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The Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB, www.igb-berlin.de) strives to enhance the spatial and temporal resolution of physical, chemical and biological measurements to characterize lake ecosystems and assess their responses to global climate and other environmental changes. As part of this endeavour, we invite candidates to apply for a position as Data Expert for the management of high-frequency measurements and other data collected as part of IGB’s long-term monitoring program, large-scale enclosure experiments in the IGB LakeLab (https://www.igb-berlin.de/en/infrastructure/lakelab), and other field investigations. The Data Expert will support the modernization of data pipelines from existing approaches, such as high-frequency in-situ sensors and instrumental lab measurements, as well as new high-throughput AI-based approaches, while ensuring interoperability of data processing pipelines in coordination with scientists of the department. Tasks will also include supporting IGB’s Competence and Technology Platform on Research Data Management. The position will be located in Stechlin, 80 km north of the city of Berlin. 

Your role

  • Management of comprehensive data sets, with a focus on autonomous high-frequency field measurements in lakes and experimental data from IGB’s LakeLab facility
  • Establishment of modern data acquisition and processing pipelines towards near-real time automated data quality control (QC), preferably including AI-based approaches
  • Application of and support for developing data visualisation tools
  • Assistance with data sharing procedures, including the establishment of data pipelines to national and international databases
  • Support of individual scientists in the department and IGB as a whole on best practices for data handling, new real-time data acquisition approaches and QA/QC solutions
  • Support of IGB’s Competence and Technology Platforms (CTPs) Research Data Management, LakeLab and Long-Term Monitoring

Your profile

  • University degree in data science, computer science, information science, computational ecology, statistics, or equivalent
  • Competence in Python, R or other relevant programming languages (knowledge of LabView or electronic lab notebooks would be an asset)
  • Experience with digital research data and processes and related tools such as repositories, metadata schemes, Git, data archiving, SQL applications, and databases
  • Experience in data curation, mining, and management, following FAIR data principles and Open Science practices
  • Very good English communication skills; German skills desirable
  • Excellent social skills, service orientation and ability to work in a diverse international team
  • Prior knowledge in aquatic science is advantageous
  • Skills in mechatronics and scientific instrument handling is an additional asset

Our offer

We offer a dynamic international work environment on the shores of Lake Stechlin in northern Brandenburg. You will become part of a motivated team that welcomes active participation and new initiatives. We promote the professional development of IGB staff through qualifications and training opportunities, while actively supporting the compatibility of family and career.

This is a full-time position, which in principle is also suitable for part-time work. You will be paid according to the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD Bund). The salary class will be based on qualifications and assigned duties. You will benefit from flexible working hours, a 39-hour work week, 30 days of vacation, a pension scheme, and a subsidy for public transportation. The contract is initially for two years with funding being available for the envisaged permanent employment.

Given our commitment to diversity, we welcome all applications regardless of gender and gender identity, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and physical disabilities, age or sexual orientation. Since IGB is committed to increasing the number of women in the field, applications from women are particularly welcome. Various measures are in place to support gender equality at IGB. We support the reconciliation of work and family life. Applicants with a disability will be given preference if they are equally qualified.

Are you interested?

Then please apply by 15.07.2025 by submitting your application documents (up to 2-page cover letter, CV, certificates/references, brief overview of your past achievements) and stating the reference number 09/2025 exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs. Please direct any questions to Sabine Wollrab (Scientific Coordinator Research Data Management sabine.wollrab@igb-berlin.de) and Stella Berger (Scientific Coordinator LakeLab, stella.berger@igb-berlin.de).

"Research for the future of our freshwaters" is the mission of IGB – Germany’s largest and one of the leading international centres for freshwater research. To investigate different aspects of freshwater ecosystems, their biota and societal relevance, we unite a wide range of disciplines and understand research as a joint effort. With more than 400 employees and guests from all over the world, we conduct research at five locations in Berlin and at Lake Stechlin (Brandenburg). IGB is a member of the German Leibniz Association and the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V. (www.igb-berlin.de)