“Research for a life without cancer" is our mission at the German Cancer Research Center. We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and look for new cancer prevention strategies. We develop new methods with which tumors can be diagnosed more precisely and cancer patients can be treated more successfully. Every contribution counts – whether in research, administration or infrastructure. This is what makes our daily work so meaningful and exciting.

The Omics IT & Data Management Core Facility of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) provides automated workflow analyses and data management of research and patient data, including data from clinical studies.

To strengthen our team we are looking for the next possible date for a Software Developer.

Reference number: 2025-0194

We are looking for an experienced software developer to work at the interface of the two in-house developed open-source applications WESkit (https://gitlab.com/one-touch-pipeline/weskit) and OTP (https://gitlab.com/one-touch-pipeline/otp). WESkit is a Workflow Execution Service (https://github.com/ga4gh/workflow-execution-service-schemas) and submits bioinformatic workflows implemented with Snakemake or Nextflow into our high-throughput cluster. The One Touch Pipeline (OTP) is a metadata management and workflow orchestration system specialized on biological high-throughput data. The stakeholders of these systems are data managers, biologists and bioinformaticians, project managers, and system adminstrators.

Long-term, you will continue to work with the OTP team on operating WESkit and adapting it to changing requirements. Additionally, you can share your software development expertise in other research software projects. Depending on your expertise and interests, and our needs, this may encompass working on any of the diverse in-house (including open-source) projects, such as data-provisioning analysis services and workflows.

Your profile (Required):

• Good knowledge of English (equivalent to CERF B2 or better); knowledge of German is not required but advantageous
• A university degree (including of applied sciences) in computer science, or a related field
• The ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders to solve their problems
• Willingness to maintain and improve legacy software
• The ability to quickly understand new technologies and effectively put them into application
• Experience writing production-quality software (e.g., testing, continuous integration)

Technical Skills (Required): 

• Python (including typed Python using Mypy), Celery, Flask
• Container technologies, in particular Docker and Apptainer
• Basic experiences with high-throughput cluster systems, such as IBM LSF or SLURM
• Experience with LINUX

Bonus Skills: 

• Software design and architecture
• Experience in the bioinformatic domain, such as with bioinformatic workflow manangement systems like Snakemake and Nextflow
• Experience in a regulated context (e.g., IEC 62304, ISO 15189)

• Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and oppor­tunities for inter­national networking at the highest level
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Flexible working hours
• Remuneration according to TV-L incl. occupational pension plan and capital-forming payments
• Possibility of mobile work and part-time work
• Family-friendly working environ­ment
• Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
• Unleash your full potential: targeted offers for your personal development to further develop your talents
• Our Corporate Health Manage­ment Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being

Dr. Ivo Buchhalter
Phone: +49 6221 42-3566

The position is initially limited to 2 years with the possibility of prolongation.

Application Deadline: 12.08.2025

Are you interested?
Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.

Notice: We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.

Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum | Im Neuenheimer Feld 280 | 69120 Heidelberg | www.dkfz.de