Software Lead (f_m_x) for FERN.Lab (Data Scientist)

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 according to our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

For Section 1.4 Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics (https://www.gfz.de/en/section/remote-sensing-and-geoinformatics/overview) (department 'Geodesy' (https://www.gfz.de/en/geodesy) ), we are looking for a motivated:

Software Lead (f_m_x) for FERN.Lab

Reference Number 10297

Join Us at FERN.Lab (https://fernlab.gfz-potsdam.de/) , Where Science Meets Purpose and Technology Creates Impact.

At FERN.Lab, we develop cutting-edge software tools that support important projects in geodesy, remote sensing, and environmental research. Together with partners from public authorities, NGOs, and industry, we create practical solutions that make a difference.

Are you passionate about Earth observation, geospatial data, and turning science into real-world solutions? Are you ready for the next challenge in a leading position and work with a diverse and interdisciplinary team? Then this role is for you!

You will guide and collaborate with a diverse software development team to transform scientific methods in remote sensing and geodesy into usable IT solutions. Apply now to join us.

Your responsibilities:

- Coordinate and plan the development of remote sensing and geospatial software solutions, focusing on system reliability and performance
- Facilitate teamwork and manage the software development process in an agile, collaborative environment (e.g., Scrum)
- Contribute to developing methods for processing, visualizing, and analyzing geospatial data from various sources
- Ensure adherence to standards such as the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable)
- Organize the design of IT architectures and support cloud-based infrastructures
- Participate in system analysis, integration, testing, and deployment with attention to usability and accessibility
- Facilitate knowledge exchange through workshops and training sessions on software development, data management, and GIS
- Support in preparing project proposals for external funding opportunities
- Work closely with interdisciplinary teams and foster partnerships with national and international research institutions

Your qualifications:

- A university degree (MSc or equivalent, PhD is an advantage) in Geoinformatics, Computer Science, Geodata Science, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Remote Sensing, or a related field
- Experience working in interdisciplinary research or development projects
- Experience in team coordination or technical guidance in software projects
- Solid programming skills in Python (approx. 5 years) and familiarity with frameworks such as FastAPI
- Experience or interest in Software as a Service (SaaS) and FAIR data principles
- Practical knowledge of software development tools (e.g., Git, CI/CD pipelines, Docker, Kubernetes)
- Familiarity with systems administration, databases (PostgreSQL, MongoDB), and cloud platforms (Google Cloud, AWS, Azure)
- Experience working with large earth observation datasets (e.g., UAV, satellite data) and/or high-performance computing frameworks
- Familiarity with agile software development (Scrum, Kanban) and a collaborative working style
- Awareness of IT security standards and a pragmatic approach to system optimization
- Strong organizational and communication skills, with a preference for teamwork and knowledge sharing
- Excellent spoken and written English; German is an advantage but not required

Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 31st December 2027 with possibility for tenure track
Salary: Die Stelle ist nach TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost) mit der Entgeltgruppe 13 bewertet. Die Eingruppierung erfolgt nach den tariflichen Bestimmungen und den entsprechenden persönlichen Voraussetzungen.
Working hours: Vollzeit (derzeit 39 h/Woche); Die Stelle ist grundsätzlich teilzeitgeeignet.
Place of work: Potsdam

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
- Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
- Flexible working hours and conditions
- Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
- Institute day-care centre on site
- Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
- Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your applicationby 23rd April 2025.

Required documents: CV and letter of motivation

Please use our online application form only.

The 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. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer (https://www.gfz.de/en/career/the-gfz-as-an-employer/employee-representation) .

“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 (https://www.gfz.de/en/career/the-gfz-as-an-employer/equal-opportunities) 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.

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Alison Beamish ([email protected]) via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

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 according to our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

For Section 1.4 Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics (https://www.gfz.de/en/section/remote-sensing-and-geoinformatics/overview) (department 'Geodesy' (https://www.gfz.de/en/geodesy) ), we are looking for a motivated:

Software Lead (f_m_x) for FERN.Lab

Reference Number 10200

FERN.Lab (https://fernlab.gfz-potsdam.de/) is a technology platform at GFZ for application-oriented, transdisciplinary method development in geodesy and earth observation. Our mission is to strengthen technology and knowledge transfer within our research center and, building on cutting-edge research, to develop innovative software solutions and services for our customers and partners (e.g., public authorities, NGOs, industry).

Within this position you guide the software development team and ensure the successful implementation of scientific remote sensing and geodetic methods into operational IT solutions. If you are passionate about earth observation, enjoy leading an interdisciplinary team, working at the interface of science and practice, and are eager to contribute to an agile and innovative environment, apply now to join us!

Your responsibilities:

- Oversee the operation and further development of remote sensing and geospatial software solutions, ensuring system stability and performance
- Plan, coordinate, and manage the software development process within an agile environment (e.g., Scrum)
- Develop and integrate methods for geospatial and multi-scale remote sensing data processing, visualisation, and analysis from diverse sources
- Ensure the implementation of standards such as the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable)
- Lead the design and implementation of scalable IT architectures and cloud-based infrastructures
- Conduct system analysis, integration, testing, and deployment, ensuring compliance with performance and security standards
- Organise and deliver training sessions and workshops on software development, data management, and GIS best practice
- Support the preparation of project proposals for third party funding
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams and maintain partnerships with national and international research institutions

Your qualifications:

- An advanced university degree (MSc or equivalent and a PhD) in Geoinformatics, Computer Science, Geodata Science, or a related field
- Experience in multidisciplinary scientific research, innovation and/or development projects
- Experience in team leadership or technical management of software development projects
- Excellent programming skills in Python (min. 5 years experience) and experience with frameworks such as FastAPI
- Proven experience in setting up Software as a Service (SaaS) and FAIR data principles
- Proficiency in software development tools (e.g., Git, CI/CD pipelines, Docker, Kubernetes)
- Knowledge of systems administration, including Linux servers, database optimisation (PostgreSQL, MongoDB), and cloud platforms (Google Cloud, AWS, Azure)
- Familiarity with handling and visualising large earth observation datasets (e.g., UAV, satellite data), BigData and high performance computing framework (Flask, Flink, shared file system)
- Experience with agile software development methodologies (Scrum, Kanban)
- Understanding of IT security standards and performance optimisation techniques
- Excellent organisational skills, self-motivation, and ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent written and spoken English (a must) and German (an advantage)

Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: 31.12.2027 with possibility for tenure track
Salary: Die Stelle ist nach TVöD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost) mit der Entgeltgruppe 13 bewertet. Die Eingruppierung erfolgt nach den tariflichen Bestimmungen und den entsprechenden persönlichen Voraussetzungen.
Working hours: Vollzeit (derzeit 39 h/Woche); Die Stelle ist grundsätzlich teilzeitgeeignet.
Place of work: Potsdam

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
- Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
- Flexible working hours and conditions
- Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
- Institute day-care centre on site
- Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
- Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application including your CV and a letter of motivation by 3rd March 2025. Please use our online application form only.

Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. The 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. 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 questions, please contact our Representative Body for Employees with Disabilities at sbv[at]gfz.de (mailto:[email protected]) , who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at gba[at]gfz.de (mailto:[email protected]) .

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.

In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Alison Beamish (mailto:[email protected]) via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.