Head of the "Computation and Data Service Platform" (m/f/d)

The mission of the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) e. V. as a nationally and internationally active research centre is to research the economically, ecologically and socially sustainable agriculture of the future - together with actors from science, politics and practice.  ZALF is a member of the Leibniz Association and, in addition to the main location in Müncheberg (approx. 35 minutes by regional train from Berlin-Lichtenberg), has additional locations in Dedelow and Paulinenaue.

The Computation and Data Service Platform supports scientific operations in the areas of digital infrastructures, modeling and research data management. The platform's working groups operate and develop the domain-specific BonaRes repository, a recognized GDI for the FAIR publication of research data. The platform also operates the ZALF's High Performance Computing Cluster. A core activity of the platform is the coordination of an RDM support network recognized beyond ZALF within the National Research Data Infrastructur Program (NFDI) and the FAIRagro. project.

We are looking for the full-time position, initially limited to two years with the possibility of a longer-term perspective, starting on 01.02.2025 at Müncheberg, of a​

Head of the "Computation and Data Service Platform" (m/f/d)
91-2024

Your tasks:

• Management including personnel responsibility of the Computation and Data Service Platform of the ZALF; representation of the platform and participation in the various ZALF boards
• Further development and implementation of the research data strategy at ZALF as well as drafting of research data strategy papers and statements to national and international institutions
• Management and coordination of larger data and simulation infrastructure projects and acquisition of further projects
• Representation and promotion of the strategic interests of ZALF in national and international initiatives and networks (e.g. NFDI, EU Partnership Agricultural of Data, etc.)
• Promotion and networking of the platform with its services in the field of research data management and model and simulation infrastructure within ZALF and with the national and international community
• Development and implementation of performance recording for the platform's working groups

Your qualifications:

• University degree, preferably doctorate in a field related to ZALF
• Relevant experience in research data management or software development management
• Leadership skills and experience in staff management
• Proven experience in coordinating collaborative research or infrastructure projects
• Basic understanding of the national and international science system, especially of programs in the areas of research data management and model development/simulation
• Proven experience in writing project proposals, statements and strategy documents
• Ability to quickly familiarize yourself with complex issues and to respond effectively and solution-oriented in complex situations
• High degree of proactivity, an willingness to cooperate, as well as excellent communication and teamwork skills in an interdisciplinary and international environment
• Very good communication and writing skills in German and English

What we offer:

• An interdisciplinary and international working environment that promotes proactive, responsibil and independent work
• Attractive and crisis-proof remuneration according to the collective agreement of the federal states (TV-L) up to E15 (including annual special payment, mobile working, family-friendly personnel management, further training)
• Supplementary pension for public service (VB-L)
• A collegial and open-minded working atmosphere in a dynamic research institution
• Company ticket for public transport
• Support the work - life balance​ certified through the audit “berufundfamilie” (workandfamiliy)
• Support for professional and interdisciplinary continuing education and training as well as  qualification
• Climate-friendly organizational practices (purchasing, vehicle fleet, energy management)
• Meaningful work close to nature before the gates of Berlin

Women are expressly encouraged to apply. Applications from disabled people will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Part-time employment is generally possible. Please submit your applications with the usual documents, in particular your CV, proof of qualifications and certificates, exclusively online, see the "Online application" button below. For email applications, create a PDF document, max. 5 MB; compressed PDF documents, archive files such as zip , rar, etc. Word documents cannot be processed and therefore taken into account!), quoting the reference number 91-2024, by November 11, 2024 to: see button below “E-mail application”.

In case of questions on the position, please contact Prof. F. Ewert or Prof. C. Nendel, dir-office@zalf.de or Tel. 033432/82-200.

If you apply, we will collect and process your personal data in accordance with Articles 5 and 6 of the EU GDPR only to process your application and for purposes arising from possible future employment at ZALF. Your data will be deleted after six month.

E-mail application 

Online application