Scientific programmer (m/f/d) in the field of AI readiness of research data

Job advertisement ref. #01-25028

The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) was founded in 1817 and is one of the most important research institutions in the field of biodiversity. At its twelve locations throughout Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research at an international level. The company's headquarters are located in the Main metropolis of Frankfurt in the heart of Germany. It is also home to one of the best-known Senckenberg institutions, the Senckenberg Nature Museum. The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, is looking to strengthen its biodiversity informatics development team in Frankfurt as soon as possible with a

Scientific programmer (m/f/d) in the field of AI readiness of research data

(full-time / part-time options are possible)

Your tasks

As part of the development of the National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI), our team is actively involved in the planning and implementation of eServices that enable the sustainable and interdisciplinary provision of research data in the field of agrobiodiversity.

In addition, our data is mobilized in the context of European research data infrastructures, in particular for automated high-throughput processing. The basis for this are data formats that enable the application of deep learning methods - e.g. for the extraction of feature data from digitized collection objects. As part of various NFDI projects and the European collection data infrastructure, our team is involved in the development of infrastructures for data mobilization for machine learning services.

For this exciting project position, we are looking for a scientific programmer to support our development team in the FAIRagro project. The task includes the adaptation and integration of metadata standards to improve the AI readiness of research data. Particular attention will be paid to increasing the interoperability of the data model developed in FAIRagro with machine learning frameworks based on the metadata standard MLC Croissant.

The project position is located in the Biodiversity Informatics Team, which brings together specialists in the fields of research data management, service development and automated processing of biodiversity data at the Senckenberg sites in Frankfurt and Görlitz. Comprehensive familiarization with the respective project tasks is guaranteed.

Your profile

1. Completed master's degree or diploma program (university or university of applied sciences) in the field of computer science, bioinformatics, geoinformatics, (Bio)physics or comparable qualification related to the development of metadata formats, data processing pipelines and data modeling
2. Good knowledge and practical experience in programming (Python, Java, JavaScript)
3. Knowledge in the field of machine learning
4. Knowledge of semantic standards (RDF/JSON-LD, OWL, Knowledge Graphs) an advantage
5. Knowledge of computational workflows (CWL, Snakemake, etc.) is an advantage
6. Knowledge of web service frameworks such as Flask or Django is an advantage
7. Knowledge of container technologies and deployment is an advantage (Docker, Openstack)
8. Good communication skills and the ability to implement software solutions independently, but in close discussion with cooperation partners
9. Team-oriented and flexible way of working, ideally with the willingness to travel for training, meetings and presentations.

We offer

1. An attractive and challenging job in a motivated team
2. Independent work in an international, small project team with flat hierarchies and a high level of personal responsibility
3. Flexible working hours - mobile working - support with childcare or caring for family members - company ID card in conjunction with free entry to municipal museums - annual bonus - company pension scheme

Location: Frankfurt

Scope of employment: Full-time / part-time options are possible

Type of contract: initially limited to 24 months, with the option to extend if funds are available

Remuneration: E11 - 13 TV-H / collective agreement of the state

Senckenberg is committed to diversity. We benefit from the different skills, perspectives and personalities of our employees and welcome applications from qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, ethnic or cultural origin, religion and belief, sexual orientation and identity or disability. Women are particularly encouraged to apply, as they are underrepresented in this position; if they have the same qualifications and suitability, they will be given preference. Applicants with a severe disability will be given special consideration if equally qualified. Senckenberg actively supports the compatibility of work and family life and attaches great importance to an equal and inclusive work culture.

Would you like to apply?

Then please send us your complete and informative application documents (cover letter, detailed CV, training and work references) in electronic form (as a coherent PDF file), quoting reference #01-25028, by 18.05.2025 to recruiting@senckenberg.de or apply directly on our homepage using the online application form.

Senckenberg Society for Nature Research
Senckenberganlage 25
60325 Frankfurt a.M.
E-mail: recruiting@senckenberg.de

If you have any technical questions about the position, please contact Mr. Claus Weiland at claus.weiland@senckenberg.de.

Further information about the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung can be found at www.senckenberg.de.