Community Manager (f_m_x) – Research Software

GFZ is Germany's national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting‑edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth's system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this in line with our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

Community Manager (f_m_x) – Research Software

Reference Number 11225

Today, most scientific projects cannot be done without the support of research software. Be it software packages developed in‑house or third‑party applications, which are used for the acquisition of scientific knowledge: The quality, traceability, and reproducibility of research depend to a large extent on those software packages. The Helmholtz Federated IT Services (HIFIS) support research software development within Helmholtz with a wide range of services, including fostering communities, software consulting, infrastructure, as well as education & training. Within HIFIS, the GFZ is leading the HIFIS Software Community work package, where our goal is to foster and connect the research software engineer (RSE) communities within Helmholtz and beyond.

Do you believe that quality, findable software is important for reproducible research? Do you enjoy working with people and believe in the importance of connected teams and communities for people to be able to reach their full potential? Then, join our team to help us build a community alongside the people who produce research software tools in Helmholtz.

Your Responsibilities

• Build and foster the research software engineer communities at Helmholtz and GFZ, and help shape our communities into an effective network
• Organise and facilitate community events (such as workshops, conferences, coding clubs) to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing
• Play a key role in the strategic development of community platforms aimed at both Helmholtz internal and external audiences, such as the Helmholtz Research Software Directory (helmholtz.software)
• Create and curate content on helmholtz.software, such as newsletters, blog posts and tutorials
• Coordinate and collaborate with other Helmholtz institutions, such as HiRSE and the Open Science Office
• Build partnerships and support collaboration with other scientific software communities and research infrastructures, within HIFIS as well as nationally (e.g. deRSE, FutuRSI) and internationally (e.g. SSI UK, Netherlands eScience Center)
• Provide guidance and support on building communities of practice around Helmholtz-developed research software tools
• Participate in national and international conferences, workshops and projects to further develop the RSE community and showcase HIFIS software activities to the outside world

About You

Essential qualifications:

• A master's degree or equivalent in computer science, data science, natural sciences, media and communication studies, or a related discipline
• Proven experience in community management, scientific communication, or a similar role, preferably in a research or open‑source context
• Enjoy thinking creatively and taking initiative
• Familiarity with research software development techniques, open‑source principles or digital research infrastructures
• Experience in organising and leading events, workshops, or training sessions
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to engage in dialogues across organisational hierarchies
• Very good English and German skills (B2+), both spoken and written

What We Offer

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• State‑of‑the‑art equipment
• Public service benefits
• Extensive training opportunities
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work‑life balance offered by
• Institute day‑care centre on site
• Working at the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Start date: As soon as possible

Fixed‑term: 2 years (with possibility of extension)

Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.

Working hours: Full‑time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part‑time work.

Place of work: Potsdam

GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. We also promote an inclusive working environment in which everyone can fully develop their own talents. Anyone who has been recognised as severely disabled will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. If you have any further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer.

“Diversity in perspectives” is one of GFZ's core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. We, among others, do this through our gender equality plan and the cascade model measures, which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply.

Data protection information for applicants.