Data Steward in Research Data Management (f/m/d)

Universität Hohenheim

On a uniquely beautiful campus, the University of Hohenheim unites three faculties – Agricultural Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Business and Social Sciences – with around 9,000 enrolled students. Our green campus with short distances fosters collaboration and creates a vibrant and inspiring environment for approximately 2,000 employees to research, teach, and work.

Within the Cluster of Excellence 3099 “GreenRobust” (http://www.greenrobust.de), the robustness mechanisms of various plant species are studied at all levels of biological organization in response to biotic and climatic disturbances. Research teams from the Universities of Tübingen, Hohenheim, and Heidelberg collaborate within the cluster. The project generates large volumes of biological data, whose storage and analysis are supported by a modern research data management system.

The University has an opening for a

Data Steward in Research Data Management (f/m/d)
Part-time (50 %), fixed-term until June 30, 2032 – up to pay grade E13 TV-L – job sharing possible
Start date: January 1, 2026

YOUR TASKS
As Data Steward, you will be the central contact person for all matters concerning research data management within the Cluster of Excellence GreenRobust. In close collaboration with researchers, IT specialists, and cluster leadership, you will support the entire data lifecycle – from planning, collection, and analysis to sustainable archiving and publication.

Your responsibilities include:

• Developing and maintaining information systems and meta-search tools that integrate hetero­geneous data sources from different research groups, providing unified and intuitive access for researchers.
• Advising project teams on the creation and implementation of data management plans, choo­sing appropriate file formats, and supporting the publication of data according to the FAIR principles.
• Developing quality guidelines and contributing to the definition and implementation of metadata standards and interoperability concepts in line with good scientific practice.
• Designing and maintaining information platforms for research data management, creating trai­ning materials, and conducting workshops to strengthen researchers’ data literacy.
• Participating in professional consortia such as the NFDI, expanding collaboration with other research data centers, and contributing to the development of data communities.
• Supporting the coordination of IT and data resources, moderating exchange between researchers and developers, contributing to third-party funding proposals, and monitoring time and budget plans.

YOUR PROFILE
We are looking for a candidate who combines strong technical expertise with excellent communica­tion and coordination skills. Applicants should meet the following qualifications and competencies:

• University degree in computer science (e. g., Informatics, Data Science, Bioinformatics) or a related discipline, or in the natural sciences with several years of professional experience handling large scientific datasets and data structures.
• Professional experience in research data management, ideally in academic or research institutions, including the preparation and implementation of data management plans and knowledge of the FAIR principles.
• Solid IT skills, particularly in Linux systems, and experience in designing and administering databases, repositories, meta-search systems, and web-based information systems.
• Strong knowledge of web services, server administration, and large storage systems.
• Familiarity with metadata standards and interoperability concepts, as well as experience with quality assurance and good scientific practice.
• Experience in organizing and conducting training sessions and producing educational materials to promote data competence among researchers.
• Project and process management skills, including coordination of IT resources, moderation of interdisciplinary teams, and understanding of budgeting and scheduling.
• Strong teamwork and communication abilities, with a willingness to actively build networks and collaborations (e.g., participation in NFDI consortia).
• Excellent written and spoken German and English for working in an international environment and presenting project results

This position requires a high level of service orientation, analytical thinking, and the ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new technical and disciplinary topics.

WE OFFER

• Ranked among the Top 10 most attractive employers in the region
• A vibrant and innovative work environment on a green, compact campus
• Secure employment and excellent work-life balance
• Flexible working hours and mobile work options
• Extensive training and professional development opportunities, with modern HR and organizational development
• JobTicket & JobBike programs, cafeteria, health promotion & university sports

The University of Hohenheim is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. We value your skills and strengths regardless of age, gender, origin, or religion. Applications from women are explicitly encouraged. Persons with disabilities or equivalent status are also especially invited to apply and will be given preference in cases of equal qualification.

We look forward to receiving your application including the usual documents (CV, certificates, motivation letter, etc.), via our online portal (Link) until 7 November 2025. For questions, please contact the Co-Speaker of the Cluster of Excellence GreenRobust: Prof. Dr. Karl Schmid, e-mail: karl.schmid@uni-hohenheim.de, Tel.: +49 (0)711 459 23487.