Scientific Data Infrastructure Interoperability Coordinator (m/w/d)

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is one of Europe's largest cancer research centers. “Research for a life without cancer" is the mission of our world-class scientists and all our team members.

The DKFZ is a place where the brightest minds pursue bold ideas and seek answers to pioneering scientific questions through collaboration, innovation, and exploration across many disciplines. We provide a dynamic environment which empowers excellence with state-of-the-art technologies, cutting edge infrastructure, and a global scientific network.

Contribute your knowledge, vision, and dedication to create a space where scientific discovery in cancer research is transformed into benefits for human health.

The German Cancer Research Center coordinates the German Human Genome-Phenome Archive (GHGA), a national research data infrastructure for human omics data connected to major initiatives such as the National Model Project Genome Sequencing / genomDE, NAKO, and the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT). Internationally, GHGA represents Germany within the European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA) and the European Genomics Data Infrastructure (GDI).

To support GHGA's next development stages and strengthen its connectivity with genomDE, NAKO, GDI, and other national and international partners, we are seeking for the next possible date an experienced computer scientist, IT specialist, systems architect, or related technical expert for a position as Scientific Data Infrastructure Interoperability Coordinator.

Reference number: 2025-0325

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• German Human Genome-Phenome Archive (GHGA)

As Scientific Data Infrastructure Interoperability Coordinator, you will join an interdisciplinary team working at the interface of software engineering, data infrastructure, IT security, and international standards. You will drive conceptual and technical alignment between GHGA and partner infrastructures, and lead the development of new technical concepts with a strong focus on secure, scalable, and interoperable solutions.

• Coordinate interactions between technical working groups across GHGA and partner projects (genomDE, NAKO, GDI, etc.)
• Support the development and operation of secure processing environments (SPEs / TREs) for sensitive research data
• Coordinate and contribute to the development of tools for data exploration, access, and analysis
• Facilitate stakeholder interactions and ensure technical alignment across teams and institutions
• Contribute to the design of modern biomedical data infrastructure concepts, including APIs, metadata standards, and interoperability frameworks
• Support the development and evaluation of IT security architectures for large-scale data systems
• Collaborate with national and international developers, including communities such as GA4GH, EGA, and GDI

• PhD in computer science, IT security, data engineering, bioinformatics, medical informatics, or a related technical field; or MSc plus substantial relevant experience
• Experience operating or developing scientific, cloud-based, or distributed data infrastructures
• Strong technical background in IT, systems engineering, bioinformatics, or software/infrastructure development
• Familiarity with distributed systems, APIs, workflow systems, containers, or cloud-native technologies (e.g., Kubernetes, Terraform) is an asset
• Experience with genomics or health research data is not mandatory, but an interest in biomedical applications is expected
• Excellent communication and project management skills, including stakeholder coordination
• Ability to work independently, set clear priorities, and collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams

Your possibilities

• A senior position with autonomy, responsibility, and strong career development potential
• Work at the interface of leading national and international data infrastructure initiatives
• A dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international team environment
• Opportunities to contribute to genomDE, NAKO, GDI, GA4GH, EGA, and other large-scale efforts

• 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. company pension scheme and capital-forming benefits
• 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 promote your talents
• Our Corporate Health Manage­ment Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being