About the opportunity
The Faculty of Computer Science at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) is recruiting a Data Steward to coordinate and advance research data management (RDM) within Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1844, “Episodic Memory.” CRC 1844 is an interdisciplinary research consortium spanning psychology, computational neuroscience, philosophy, and neuroscience across six universities, encompassing 18 subprojects led by 22 principal investigators. The Data Steward will serve as the central point of contact for RDM, advising subprojects, developing and harmonizing data strategies and workflows, and embedding FAIR principles. The position is based at the new THINK research building in Bochum, includes flexible working options, and carries no teaching obligations as it is funded through third-party resources.
Salary and benefits
- Salary based on pay grade E13 of the collective agreement for the German federal states (TV-L), subject to personal and collective bargaining qualifications
- Part-time appointment at 19.915 hours per week (50% FTE) funded through December 31, 2030 (end of project)
- No teaching obligation due to third-party project funding
- Flexible working arrangements, including mobile working and teleworking options
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities at the new THINK research building in Bochum, including on-site childcare facilities, parent-child offices, and networking spaces
- Family-supportive working environment, including emergency childcare arrangements and school/daycare closure support
- Extensive professional development, mentoring, and coaching programs, including initiatives for women in research
- Free German language courses offered through the University Language Center (ZFA)
Who can apply?
- Master's degree or equivalent in computational neuroscience, psychology, physics, computer science, or a related field
- Professional experience in research data management (RDM) or other relevant experience, preferably within neuroscience or psychology
- Strong analytical and conceptual skills with an understanding of complex research processes and workflows
- Strong interest in and commitment to RDM, Open Science, and FAIR data principles
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
- Excellent command of English and a good working knowledge of German (or proficiency in at least one campus language and willingness to learn the other)
- Familiarity with relevant metadata standards, data management plan (DMP) tools, RDM guidelines, and data infrastructures is an advantage
Required documents
- Cover letter (referencing job identification number ANR 6183)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (submitted together as a single PDF file)
When to apply
- Application deadline: November 9, 2026
- Anticipated start date: January 1, 2027 (subject to final funding approval)
How to apply
- Prepare your cover letter, CV, and transcripts merged into a single PDF document
- Access the Ruhr University Bochum online recruitment portal via the official posting
- Complete the application form and upload your single PDF application file by November 9, 2026, ensuring reference number ANR 6183 is included
Additional information
- The position is fixed-term through December 31, 2030 (the scheduled conclusion of the project), pending funding approval.
- Travel expenses, accommodation, and related interview costs cannot be reimbursed.
- Candidates may request the participation of the Staff Council (wpr@rub.de) in their selection interview.
- For inquiries regarding the position, applicants may contact Dr. Nicolas Diekmann at nicolas.diekmann@rub.de.
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…
- You hold a master's degree in computational neuroscience, psychology, or computer science and want to build a career in professional research data stewardship.
- You have practical familiarity with FAIR data standards, neuroimaging, EEG, or behavioral research data and enjoy consulting with multidisciplinary research teams.
- You are seeking a stable, multi-year part-time academic support position (50% FTE) that allows time for other academic, professional, or personal commitments.
What should you think carefully about?
- The appointment is part-time (19.915 hours per week) and tied to fixed-term third-party funding concluding at the end of 2030, which may not suit those seeking full-time or permanent tenure.
- While telework options exist, the role is on-site in Bochum, Germany, and interview expenses or relocation costs are not reimbursed by the university.
- Although English is widely used, German proficiency is expected alongside willingness to use university language resources to develop working proficiency.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is an excellent stepping stone for data professionals looking to specialize in research infrastructure and Open Science within the life and cognitive sciences. Because it involves establishing data workflows across 18 subprojects and six partner universities, it offers high-visibility experience in cross-institutional governance, metadata standardization, and German Center for Mental Health (DZPG) coordination without the demands of university teaching.
Our take
Qualified candidates with backgrounds in neuroscience, psychology, or computer science who want to shape Open Science practices in a collaborative consortium should strongly consider applying. It is less suitable for individuals looking for a full-time position or those unable to work in Bochum.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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