Research Software Engineer for Data Integration and Database Development

Vacancy ID: 189/2026

Closing date:

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light – Life – Libert y, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.

Research Software Engineer for Data Integration and Database Development

Commencing on 01 October 2026. We offer a full-time position (40 hours per week), offered as a fixed-term position until 30 June 2030.

The junior research group of Dr. Noriko Cassman offers the position of a research software engineer for data integration and database development within the recently funded Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1768 “VirusREvolution: Decoding tools for virus research”, a highly ambitious research centre at Friedrich Schiller University with the joint goal to develop novel tools for virus discovery, characterisation, regulation, interaction, and visualisation virusrevolution.uni-jena.de.

In this project, you will work with a data steward and a bioinformatician to integrate the data and tools generated in the CRC, and with the NFDI4Microbiota-funded VirJenDB team virjendb.org to develop visualisations and views nfdi4microbiota.de.

Your responsibilities:

• Integration of multimodal datasets and development of visualizations within the web portal
• Development of functionalities to connect tools and datasets, to link omics and photonics data for cross-domain exploration, and for visualisation features
• Proactively seek feedback from the project researchers to iteratively develop the CRC data visualizations
• Engage in regular communication with the database team and CRC data group, and provide extensive training and support to CRC project members
• Supervise and support BSc and MSc students working in associated projects
• Contribute to research papers and present your work at CRC training events and academic meetings

Your profile:

• A highly motivated candidate with a Master of Science or equivalent degree in computer science, bioinformatics, systems biology, machine learning, data science, databases, or a related discipline, or with equivalent work experience
• Excellent programming skills (python, C++/Java, MySQL, NoSQL, R, bash)
• Experience with fullstack database development, machine learning techniques and/or data science methods
• Demonstrated commitment to best coding practices applying FAIR and Open Science principles
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team
• Experience with virology, -omics, imaging, spectral and photonics data is desirable
• Excellent communication skills in English are required, both written and spoken; German skills are a plus

We offer:

• Embedding in a cross-disciplinary, international, young research group and a large, ambitious research consortium with the joint goal to develop novel tools for virus discovery, characterisation, regulation, interaction, and visualisation
• Individual qualification and development measures
• A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families
• University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale E13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on 24 December and 31 December

In principle, the job is also suitable for part-time employment. The extent to which a part-time request can be granted, in particular with regard to the location and scope of the part‑time work, will be assessed on the basis of the needs of the service.

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work with us? Then apply by 31 July 2026 using our online form.

For further information for applicants and the information on the collection of personal data, please refer to Data privacy and information for applicants.