Open positions

As part of the Research Training Group GRK 3040, “COIN – Copolymer Informatics: How Digital Technologies Shape Copolymer Chemistry – from Design to Application,” a position is available at the Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry at the earliest possible date as

Data Steward / Research Data Manager (m/f/d)
Full-time (40 hours per week), initially limited until September 30, 2030.

Within COIN, both computational and robot-based methods are developed and optimized for application in polymer research, particularly for copolymers. Their use aims to enable a targeted combination of synthesis, processing, and properties of copolymers. To achieve this goal, expertise from the fields of synthesis, analytics, polymer chemistry, theoretical chemistry, engineering, computer science, and robotics is brought together.

The COIN qualification program focuses on the targeted training of doctoral candidates at the interface of the disciplines of chemistry, engineering, and computer science. Special emphasis is placed on a high level of interdisciplinarity in an international context.

In this context, you will contribute to the success of the Research Training Group by supporting the administration and further development of the program. You will be primarily responsible for research data management, ensuring data quality, training doctoral researchers in handling research data, and overseeing electronic lab notebook systems as well as the central storage of research data.

Your Responsibilities:

• You will operationally manage and further develop the research data management and data quality assurance system of the Research Training Group, in coordination with project stakeholders, with the goal of ensuring availability and reusability of research data (FAIR data)
• You will program interfaces for transferring data into electronic lab notebooks (e.g., via REST APIs and Python plugins) and support the (further) development of templates and pipelines for data transfer
• You will review the structured storage of research data and train/advice staff on handling (research) data, documenting research work, and publishing data in repositories
• You will create informational materials on research data management and present the developed concepts internally and externally as needed
• You will act as the central communication interface and facilitate collaboration between disciplines regarding data-driven research

Your Profile:

• Successfully completed academic university degree, ideally in one of the disciplines involved in COIN (chemistry, computer science, engineering) or a related field with a focus on data science
• Very good knowledge of research data management, including metadata and FAIR principles, is required
• Knowledge of backend development, strong proficiency in at least one programming language commonly used in data science (e.g., Python), and experience in workflow automation are essential
• Very good communication skills in both German and English (written and spoken) are required
• You work independently, in a structured, forward-thinking, and reliable manner
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work in a team are among your strengths
• You enjoy developing new structures and processes and continuously improving existing ones

Our Offer:

• Independent work with creative freedom at one of the largest employers in Thuringia
• A family-friendly working environment with a wide range of family support services: University Family Office (JUniFamilie) and flexible childcare (JUniKinder)
• A comprehensive training and professional development program – we support your individual development and qualification needs
• Flexible working hours (by arrangement/flexitime and possibly remote work)
• Salary in accordance with the German public sector collective agreement (TV-L), depending on personal qualifications, up to pay grade 13, including an annual special payment
• 30 days of annual leave plus two additional days off on December 24 and 31

The position is limited until September 30, 2030.
It is a full-time position (40 hours per week).

The position is generally suitable for part-time employment. Whether part-time work can be accommodated, particularly regarding working hours and scope, will be assessed based on operational needs.

Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in case of equal suitability, qualifications, and professional performance.

Have we sparked your interest? Then please apply via our online formExternal link by May 31, 2026.