The Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific research organization with 47,500 employees in 18 national research centers. Through innovative cutting-edge research, Helmholtz makes significant contributions to solving major challenges facing science, society, and industry.

Our greatest strength lies in our excellent scientists: they conduct research at 18 Helmholtz Centers across Germany, make use of world-class research infrastructures, and benefit from modern research management.

Our activities are organized into six research areas: Energy, Earth and Environment, Health, Information, Aeronautics, Space, and Transport, and Matter.

Role Description

As a Postdoctoral Researcher in a Data Science-related field, you will engage in high-impact research by applying advanced data-driven methods to complex datasets across our scientific domains. You will lead and contribute to research projects that develop novel algorithms or models, collaborate across disciplines, and produce publications of international calibre. These full-time positions are affiliated with one of the 18 research centres of the Helmholtz‑Gemeinschaft in Germany. Some hybrid or remote work may be possible according to project and center policy.

Qualifications

Technical Qualifications

• PhD degree in Data Science, Computer Science or a relevant Helmholtz research field.

Data Analysis

• Demonstrated experience in analysing large, complex datasets, interactive data visualisation, and applying/optimising machine learning or AI methods. Proven ability to translate data insights into research outcomes of relevance to academic and/or societal challenges.

Programming

• Solid programming skills in Python, R, or comparable tools.

Project Management

• Ability to design and drive a research project independently. A strong publication record (first-author and co-author contributions), experience presenting results at international conferences.

Communication

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, and the ability to present complex topics clearly and effectively.

Desirable

Experience in interdisciplinary or international research teams, ideally within a large research infrastructure. A strong motivation to contribute to the Helmholtz mission of addressing grand societal challenges (e.g., in health, energy, environment, digitalisation) with data science.

Have we sparked your interest? Then join the Helmholtz Career Day for Data Science (online, free of charge) on November 26, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CET.

Discover various IT and data science jobs (PhD, postdoc positions, and professorships) at Germany's largest research organization. Get in touch with our scientists and recruiters directly during live networking sessions. This is your chance to get to meet us 1:1 and work with us on the major challenges of our time.