Scientific Software Developer (m/f/d) (26/2024)

The Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB) is a non-university research institute on the Weinberg campus in Halle (Saale) and is a member of the Leibniz Association. As a foundation under public law, it is subject to the supervision of the state of Saxony-Anhalt.

The department of Bioorganic Chemistry is looking for a fixed-term position starting immediately and initially until December 31, 2027 for a

Scientific Software Developer (m/f/d)

for the project “Automated Bio-Chemical Data Extractor & Explorer” (ABCDEE).

The Department/the project :

The department of Bioorganic Chemistry (Prof. Wessjohann) develops new bioactive compounds and biocatalysts for application in medicine, nutrition or plant protection. Natural compounds and processes are our most important source of inspiration. Part of this work is the mining and processing of huge, often unstructured amounts of data with computer support. Efficient solutions have already been developed for this in the past, sometimes in collaboration with other groups and consortia. The ABCDEE project now aims to take data exploration and processing to a new level using machine learning and semantic data processing methods.

If you are an experienced scientific software developer (m/f/d) and have experience in the fields of machine learning, language processing, data extraction, knowledge graphs, scientific data management or data presentation, possibly also app development, we look forward to receiving your application.

Your tasks:

• The systematic collection of scientifically relevant use cases, including the necessary object categories and relationships as well as the determination of the state of the art in science and technology, taking into account the scientific literature.
• The development of novel methods and algorithms for data extraction, in particular based on machine learning. Scientifically sound evaluation of performance. Generation and storage of a knowledge graph, creation of query interfaces.
• The development of a modern and powerful user interface.
• The establishment and maintenance of the project infrastructure and the dissemination of results in workshops and publications.

Your profile:

A university degree in a STEM subject, the ability to communicate intensively (German and English) and the willingness and ability to familiarize yourself quickly with complicated issues are essential. We require many years of practical experience and sound knowledge of Java, Python, SQL and Docker. Basic knowledge in some of the fields of ontologies/knowledge graphs/SPARQL, HTML/CSS/JavaScript, Linux administration, FAIR principles/persistent identifiers, processing of chemical/biological data (structural formulas, sequence information) would also be desirable. Basic knowledge of chemistry and biology/pharmacy/medicine is advantageous for consulting with specialist scientists.

Our benefits:

• Excellent working conditions in an international environment.
• Flexible and family-friendly working hours and possibility of home-office.
• Offer of professional training courses and measures for skill improvement.
• Compensation according to TV-L (including annual special payment).
• Contribution to your company pension plan (VBL).
• On-site opportunities for health promotion.

How to apply and information:

Please send your complete application documents (as one PDF file) to by January 7, 2025 (no cut-off date), quoting the reference number 26/2024.

For further information, please contact Dr. Frank Broda (phone: +49 345 5582-1361, e-mail: ).

Foreign qualifications must comply with German standards (TV-L-EntgeltO Protokollerklärung Nr. 1 Absatz 4) and be certified (equivalence test in Germany, subject to a fee) and presented to IPB Human Resources at the time of hiring: .

Who we are:

The Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB) is a non-university research institution of the Leibniz Association on the Weinberg Campus of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. As a foundation under public law, the IPB is under direct supervision of the state of Saxony-Anhalt. The IPB is an internationally recognized research institution and consists of four scientific Departments and additional independent research groups (approx. 200 employees, including around 40 doctoral students). Research at the IPB aims to understand the (bio)chemical basis of plant resilience and performance in challenging environments related to climate change. The IPB offers excellent research facilities and state-of-the-art infrastructure to study the chemical diversity, biochemical interactions and biological functions of small natural product molecules in plants and fungi ().

Diversity, family and equal opportunities:

The IPB aspires to the goal of equal opportunity, diversity, and the promotion of work-life balance as it was awarded the certificate "Total E-Quality". In addition, the IPB is a member of the nationwide company network "Success Factor Family" and of the “Diversity Charter” (Charta der Vielfalt). Applications from disabled persons or applicants with equivalent status are expressly welcome.

Further information can be found at: .

Data protection:

Please note, the data protection information for applicants (m/f/d) according to Article 13 and 14 GDPR on data protection processing during the application process: .

Address:
Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzenbiochemie