Research Software Engineer / Software Developer for Imaging and Spatial Omics Data

Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum; Heidelberg; Vor Ort; EUR 65.000 - 85.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

30 days vacation

Flexible working hours

Remuneration according TV-L

Mobile/Part-time options

Family-friendly environment

Job ticket subsidy

Zusammenfassung

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) invites applications for a Research Software Engineer / Software Developer for Imaging and Spatial Omics Data in Heidelberg. You will develop a Kotlin-based GUIDE platform, integrate OMERO with genomic data, and implement metadata schemas while advancing FAIR data handling.

Join a team supporting the ID3:bio 2.0 project, collaborating across bioinformatics and imaging data workflows, with opportunities for international networking and professional growth.

Qualifikationen

• Master’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field.
• Substantial software development experience with Kotlin or Java.
• Proficiency in Python or JavaScript is required.
• Experience with Linux, containers and cloud technologies.
• Interest in biology and data from life sciences; ability to collaborate with partners.
• Strong problem solving and clear communication in English.

Aufgaben

• Develop and extend GUIDE metadata platform (Kotlin-based) to annotate data.
• Integrate OMERO imaging platform with genomic data within ODCF.
• Design user and permission management across imaging and genomics systems.
• Implement metadata schemas and packaging formats such as RO‑Crate.
• Build tools to collect, organize and validate research data.
• Co-organise hackathons and train users on FAIR principles.

Kenntnisse

Kotlin/Java

Software development

English proficiency

Linux/Cloud/Containers

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in CS

Tools

OMERO

RO-Crate

SpatialData framework

HPC

Jobbeschreibung

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is one of Europe’s largest cancer research centers. “Research for a life without cancer" is the mission of our world‑class scientists and all our team members.

We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and search for new cancer prevention strategies. We develop new methods with which tumors can be diagnosed more precisely and cancer patients can be treated more successfully. Every contribution counts – whether in research, administration or infrastructure. This is what makes our daily work so meaningful and exciting.

The Single-cell Open Lab at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is looking, starting from December 2026, for a Research Software Engineer / Software Developer for Imaging and Spatial Omics Data.

The core facilities, Single-Cell Open Lab and the Omics IT and Data Management Core Facility (ODCF) at the DKFZ, provide infrastructure and workflows for single-cell and spatial omics projects. To strengthen our teams from September 2026, we are seeking a Research Software Engineer / Software Developer for imaging and spatial omics data within the ID3:bio 2.0 project (https://gerbi-gmb.de/i3dbio/).

ID3:bio 2.0 is a DFG-funded project that aims to deliver tools and strategies for the FAIR management of imaging and spatial omics data. Together with the universities of Düsseldorf and Tübingen, we develop and implement standards for metadata, file formats, data‑exchange strategies, and long‑term archiving.

Your Tasks

• Develop and extend our GUIDE metadata platform (a Kotlin‑based application) to annotate generic (meta)data and to import non‑sequencing data types into the ODCF infrastructure
• Design and build the integration of the OMERO imaging platform with genomic data (OTP) within the ODCF infrastructure
• Design and implement user and permission management across the imaging and genomics systems
• Implement metadata schemas and packaging formats such as RO‑Crate for spatial data
• Build tools to collect, organize, and validate research (meta)data
• Co‑organise and take part in hackathons
• Organise workshops and train users to work in line with the FAIR principles

Your Profile

• Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification and relevant professional experience) in computer science, software engineering, or a related field
• Substantial software development experience, including professional proficiency in Kotlin (our GUIDE platform is Kotlin‑based) or Java
• Proficiency in at least one further language such as Python or JavaScript
• Experience with system administration, container and cloud technologies, and Linux
• Genuine interest in the biological and life‑science background of the data — curiosity is essential, but no prior training in biology is required
• Ability to solve complex problems in a structured, well‑documented way together with internal and external partners
• Willingness to explain complex technical workflows to non‑specialists
• Very good command of English

Advantageous

• Experience in research data management (omics and/or imaging data)
• Experience with OMERO and imaging data
• Experience with ontologies, RO‑Crate, and the SpatialData framework
• Experience in open‑source software engineering and HPC
• Experience in organising hackathons and community engagement

We Offer

• Excellent framework conditions: state‑of‑the‑art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Flexible working hours
• Remuneration according to TV‑L incl. occupational pension plan and capital‑forming payments
• Possibility of mobile work and part‑time work
• Family‑friendly working environment
• Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
• Unleash your full potential: targeted offers for your personal development to further develop your talents
• Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well‑being

Duration: The position is limited to 3 years with the possibility of prolongation.

Application Deadline: September30,2026

Contact:

Dr. Jan‑Philipp Mallm
Phone: [phone]‑51378

We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.

Notice: We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.