1 Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) – Data Steward/ Data Engineer

Within the framework of the Research Unit FOR 5889 (05/2026-04/2030) funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), entitled “The Dynamic Regulation of Stage Transitions in Chronic Liver Disease by Cell Death and Alarm Signals,” we are looking for a postdoctoral researcher as a Data Steward/ Data Engineer starting in May 2026. The position is offered at 50% part-time employment, with the salary level according to the German public service pay scale for the federal states (TV-L E13). The position is limited to a duration of four years. Employment will be in accordance with the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG, § 2 para. 2).

The position serves as a central service interface between the researchers of FOR 5889 and the existing IT infrastructure at the sites in Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Stuttgart, and Tübingen. The position holder understands the relationships between research methods, workflows, data structures, and the generation of scientific knowledge, with the aim of making these processes transparent and optimizing as well as standardizing data flows and work processes within the research network.

We are searching for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d) with a university degree (Diplom, Master’s, or equivalent) in Biology, Biochemistry, Human Biology, Molecular Medicine, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related (life) science discipline, who has completed an excellent doctoral degree (Dr. rer. nat., Dr.-Ing., PhD, or equivalent).

Requirements: Solid knowledge of concepts and methods of research data management (RDM) is expected, as well as a strong interest in the independent development of IT infrastructures, RDM strategies, and data management plans to support research processes. You are familiar with the FAIR principles and have an advanced understanding of how IT systems operate. You possess strong communication skills in both German and English, and demonstrate a high level of teamwork ability.

We appreciate experience in programming (e.g., for automated data processing); practical experience working with electronic laboratory notebooks; an interest in interdisciplinary collaboration; as well as an independent, responsible, and committed working style.

• A fixed-term employment contract for 4 years (part-time position 50%)
• All benefits customary in the German public sector
• Secure and performance-based remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L)
• A dynamic, interdisciplinary environment at the interface of clinical and basic cancer research
• Collaboration within a dynamic network of universities in North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg, with a scientific focus on innovative molecular imaging and the opportunity to learn cutting-edge technologies (e.g., 2-photon microscopy)
• A modern research building with extensive equipment and infrastructure• Access to the university’s central core facilities (e.g., proteomics, imaging)
• A scientifically excellent environment with opportunities to participate in advanced training programs, graduate courses, and conferences

According to the provisions of the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L), the position is evaluated according to the salary group E13.

The employment contract will be concluded with Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf.

Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal qualification.

Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf is committed to increasing the proportion of women in academia. Therefore, applications from women will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal aptitude, qualifications, and professional achievement, unless reasons related to the person of a competing applicant prevail. The university upholds the principle of excellence through diversity. It has signed the “Charta der Vielfalt” (Diversity Charter) and has successfully participated in the Stifterverband’s “Vielfalt gestalten” (Shaping Diversity) audit. It is certified as a family-friendly university and actively promotes the compatibility of career/scientific work and family life.