Company Description DRFZ Berlin is a research-focused organization dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in the biomedical and health sciences. Located in Berlin, DRFZ collaborates with national and international partners to drive data-informed decision-making and support cutting-edge scientific projects. Our Bioinformatics and High-Performance Computing platform maintains a modern research infrastructure, including digital systems and decentralized data platforms that enable large-scale, secure data analysis. Team members work in an interdisciplinary environment that values collaboration, cordiality, scientific rigor, internationally-friendly and inclusiveness, and continuous learning.
Role Description The Software / Data Engineer for the Medical Data Platform is a full-time (100%), on-site position based in Berlin. This role offers an initial 2-year contract on the TVöD E13 salary scale, with the possibility of extension (to 5 years) or transitioning into a PhD track if desired.
This role is heavily focused on IT infrastructure, distributed systems, and software engineering. You will help build and maintain a robust, secure data platform that utilizes our high-performance computing capabilities as its central hub (details shared upon application). Working as part of a major international medical consortium, you will collaborate directly with industry leaders. If you are abroad do not be discouraged - we provide support to internationals looking to move into Germany!
Note on qualifications: Given the highly interdisciplinary nature of this role, we do not expect any single candidate to be an expert in every area listed. We evaluate applications holistically based on your unique blend of skills. If you possess a strong technical foundation in several of these areas and have a demonstrated readiness to learn the rest, we highly encourage you to apply.
Qualifications
Cultural and Interpersonal Requirements (non-negotiable):
- A strong growth mindset with high receptivity to constructive feedback and a proactive, open-minded approach to continuous learning and skill refinement.
- Exceptional collaborative skills and a demonstrated commitment to respectful, inclusive teamwork. You must be able to thrive in and contribute positively to a diverse, international, and female-led working environment.
Formal requirements:
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Experience in backend development (e.g., Node.js, Flask, FastAPI) and secure API design is a plus.
- Strong background in distributed systems, infrastructure engineering, and containerization (e.g., Docker, Apptainer) within high-performance computing or cloud environments is desired but not required (if the applicant's remaining skill set is a fit, since we can provide this as part of the training).
- Experience integrating machine learning models (e.g., TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, LLMs) into production workflows (it is a plus, not required).
- Understanding of data security, privacy-preserving architectures, and encrypted communication across networks.
- A hands-on, problem-solving mindset geared toward infrastructure and tool-building and teamwork rather than independent academic research.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary team of medical researchers, data scientists, and corporate industry partners.