Research Software Engineer Platforms & Services (KTS-74)

GESIS - Leibniz Institut für Sozialwissenschaften; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 45.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institute in Germany is looking for a Research Software Engineer for their Big Data Analytics team. This permanent position involves developing and maintaining a web platform, collaborating with researchers, and integrating AI technologies. Ideal candidates will have a degree in computer science and expertise in Python and web APIs. The institute offers flexible working hours, health management, and professional development opportunities.

Leistungen

Flexible working hours

Childcare subsidies

Pension support

Further training measures

Qualifikationen

• Degree in computer science or similar.
• Experience in backend software development with Python.
• Familiarity with AI research is a plus.

Aufgaben

• Develop and maintain the Methods Hub backend.
• Collaborate with researchers for AI integration.
• Monitor performance tracking for the platform.

Kenntnisse

Python development

Knowledge of web APIs

Docker

Problem-solving skills

Teamwork

Ausbildung

University degree in computer science

Tools

AI libraries (e.g., PyTorch)

Database technologies

Linux server administration

Jobbeschreibung

Offer Description

GESIS – Leibniz-Institute for the Social Sciences is an internationally active research institute, funded by federal and state governments and member of the Leibniz Association.

Starting on the next possible date our Department Knowledge Technologies for the Social Sciences (KTS), Team Big Data Analytics located in Cologne, is looking for a Research Software Engineer Platforms & Services.

(Salary group 13 TV-L, working time 100 %, permanent position)

The department Knowledge Technologies for Social Sciences (KTS) conducts research at the intersection of information retrieval, natural language processing, semantic technologies and human information interaction as foundation for innovative web portals and platforms for the search and use of research data. KTS innovations are based on a state‑of‑the‑art software stack and research‑based innovations in the aforementioned fields.

The Big Data team develops and operates the GESIS Methods Hub, a web platform that provides research tools such as AI models or data science methods, tutorials, and interactive online environments for code execution. The platform is connected to other platforms (such as GitHub) via web APIs and is based on containerized workflows.

Responsibilities

• Further development and maintenance of the Methods Hub backend (Python/Django), including integration of the Methods Hub into other platforms within and outside GESIS (e.g., GESIS Search, GitHub)
• Collaboration with researchers from the team and the department to integrate cutting‑edge (AI) research into the platform
• Development of an AI‑based quality assurance pipeline as well as monitoring and performance tracking for Methods Hub content
• Integration of generative AI (chat bots, agents, etc.) into and across the department's services

Qualifications

• University degree (diploma, master's, or similar) in computer science
• Knowledge, especially in the backend area, of software development with Python, containers (Docker), and web APIs
• Desirable additional skills include knowledge of language model APIs (OpenAI), database and search technologies, program code rendering frameworks (Quarto), Linux server administration, metadata and web standards, and common AI libraries (e.g., PyTorch)
• High level of problem‑solving skills, initiative, and ability to work in a team
• Unique service‑oriented development tasks in an international and open research context incorporating the latest technologies
• Flexible working hours and regulations for mobile working
• Very good conditions for reconciling work and family life, e.g. subsidies for childcare for children who have not yet attained the age of compulsory schooling
• Holistic company health management and discounted participation in the university's sports programme
• Generous support for your pension provision as a direct insurance policy
• Promotion of your skills through further training measures

Contact

For further information concerning the tasks please contact Dr. Johannes Kiesel via phone [phone] or via E‑Mail ([e-mail]). If you have questions about the application process, please contact Franca Tosetti via E‑Mail ([e-mail]).

Interested?

Please apply via our Online‑application portal until 12.01.2026. Our reference number is: KTS-74