Head of Section Data and Information Management (f_m_x)

Area of research:

Executive posts

Job description:

GFZ is Germany’s national centre for solid Earth research. We advance the understanding of dynamic processes to address global challenges, from mitigating the impacts of natural hazards and sustaining our habitat amid global change to responsibly managing georesources. We are part of the Helmholtz Association, the largest German scientific organisation. With around 1,200 employees as well as ca. 500 guest researchers, we contribute to the Helmholtz Research Field Earth and Environment, aligning cutting-edge research with societal relevance and international collaboration. Our work integrates multidisciplinary studies across Earth’s system components, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructure to research solutions and to transfer our knowledge to society. We are doing this according to our vision: “Taking the pulse of our Earth to safeguard a habitable planet”.

For section 5.1 Data and Information Management (Department „Geoinformation“), we are looking for a:

Reference Number: 10092

The Section Data and Information Management is the central provider of services for research data management and information services. In this context, the section also operates the Library of the Science Campus Albert Einstein in Potsdam.

Professional research data management, which is committed to the FAIR principles and the principles of open science, is part of the basic understanding of GFZ. The task of the Section Data and Information Management is to foster the strategic development of an integrated and holistic research data management within the framework provided by national and international networks.

As part of the Department Geoinformation, the section also supports digitalization in all areas of geosciences. This includes the operation of domain-specific repositories for text-based publications, research data and research software, as well as the participation in international initiatives for metadata services, PID services and the development of (meta)-data standards. Hereby, development and prototyping of new services is based on principles of co-design in cooperation with the relevant domain-specific units at GFZ within agile teams.

In the field of information management, the section provides services for information supply and bibliometry. It further acts as central point of contact for all aspects of scientific publishing.

Your responsibilities:

• Leadership, personnel responsibility and associated resource management of the section
• Strategic planning, management and development of the area of research data and information management
• Active shaping of the centre’s positions on relevant topics in data and information management in dialogue with relevant stakeholders in the regional, national and international environment
• Active development of the section’s service portfolio with a view to the outstanding international positioning of the centre in the geosciences
• Acquisition, coordination and management of third-party funded projects

Your qualifications:

• Successfully completed scientific university degree in a relevant field, preferably with a doctorate
• Long-term experience and in-depth knowledge in research data management
• Proven leadership and management experience including motivating employee leadership
• In-depth understanding of digital infrastructures and digitalization processes in science
• Familiarity with current developments in the context of Open Science
• Appreciative communication skills in written and spoken language
• German (Level B2) and fluent English skills

What we offer:

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Public service benefits
• Extensive training opportunities
• Professional career advice offered by our in-house Career-Centre
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by
• Institute day-care centre on site
• Working at the Albert Einstein science park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
• Work place within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

Start date: As soon as possible
Fixed-term: Permanent
Salary: The position is classified according to TVöD Bund (tariff area East) with salary group 15. The classification is based on the collective agreement provisions and the corresponding personal requirements.
Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 17th February 2025 . Please use our online application form only.

The GFZ actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. We also promote an inclusive working environment in which everyone can fully develop their own talents. Anyone who has been recognised as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. If you have any questions, please contact our Representative Body for Employees with Disabilities at sbv(at)gfz.de, who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at gba(at)gfz.de.

“Diversity in perspectives” is one of GFZ’s core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. We among others do this through our gender equality plan and the cascade model measures which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths.

The GFZ thus committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply.

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.
In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact PD Dr. Wolfgang Graf zu Castell-Rüdenhausen via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organisation.

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