D Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)\u201d. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h\/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam \n\n
Have we piqued your interest? \nIf so, we look forward to receiving your application by 17th May 2026 .\n\nPlease use our online application form only.\n\nRequired documents: CV and letter of motivation\n \n\n
The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion\/belief, age and physical characteristics. We also promote an inclusive working environment in which everyone can fully develop their own talents. Anyone who has been recognised as severely disabled will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. If you have any further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer. \n
\u201cDiversity in perspectives\u201d is one of GFZ's core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. We, among others, do this through our gender equality plan and the cascade model measures,\u00a0which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply. \n\n
Data protection information for applicants. \n\nIn case of any further queries regarding the field of activity, please contact Dr. Christian Mee\u00dfen via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.","validThrough":"2026-05-17T23:59:59+02:00","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum f\u00fcr Geoforschung","sameAs":"http:\/\/www.gfz.de","logo":"https:\/\/gfz.concludis.de\/download\/design\/MTU2OTQyMA==\/GFZ_concludis.jpg"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Potsdam","postalCode":"14473","addressCountry":"DE"}},"employmentType":["FULL_TIME","TEMPORARY"]}