Friedrich Schiller University is a traditional university with a strong research profile rooted in the heart of Germany. As a university covering all disciplines, it offers a wide range of subjects. Its research is focused on the areas Light—Life—Liberty. It is closely networked with non-research institutions, research companies and renowned cultural institutions. With around 18,000 students and more than 8,600 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

The core mission of the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena is to elucidate fundamental principles of the interactions and functions in microbial communities in diverse habitats, ranging from oceans and groundwater to plant and human hosts. We aim to identify the shared characteristics of disturbed or polluted ecosystems as well as infectious diseases on the microbiome level, and develop strategies for their remediation by targeted interventions. The affiliated early career program of the Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) offers an ambitious, structured and interdisciplinary post-graduate training based on top-level fundamental research. The Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse invites applications for a

Postdoctoral Researcher Position
in Integrative Research Data Management

commencing on August 1, 2023 or at the earliest possible date thereafter. The full-time position is initially limited until December 31, 2025.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate for the research data management (RDM) team in our interdisciplinary Cluster of Excellence. Your tasks include the realisation of the RDM infrastructure, communication with experimental and computational scientists regarding all issues related to RDM, as well as strengthening the links to other consortia. The position will be jointly supervised by Prof. Dr. Birgitta König-Ries (http://fusion.cs.uni-jena.de) and Prof. Dr. Christoph Steinbeck (https://cheminf.uni-jena.de) and will be associated with the Michael-Stifel-Center Jena for data-driven and simulation science (http://www.mscj.uni-jena.de/).

Your responsibilities:

• Contribute to the further establishment of research data management in the cluster, including concept and realisation of the necessary infrastructure based on OMERO and BEXIS2, supervision of a programmer, capacity building and strengthening the links to the relevant NFDI consortia
• Contribute to the development of the project direction, as the project evolves in particular with respect to cutting edge research data management
• Develop and conduct research data management related trainings for other researchers, including PhD candidates, Masters’ and undergraduate project students
• Produce high-quality written reports and draft papers. Present your results at local meetings and national and international conferences
• Contribute to maintaining the friendly, welcoming and collaborative environment

Your profile:

• A PhD (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Bioinformatics or closely related fields. Candidates in the final stages of obtaining their degree are eligible to apply
• Desirable methodological skills: Expertise in data management, data integration, semantic web, workflow management, provenance and/or data analysis
• A strong background in software engineering
• Experience in research data management in particular in the life-sciences is advantageous but not required
• A track record in successful interdisciplinary cooperation or a demonstrated willingness and ability to work in such a setting
• The ability to work creatively and independently towards developing the RDM within the Cluster of Excellence
• Highly motivated individuals with an integrative and cooperative personality with enthusiasm for actively participating in the dynamic Microverse community
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken

We offer:

• A highly communicative atmosphere within an energetic scientific network
• A comprehensive mentoring program and soft skill courses for early career researchers
• Jena – City of Science: a young and lively town with a vibrant local cultural agenda
• A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families: University Family Office ‘JUniFamilie’ and flexible childcare (‘JUniKinder’)
• University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities
• Attractive fringe benefits, e.g. capital formation benefits (VL), Job Ticket (benefits for public transport), and an occupational pension (VBL)
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) up to salary scale E 13 (depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications) including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement
• 30 days of recreational leave in the calendar year plus two days off for Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.

The full-time position (40 hours per week) will be funded through the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments. It is initially limited until December 31, 2025. A part-time contract can be discussed. To promote gender equality in science, applications by women are especially welcome. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Applications in English should comprise a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae and copies of academic certificates. Please submit your application via the JSMC Online Application Portal,
under the vacancy ID 131/2023 by June 6, 2023: