Researcher (f/m/d) working at the Interface between Information Technology and Heterogeneous Catalysis

Updated: 2 months ago
Location: Berlin, BERLIN

Job Offer from February 20, 2024


The Fritz Haber Institute (FHI) in Berlin is one of the oldest and most renowned research institutes within the Max Planck Society (MPG), Germany's most successful scientific organization. At the FHI, researchers from all over the world are engaged in basic research in the fields of physics and chemistry at interfaces and surfaces, catalysis research, and molecular physics. We are part of the FAIRmat project . We are currently searching for a Researcher (f/m/d) working at the Interface between Information Technology and Heterogeneous Catalysis.

Heterogeneous catalysis is a key technology that plays a crucial role in the urgently needed defossilisation of our energy system in the face of accelerating climate change. New catalysts are urgently needed for the sustainable production and storage of hydrogen or the resource-efficient manufacturing of important chemicals and synthetic fuels while avoiding CO2 emissions. The search for new catalysts can be accelerated with artificial intelligence tools. However, this places high demands on the experimental and theoretical data used for this purpose.

Through your engagement in www.fairmat-nfdi.eu/fairmat  and the NOMAD HUB – NOMAD Data Center at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, you will contribute to making such data available. You will work on a comprehensive data infrastructure for heterogeneous catalysis and evaluate its benefits.


Your tasks
  • You help to develop web-based applications for data acquisition, storage and visualization of data in Heterogeneous Catalysis
  • You work at the interface between catalysis research and information technology
  • You mediate the communication between the project partners in use case E2 (Humbodt-Universität zu Berlin, Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft and Universität Leipzig) and establish connections to other use cases, such as battery materials, metal organic frameworks, or optoelectronics, and other initiatives, such as NFDI4Cat

Your profile
  • Completed academic degree or Ph.D. in computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, materials science, or another relevant field and affinity for software-design
  • Experience with Linux based operating systems and knowledge of common tools in version control, containerization, continuous deployment/integration is a plus
  • Proficiency in object-oriented programming languages, ideally Python, alternatively PHP or Javascript/Typescript, Node.JS or any other relevant technology
  • Experience with implementation and usage of REST APIs
  • Understanding of databases and experience with a widespread system (e.g. MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB)
  • The framework bluesky (https://blueskyproject.io/) is used
  • Independent and communicative way of working with good team spirit
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

We offer

A stimulating, multidisciplinary working environment, a pay scale classification (TV-L), ample development opportunities, and flexible working hours. The majority of the team will be based at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, but may spend time in partner groups all over Germany. The position is available immediately for an initial period of 2 years with a perspective towards prolongation. You will work at the FAIRmat headquarters, the brand-new NOMAD Data Center at HU Berlin.

Your application

Please submit your application via our online application portal as soon as possible including the following documents:

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Your motivation letter
  • Certificates
  • Names and e-mail addresses of three referees

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information, please contact Victoria Coors [email protected] , with cc to Annette Trunschke [email protected] .


Max Planck Society

The Max Planck Society endeavors to achieve gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society aims to increase the participation of women in research. Therefore, applications by women are particularly welcome. The Max Planck Society is also committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.



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