Scientific Programmer / Application Administrator - DataSHIELD/Opal (m/f/d)

The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association aims to transform tomorrow’s medicine through our discoveries of today. At locations in Berlin-Buch, Berlin-Mitte, Heidelberg and Mannheim, our scientists collaborate across disciplines to unravel the complexities of disease at the systems level – from molecules and cells to organs and entire organisms. Through strong academic, clinical, and industry partnerships, as well as global networks, we translate biological insights into innovations for early detection, individualized therapies, and disease prevention. Founded in 1992, the Max Delbrück Center is home to a vibrant community of 1,800 people from more than 70 countries.

The Molecular Epidemiology Research Group at the MDC studies the relationship between lifestyle, genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors with risk and outcome of chronic diseases in human populations. We participate in the National Research Data Infrastructure for Personal Health Data (NFDI4Health), which is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The overarching goal of NFDI4Health is to support its clinical and epidemiological research community in the best possible way to share their data with the user community in agreement with data protection/​privacy regulations and ethics principles and, in the interest of improving population health, create new data analytics opportunities. As part of NFDI4Health we focus on enabling services for distributed data analytics, including DataSHIELD.

Job Description

• DataSHIELD Infrastructure Optimization: You'll drive the conceptual and technical enhancement of our central DataSHIELD analysis server (includes: enhancing its connectivity to data holders' servers, optimizing its function as the central access point for distributed data analysis, optimization of the Identity and Access Management [IAM] concept).
• Collaboration with IT: You'll work in close collaboration with the MDC's IT department, who are responsible for hosting and maintaining the DataSHIELD server infrastructure.
• Partner Support: You’ll provide essential information and assistance to our partners for the setup and maintenance of their DataSHIELD instances (includes: developing and maintaining necessary installation and maintenance manuals, as well as the development of training material for distributed data analysis).
• Data Harmonization Platform: You’ll contribute to the conceptualization and development of a data harmonization platform to support multi-study research.

Requirements

• a degree (Master's or PhD) in informatics, bioinformatics or related field is preferred. Alternatively, candidates (m/f/d) with profound experience in biomedical or healthcare data analysis are welcome to apply
• strong programming skills in R and possibly in Python
• experience in the administration of databases such as MongoDB or MariaDB
• experience with version control (e.g. Git) and Docker
• familiarity with distributed data analysis tools, ideally DataSHIELD, is highly beneficial
• knowledge of the OBiBA software is a strong advantage
• excellent communication skills in English (written and verbal); German is a plus

We offer

• international working environment with communication in English and German
• interesting career opportunities and a range of opportunities for further qualification and training
• compatibility of family and career certified by the workandfamily audit ("berufundfamilie audit")
• support for "New Berliners" through the MDC Welcome & Family Office

You also benefit from:

• a remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the federal public service (TVöD Bund), including additional company pension schemes
• flexible working hours and childcare support
• the possibility of mobile working
• an idyllic green campus, which is easily accessible by bicycle, public transport or car
• free use of Nextbike from the Buch S-Bahn station to the campus
• subsidy for the job ticket as well as discounts in the campus canteen
• on-campus health and fitness center
• additional health benefits such as flu vaccination, eye test, ergonomics advice at the workplace

Salary

Remuneration will be according to the TVöD Bund, depending on the personal requirements, up to the fee group E 13.

Employment volume

Full time

Desired starting date

November 1, 2025

Limitation

Fixed term
The position is limited to 2 years with the possibility of extension

Application period

October 5, 2025

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Excellence in science and innovation depends on a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment. At the Max Delbrück Center, we are committed to creating such a space — one where individuals from all backgrounds can grow scientifically, professionally, and personally. As a values-driven research institute, we recognize that diversity of thought, experience, and identity is essential to our mission: advancing biomedical research to transform tomorrow’s medicine. We foster a culture of curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and shared responsibility for equity and openness. We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences, especially those who bring new perspectives and a collaborative spirit to our international team. Applicants are considered based on qualifications and experience, free from discrimination. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with disabilities and will ensure appropriate support is provided.

Please get in touch with any questions

Prof. Dr. Tobias Pischon
Molecular Epidemiology
[email protected]

Apply now

Please use our online portal and submit your application including a cover letter, CV (without photo, age and information about your family status) and other relevant attachments.

If you have a foreign degree, please submit proof of the recognition of your Master's degree in Germany with your application. The proof can be determined via the anabin database and can be submitted as a PDF attachment to the application. Further information can be found at Recognition of Degrees and Achievements .

For information on fair mobility, click here: .