Materials scientist (m/w/d)

Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon conducts cutting-edge international research for a changing world: Around 1,000 employees contribute to the tackling of climate change, the sustainable use of the world's coastal systems and the resource-compatible enhancement of the quality of life. From fundamental research to practical applications, the interdisciplinary research spectrum covers a unique range.

Institute of Functional Materials for Sustainability

Studies are focused on the development of functional materials for renewable energies and biological applications in order to enable a sustainable future. Current topics range from solar fuel production, to waste upcycling for additive manufacturing, and sustainable plastic-like materials for biological applications. We span materials synthesis, advanced operando characterization, and lab scale testing. We use robotic, high-throughput methods, and data science to accelerate novel sustainable materials discovery.

Data Steward (m/f/d)

• JobID: 1076 - 2026/WG 3
• Location: Teltow
• Application deadline: 29th Oktober, 2026

For the Institute of Functional Materials for Sustainability, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, we are looking as soon as possible for a Data Steward . The position can also be filled on a part-time basis and is initially limited to one year, with a clear prospect of extension based on strong performance.

• Equal opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. We would therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the position.
• A data steward sits between science, administration, IT and compliance. In the ELN environment, this means in concrete terms:

• ensure data quality, consistency, timeliness and completeness
• define and maintain data standards, metadata, and ontologies
• support users (e.g. scientists) with structured data entry
• supporting governance issues (access rights, audit trails, GxP, etc.)
• improve ELN workflows (analyze and optimize paper-based or legacy lab workflows into digital formats)
• support of the institute in the introduction of the ELN
• train and empower users
• support in the implementation of data governance and compliance requirements
• identify, analyze, and remediate data quality issues
• collaboration in migration and digitization projects
• Professional:

• a degree in computer science with understanding of scientific work in natural sciences, or a degree in the natural sciences (e.g. materials science, chemistry, physics, life sciences) with knowledge of computer science.
• experience in data management, ideally in a laboratory environment
• knowledge of data structures, metadata and FAIR principles
• experience with the introduction and handling of ELN, LIMS or similar systems is a plus
• participation in the preparation and review of data management plans (DMPs) in accordance with the specifications of funding agencies (e.g. DFG, EU)
• ensuring the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable)
• participation in working groups of the Institute and possibly of the Center

Technical:

• basic understanding of databases and interfaces (APls are an advantage)
• experience in data modelling or structured information preparation
• affinity for digital tools and systems
• familiarity with data preservation and long-term archiving standards

Soft Skills:

• clear communication (interface between business and IT)
• strong scientific understanding (for our interdisciplinary work)
• structured, process-oriented way of working
• ability to take users on board and accompany change independent and proactive
• ability to communicate complex technical issues in an understandable way
• independent and proactive
• high ability to work in a team
• willingness for continuous professional development

• an exciting and varied job in a research centre with around 1,000 employees from more than 60 nations
• an International Welcome Office with guest accommodation
• 6 weeks holiday per year; company holidays betw...