Research Associate as Research Software Engineer

Uni Hamburg; Hamburg; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remuneration based on wage agreements

Continuing education opportunities

University pensions

Work-life balance

Health management

Educational leave

30 days vacation

Job summary

Universität Hamburg’s Hub of Computing and Data Science (HCDS) seeks a Research Associate as Research Software Engineer on a fixed-term basis through 31 December 2028. The role focuses on research, data science software development, and building data-driven systems for cutting-edge investigations.

The position requires Python programming, ML experience, and a strong data analytics background, with collaboration across faculties and potential qualifications beyond core responsibilities.

Qualifications

• University degree with strong data analytics and/or software development
• Programming knowledge (preferably Python)
• Experience with ML, transformer models or related data science tech
• Knowledge of databases and data engineering is advantageous

Responsibilities

• Consult scientists about data science solutions for research
• Perform requirements analysis with researchers
• Plan, implement and maintain data science software
• Develop data-driven systems from analytics to multimodal models
• Create user-friendly interfaces tailored to user needs
• Evaluate and select state-of-the-art technologies for models and infrastructure
• Ensure quality assurance of applications and DevOps tasks

Skills

Python

Machine Learning

RAG

Data Engineering

Frontend

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Data Science

Tools

Elasticsearch

Jupyter Notebooks

Docker

PostgreSQL

Job description

Research Associate as Research Software Engineer § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

InstitutionHub of Computing and Data Science (HCDS)

Start date01.01.2027, fixed until 31.12.2028 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Scope of workfull-time position suitable for part-time

The Hub of Computing and Data Science (HCDS) is a competence unit for research and forms the core element for the central support of digitalization and digital transformation in research at the University of Hamburg.

Your responsibilities

Duties primarily include research. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities.

• consulting for scientists of all faculties about possibilities and implementations of data science and general digital solutions for research
• requirements analysis with the prospective users (researchers of all fields)
• planning, implementation and maintenance of data science software
• development of all kinds of data-driven systems, all the way from advanced data analytics to multimodal transformer models
• creation of user-friendly interfaces tied to expertise and needs of the users
• analysis and recommendation of state-of-the‑art technologies for both models and infrastructure
• evaluation and quality assurance of the applications
• DevOps tasks within the scope of application development
• analysis and recommendation of state‑of-the‑art technologies for both models and infrastructure
• evaluation and quality assurance of the applications
• work at the interdisciplinary intersection within the scope of application development

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field with a high share of data analytics and/or software development, esp. computer science, data science or information systems.

• programming knowledge (preferably in Python)
• experience with one or more of the following:
  • Machine Learning (esp. transformer models)
  • RAG and multi agent infrastructures
  • Databases and Data Engineering
  • Infrastructure for search
  • Knowledge‑based systems
  • Data visualization
  • Frontend development
• interest in interdisciplinary research on digitalization challenges
• interest and expertise in interdisciplinary research
• knowledge about Elasticsearch, Jupyter Notebooks, Docker and PostgreSQL is advantageous
• knowledge about DevOps, MLOps and Cloud Infrastructure is advantageous

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Work‑life balance opportunities
• Health management, EGYM Wellpass
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

The University of Hamburg strives to increase the number of women in academia, and encourages qualified female academics to apply.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

Notice regarding the background check under Section34a of the Hamburg security clearance act (Gesetz zur Regelung der Sicherheitsüberprüfungen, HmbSÜG): On behalf of the person chosen in the selection procedure, this office submits an inquiry to the state office for the protection of the constitution (Landesamt für Verfassungsschutz) regarding any available findings/information which meet the statutory requirements ( background check and data protection information ).