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

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.

We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and search for new cancer prevention strategies. We develop new methods with which tumors can be diagnosed more precisely and cancer patients can be treated more successfully. Every contribution counts – whether in research, administration or infrastructure. This is what makes our daily work so meaningful and exciting.

The Single-cell Open Lab at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is looking, starting from December 2026, for a

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

Reference number: 2026-0193

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

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.

Your Tasks

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

Your Profile

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.

We Offer

• 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. occupational pension plan and capital-forming payments
• 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

Contact:
Dr. Jan-Philipp Mallm
Phone: +49 (0)6221/54-51378

The position is initially limited to 3 years.

Application Deadline: 30.09.2026

Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.
Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.

Are you interested?

Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural...