Programmer for Scientific Data Management (f/m/d) (Part-time)

The Senckenberg – Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research (SGN), headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, is seeking to fill the following position in the Senckenberg Data and Modelling Center (SDMC), Geobiodiversity Information and Data Management team at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, starting as soon as possible:

Programmer for Scientific Data Management (f/m/d)

(Part-time)

Location: Frankfurt

Employment scope: Part-time: 40% – 60%

Type of contract: Temporary, limited to 36 months

Remuneration: Collective agreement of the state Hesse (TV-H) / E11-E13

Founded in 1817, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (SGN) is one of the world’s leading research institutions in the field of biodiversity. At our twelve sites in Germany, scientists from over 40 nations conduct cutting-edge research on an international scale. Our headquarter is located in the thriving commercial metropolis of Frankfurt (Mainhatten) in the heart of Germany, which also hosts one of our most famous facilities, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum.

The Geobiodiverstiy Information and Data Management team contributes to the development of national and international research data infrastructures, making Senckenberg’s natural history collections and geobiodiversity research data sustainably accessible for interdisciplinary usage. Our team is dedicated to managing, storing, archiving, and publishing diverse types of geobiodiversity data and metadata.

GFBio (Gesellschaft für Biologische Daten e.V.) constitutes a platform for managing, sharing, and preserving biological research data and expertise throughout Germany. Currently, 10 Data Centers serve as infrastructure partners within the GFBio network, supporting the curation, archiving, and publication of biodiversity data. Senckenberg hosts a GFBio Data Center, and data submitted through GFBio are transferred to the infrastructure improved and established by the appointed candidate. The aim is to enhance our infrastructure for the curation and archiving of various biological data, starting with information on physical collection objects, continuously extended by further data types. This development project is funded by NFDI4Biodiversity, part of NFDI, the German National Research Data Infrastructure Program.

The project position is part of our Senckenberg Data and Modelling Center (SDMC) with experts in the areas of biodiversity research data management and service development at the Senckenberg Institutes, so that comprehensive training in the relevant subject areas is guaranteed.

Your tasks

• Enhancing SGN Data Center infrastructure for the curation and archiving of various biological data, starting with information on physical collection objects, continuously extended by further data types
• Lead the conception and implementation of database extensions and APIs for data transfer, with a high level of responsibility.
• Ensuring data security, including rights management
• Independently design a workflow for versioning of datasets, usage of suitable archiving formats and backup strategies, following the OAIS Reference Model
• Support the Core Trust Seal Certification process
• Responsibility for the development of individual solutions for specific data submitted through GFBio as well as sustainable general workflows
• Proficient communication with colleagues (Central IT, SDMC) for integration with internal workflows and systems
• Communication with GFBio Data Center group (exchange and status reports)

Your profile

• Completed university/technical college degree in computer science, bioinformatics, geoinformatics, or comparable qualification
• Experience with building, maintaining, and connecting databases, data exchange formats and structures (PostgreSQL, XML, JSON)
• Knowledge of APIs and corresponding specifications (OpenAPI)
• Knowledge of data archiving formats and standards, and backup procedures, preferably strong experience in this field
• Very good communication skills and the ability to conceive and implement software solutions independently, but in close discussion with cooperation partners
• Good communication skills in both written and spoken German and English
• Team-oriented, structured, and flexible working style, ideally with the willingness to travel for training, meetings and presentations

Desirable skills

• Experience with biological data, taxonomic knowledge (ABCD, DarwinCore)
• Experience in Research Data Management
• Knowledge of FAIR principles and their implementation

We offer

• Access to an international network of scientists, policymakers, and research organizations
• A dynamic working environment in Frankfurt, a diverse and vibrant city offering a high quality of life
• Flexible working hours – mobile working options – Support with childcare or caring for family members (certified by the „audit berufundfamilie“) – employee ID card with free admission to municipal museums – annual special payment – collectively agreed vacation entitlement – company pension plan (ZVK)

Senckenberg is committed to diversity. We benefit from the different expertise, perspectives and personalities of our staff and welcome every application from qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, ethnic or cultural origin, religion and ideology, sexual orientation and identity or disability. Women are particularly encouraged to apply, as they are underrepresented in the field of this position; in the case of equal qualifications and suitability they will be given preference. Applicants with a severe disability will be given special consideration in case of equal suitability. Senckenberg actively supports the compatibility of work and family and places great emphasis on an equal and inclusive work culture.

How to apply?

Please send your application (cover letter, CV, training and employment references) electronically (as a single PDF) to recruiting@senckenberg.de stating the reference #01-25068-1 by 6 March 2026 or apply online, using the application form on our website https://www.senckenberg.de/en/career/apply-online/

Senckenberg Society for Natural Research
, Senckenberganlage 25,
60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany,
Email: recruiting@senckenberg.de

If you have any specific questions about the position, please contact PD Dr. Hanieh Saeedi at hanieh.saeedi@senckenberg.de

For data protection information on the processing of personal data as part of the application and selection process, please refer to the privacy policy on our homepage at https://www.senckenberg.de/en/imprint/

Please visit our website at www.senckenberg.de for further information about the Senckenberg Society for Natural Research.