Data Steward

About the role

Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon is an international research organization working on solutions for a changing world. Its approximately 1,000 employees focus on climate change, the sustainable use of coastal systems, and improving quality of life in ways that are compatible with available resources. The institute combines basic research with practical applications across a broad interdisciplinary spectrum.

This position sits within the Institute of Functional Materials for Sustainability, where the team develops functional materials for renewable energy and biological uses to support a more sustainable future. The current research portfolio includes solar fuel generation, waste upcycling for additive manufacturing, and plastic-like sustainable materials for biological applications. The work environment combines materials synthesis, advanced operando characterization, lab-scale testing, robotic and high-throughput methods, and data science to speed up the discovery of new sustainable materials.

The role is for a Data Steward based in Teltow, with a reference number of 2026/WG 3. The application deadline is 15 July 2026. The position starts as soon as possible, is initially limited to one year, and may be extended if performance is strong. The role can also be filled on a part-time basis.

The organization strongly encourages qualified women to apply as part of its equal opportunity commitment. Candidates who are severely disabled, or treated as such under applicable law, will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.

Responsibilities

• Act as the bridge between research, administration, IT, and compliance in an electronic lab notebook environment.
• Monitor and improve data quality, consistency, completeness, and timeliness.
• Develop and maintain data standards, metadata structures, and ontologies.
• Help scientists and other users capture data in a structured way.
• Support governance topics such as access control, audit trails, and GxP-related requirements.
• Review current paper-based or legacy lab processes and reshape them into digital ELN workflows.
• Assist the institute with the rollout and adoption of the ELN.
• Deliver user training and help build confidence in new tools and processes.
• Contribute to the implementation of data governance and compliance requirements.
• Detect, analyze, and correct data quality problems.
• Participate in migration and digitization projects.

Profile

• A degree in computer science with an understanding of scientific work in the natural sciences, or a natural sciences degree such as materials science, chemistry, physics, or life sciences with computer science knowledge.
• Practical experience in data management, preferably in a laboratory setting.
• Understanding of data structures, metadata, and FAIR principles.
• Exposure to ELN, UMS, or similar system implementation and use is an advantage.
• Experience supporting or preparing data management plans in line with funder requirements such as DFG or EU guidelines.
• Ability to help ensure that data remains Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable.
• Willingness to contribute to working groups within the institute and possibly at center level.
• Basic knowledge of databases and interfaces, with API experience considered an advantage.
• Experience with data modeling or preparing structured information.
• Comfort using digital tools and systems.
• Awareness of data preservation and long-term archiving standards.
• Clear communication skills for working between business and IT.
• Strong scientific understanding suited to interdisciplinary work.
• A structured, process-driven approach to work.
• Ability to engage users and support change processes.
• Capability to explain complex technical topics clearly.
• Independent, proactive working style and strong team orientation.
• Willingness to keep learning professionally.

What we offer

• An engaging and varied role in a research center with about 1,000 employees from more than 60 nationalities.
• A well-connected campus with public transport access and strong networking opportunities.
• Potential subsidy for the Deutschlandticket, subject to conditions, as a job ticket benefit.
• Individual learning and development opportunities.
• Public-sector social benefits and pay up to grade 13 under TV EntgO Bund.
• Modern workplace equipment and strong technical infrastructure.
• Six weeks of annual leave plus company closure between Christmas and New Year.
• Good work-life balance with mobile and flexible work options.
• A family-friendly policy with childcare support, including a parent-child room.
• Free employee assistance program (EAP).
• Corporate benefits.

Application information

Please submit a complete application package, including a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and certificates, and mention reference number 2026/WG 3. Applications are accepted until 15 July 2026.

Additional information

The role is initially limited to one year and includes a clear possibility of extension based on strong performance. It may be offered on a part-time basis.

Equal opportunity is part of the employer's staffing policy. Qualified women are especially encouraged to apply. Severely disabled applicants, and those treated as equivalent under legal provisions, will be considered preferentially when equally suitable.