Head of Section eScience Center (f_m_x) Full-time

Head Of Section Escience Center (F_M_X)

Digitalisation is transforming the way science is conducted across all disciplines today. The entire scientific knowledge process is mirrored in the virtual world. Academic work is shifting towards digital methods.

Section 5.2 at the Department of Geoinformation of the Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) supports Earth system sciences in this transformation and acts as a driver of digitalisation and innovation. To this end, the section develops digital solutions in collaboration with other research centres within the framework of the Helmholtz AI Basecamp (DataHub) “Earth & Environment” for professional research data management according to FAIR principles, for supporting scientific data acquisition, processing and analysis in virtual research environments, up to tools for visualisation and data science.

The work in Section 5.2 is characterised by agile working methods, co-design approaches together with users from the scientific disciplines, laboratories, and observatories, and a consistent orientation towards DevOps principles.

Your Responsibilities:

• Leadership, personnel responsibility and associated resource management of the section
• Strategic planning, management and development of digital tools (including AI) for the digital transformation in the sciences
• Active shaping of the centre's positions on relevant topics, particularly research software engineering, software policies and open science in dialogue with relevant stakeholders in the regional, national and international environment
• Active development of the section's service portfolio with a view to the outstanding international positioning of the centre in the geosciences
• Acquisition, coordination and management of third-party funded projects

About You:

Essential Qualifications:

• Successfully completed a scientific university degree in computer science or a related field
• Several years of experience and in-depth knowledge in coordinating and managing agile projects, particularly in software development
• Experience in motivating and leading employees
• In-depth technical understanding of modern software development methods, the development of digital services and technological trends
• Communication skills based on respect and a dialogue-oriented leadership style, as well as the ability and willingness to collaborate constructively and solution-oriented with other executives in the department and throughout the GFZ
• German (Level B2) and fluent English skills

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in acquiring third-party projects (screening of funding programs, proposal writing, project coordination)
• Relevant doctorate
• Several years of experience working in an academic environment
• Experience and networking within the German and international RSE community
• Familiarity with current developments in the context of Open Science

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
• 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
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Start date: As soon as possible

Fixed-term: Permanent position

Salary: The position is classified according to TVöD Bund (tariff area East) with salary group 15. The classification is based on the collective agreement provisions and the corresponding personal requirements.

Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.

Place of work: Potsdam

Have we piqued your interest? If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 2nd July 2026. Please use our online application form only.

Required documents: letter of motivation, CV and certificates/grades