Data Steward

JobID: 1076 – 2026/WG 3
Location: Teltow
Application deadline: 29th Oktober, 2026

For the Institute of Functional Materials for Sustainability, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, we are looking as soon as possible for a data steward. The position can also be filled on a part-time basis and is initially limited to one year, with a clear prospect of extension based on strong performance.

Equal opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. We would therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the position.

Your tasks

A data steward sits between science, administration, IT and compliance. In the ELN environment, this means in concrete terms:

• ensure data quality, consistency, timeliness and completeness
• define and maintain data standards, metadata, and ontologies
• support users (e.g. scientists) with structured data entry
• supporting governance issues (access rights, audit trails, GxP, etc.)
• improve ELN workflows (analyze and optimize paper-based or legacy lab workflows into digital formats)
• support of the institute in the introduction of the ELN
• train and empower users
• support in the implementation of data governance and compliance requirements
• identify, analyze, and remediate data quality issues
• collaboration in migration and digitization projects

Your profile

Professional:

• a degree in computer science with understanding of scientific work in natural sciences, or a degree in the natural sciences (e.g. materials science, chemistry, physics, life sciences) with knowledge of computer science.
• experience in data management, ideally in a laboratory environment
• knowledge of data structures, metadata and FAIR principles
• experience with the introduction and handling of ELN, LIMS or similar systems is a plus
• participation in the preparation and review of data management plans (DMPs) in accordance with the specifications of funding agencies (e.g. DFG, EU)
• ensuring the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable)
• participation in working groups of the Institute and possibly of the Center

Technical:

• basic understanding of databases and interfaces (APls are an advantage)
• experience in data modelling or structured information preparation
• affinity for digital tools and systems
• familiarity with data preservation and long-term archiving standards

Soft Skills:

• clear communication (interface between business and IT)
• strong scientific understanding (for our interdisciplinary work)
• structured, process-oriented way of working
• ability to take users on board and accompany change independent and proactive
• ability to communicate complex technical issues in an understandable way
• independent and proactive
• high ability to work in a team
• willingness for continuous professional development

We offer you

• an exciting and varied job in a research centre with around 1,000 employees from more than 60 nations
• an International Welcome Office with guest accommodation
• 6 weeks holiday per year; company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day
• social benefits under the collective agreement for the German public sector and remuneration up to pay grade 13 (EntgO Bund)
• very good work-life balance; options for mobile and flexible working
• a well-connected research campus (public transport) and best networking opportunities, subsidy for the Deutschlandticket if certain conditions are met (job ticket)
• individual opportunities for training and development
• an excellent technical infrastructure and modern workplace equipment
• very good compatibility of private and professional life; offers of mobile and flexible work
• a family-friendly working environment with childcare options, e.g. a parent-child room
• workplace health promotion programmes, e.g. an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• corporate benefits

Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon conducts cutting-edge international research for a changing world: Around 1,000 employees contribute to the tackling of climate change, the sustainable use of the world's coastal systems and the resource-compatible enhancement of the quality of life. From fundamental research to practical applications, the interdisciplinary research spectrum covers a unique range.

Institute of Functional Materials for Sustainability

Studies are focused on the development of functional materials for renewable energies and biological applications in order to enable a sustainable future. Current topics range from solar fuel production, to waste upcycling for additive manufacturing, and sustainable plastic-like materials for biological applications. We span materials synthesis, advanced operando characterization, and lab scale testing. We use robotic, high-throughput methods, and data science to accelerate novel sustainable materials discovery.

Interested?

Then we are looking forward to receiving your comprehensive application documents (cover letter, CV, transcripts, certificates, etc.) until 29th Oktober, 2026.

Apply now

Severely disabled persons and those equaling severely disabled persons who are equally suitable for the position will be considered preferentially within the framework of legal requirements.