About the opportunity
The Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon invites applications for a Data Steward position at the Institute of Functional Materials for Sustainability located in Teltow. This role bridges science, administration, IT, and compliance, particularly within the Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) environment. The position can be filled on a part-time or full-time basis and is initially limited to one year, with strong prospects for extension based on performance. Hereon is a prominent research centre employing around 1,000 staff from over 60 nations, providing an interdisciplinary, family-friendly work environment with robust support for professional development, work-life balance, and flexible working arrangements.
Salary and benefits
- Remuneration up to pay grade 13 (EntgO Bund) under the collective agreement for the German public sector
- 6 weeks of holiday per year, plus company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day
- Social benefits under the public sector collective agreement
- Very good work-life balance with options for mobile and flexible working
- Access to an International Welcome Office with guest accommodation
- Individual opportunities for training and professional development
- Subsidy for the Deutschlandticket (job ticket) if conditions are met
- Workplace health promotion programmes, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Family-friendly working environment featuring childcare options and a parent-child room
- Corporate benefits and a well-connected research campus with modern workplace equipment
Who can apply?
- A degree in computer science with an understanding of scientific work in natural sciences, OR a degree in natural sciences (such as materials science, chemistry, physics, or life sciences) combined with knowledge of computer science
- Experience in data management, ideally within a laboratory environment
- Knowledge of data structures, metadata, and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles
- Strong scientific understanding suitable for interdisciplinary work and clear communication skills across business and IT interfaces
- Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply
- Severely disabled persons and those with equivalent status will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified
Required documents
- Application submitted via the online applicant portal
When to apply
- Announcement start date: 15.10.2026
- Announcement end date: 29.10.2026
How to apply
- Access the official applicant portal via the provided vacancy link
- Submit your application online by the deadline of 29.10.2026
Additional information
- Job ID: 2026/WG 3 – 1076
- Institute or department: Institute of Functional Materials for Sustainability
- Location: Teltow, Germany
- The position can be filled on either a full-time or part-time basis
- Initial contract duration is one year with a clear prospect of extension
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- An ideal match for professionals holding a degree in computer science with a strong affinity for natural sciences, or natural scientists with demonstrated data management competencies.
- Well-suited for candidates seeking an interdisciplinary role bridging laboratory science, IT systems, and compliance.
- A strong fit for applicants valuing public sector benefits, flexible or mobile working arrangements, and a multicultural research environment.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is initially limited to a one-year term, which requires reliance on performance-based extension prospects.
- Candidates must be comfortable navigating and supporting digital transition processes within laboratory environments.
- Relocation to or commuting distance near Teltow, Germany, is required, though flexible and mobile working options are supported.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role offers an exceptional opportunity to build specialized expertise in research data management, ELN workflows, and compliance frameworks within a leading German research centre. It serves as a strong stepping stone for data professionals looking to anchor their careers at the intersection of scientific research and information technology.
Our take
Data professionals and natural scientists with data management experience who are looking for a collaborative, public-sector-backed research environment should seriously consider this position. It is less suitable for candidates seeking permanent employment without a fixed-term initial phase.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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