Research Software Engineer / Software Developer for Imaging and Spatial Omics Data

Kennziffer: 2026-0193

• Heidelberg
• Vollzeit
• Single-cell Open Lab / Omics IT and Data Management Core Facility

Das Deutsche Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ) ist eines der größten Krebsforschungszentren Europas. „Forschen für ein Leben ohne Krebs“ ist unsere Mission und hierfür arbeiten unsere Weltklassewissenschaftler:innen gemeinsam mit allen Mitarbeitenden.

Wir erforschen, wie Krebs entsteht, erfassen Krebsrisikofaktoren und suchen nach neuen Strategien, die verhindern, dass Menschen an Krebs erkranken. Wir entwickeln neue Methoden, mit denen Tumore präziser diagnostiziert und Krebspatient:innen erfolgreicher behandelt werden können. Jeder Beitrag zählt – ob in der Forschung, in der Administration oder der Infrastruktur. Das macht unsere tägliche Arbeit so bedeutungsvoll und spannend.

The Single-cell Open Lab at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is looking, starting from 01.12.2026, for a 

The core facilities, Single-Cell Open Lab and the Omics IT and Data Management Core Facility (ODCF) at the DKFZ, provide infrastructure and workflows for single-cell and spatial omics projects. To strengthen our teams from September 2026, we are seeking a Research Software Engineer / Software Developer for imaging and spatial omics data within the ID3:bio 2.0 project (https://gerbi-gmb.de/i3dbio/).
ID3:bio 2.0 is a DFG-funded project that aims to deliver tools and strategies for the FAIR management of imaging and spatial omics data. Together with the universities of Düsseldorf and Tübingen, we develop and implement standards for metadata, file formats, data-exchange strategies, and long-term archiving.

Ihre Aufgaben: 

You will work in an interdisciplinary team of software developers, bioinformaticians, system administrators, and wet lab scientists, with software development at the center of your role:

• Develop and extend our GUIDE metadata platform (a Kotlin-based application) to annotate generic (meta)data and to import non-sequencing data types into the ODCF infrastructure
• Design and build the integration of the OMERO imaging platform with genomic data (OTP) within the ODCF infrastructure
• Design and implement user and permission management across the imaging and genomics systems
• Implement metadata schemas and packaging formats such as RO-Crate for spatial data
• Build tools to collect, organize, and validate research (meta)data
• Co-organize and take part in hackathons
• Organize workshops and train users to work in line with the FAIR principles

Ihr Profil:

If you enjoy building software in an interdisciplinary team and want to enable exciting research by easing data flow for more robust and excellent analysis, this position is for you.

• Master's degree (or equivalent qualification and relevant professional experience) in computer science, software engineering, or a related field
• Substantial software development experience, including professional proficiency in Kotlin (our GUIDE platform is Kotlin-based) or Java
• Proficiency in at least one further language such as Python or JavaScript
• Experience with system administration, container and cloud technologies, and Linux
• Genuine interest in the biological and life-science background of the data — curiosity is essential, but no prior training in biology is required
• Ability to solve complex problems in a structured, well-documented way together with internal and external partners
• Willingness to explain complex technical workflows to non-specialists
• Very good command of English

Advantageous

• Experience in research data management (omics and/or imaging data)
• Experience with OMERO and imaging data
• Experience with ontologies, RO-Crate, and the SpatialData framework
• Experience in open-source software engineering and HPC
• Experience in organizing hackathons and community engagement

How to apply

Please provide a motivation letter, CV, and highest education certificate. The motivation letter should clearly state your contribution to the project in reference to the expected skills. Please also state your own key interests and expectations for your role in the project.

Unser Angebot:

Sie sind interessiert?

Dann werden auch Sie Teil des DKFZ und tragen gemeinsam mit uns zu einem Leben ohne Krebs bei!

Ihre Ansprechperson:
Dr. Jan-Philipp Mallm
Telefon: +49 (0)6221/54-51378

Teilen Sie diesen Job!