Research Software Engineer in Data Integration and Visualization (m/f/d)

The junior research group of Dr. Noriko Cassman at the Institute of Computer Sciences seeks a research software engineer (m/f/d) for data integration and database development within the upcoming Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) VirusREvolution. The junior group is embedded in the research group of Prof. Dr. Manja Marz (RNA Bioinformatics & High-Throughput Analysis), which studies RNA bioinformatics, virus detection and evolution, and RNA structure prediction and annotation (rna.uni-jena.de). The position is situated at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, a dynamic and innovation-driven university with a broad range of disciplines, and in the young and lively town Jena – the City of Science.

In this project, you will work with a data steward and bioinformatician to integrate the data and tools generated in the CRC, and develop visualisations and views in the VirJenDB virus sequence database.

Your responsibilities:

• Integration of multimodal datasets and development of visualizations within the web portal
• Development of functionalities to connect tools and datasets, to link omics and photonics data for cross-domain exploration, and for visualisation features
• Proactively seek feedback from the project researchers to iteratively develop the CRC data visualizations
• Engage in regular communication with the database team and CRC data group, and provide extensive training and support to CRC project members
• Supervise and support BSc and MSc students working in associated projects
• Contribute to research papers and present your work at CRC training events and academic meetings

Your profile:

• A highly motivated candidate with a Master of Science or equivalent degree in computer science, bioinformatics, systems biology, machine learning, data science, databases, or a related discipline, or with equivalent work experience
• Excellent programming skills (python, C++/Java, MySQL, NoSQL, R, bash)
• Experience with database development and data science methods
• Demonstrated commitment to best coding practices applying FAIR and Open Science principles
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team
• Experience with virology, -omics, imaging, spectral and photonics data is desirable
• Excellent communication skills in English are required, both written and spoken; German skills are a plus

We offer:

• Embedding in a cross-disciplinary, international, young research group and a large, ambitious research consortium with the joint goal to develop novel tools for virus discovery, characterisation, regulation, interaction, and visualisation
• Individual qualification and development measures
• A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families
• University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale E13 – depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications –, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement

The position is expected to commence in September or October 2026, subject to funding approval by the German Research Foundation (DFG), expected in May 2026. It is a full-time, fixed-term position until 30 June 2030.

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work for us? Then submit your detailed written application, by email as one PDF file, stating “Research Software Engineer” in the subject line, to:

Dr. Noriko Cassman
RNA Bioinformatics & High-Throughput Analysis
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Inselplatz 5
07743 Jena, Germany

E-Mail: rna@uni-jena.de