Research Software Engineer (m/f/d) | Machine Learning

Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena, Germany

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Jena, TH RINGEN

Job Code: 04/2024

Job Offer from February 28, 2024


The Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) in Jena is dedicated to interdisciplinary fundamental research in the field of Earth system sciences with a focus on climate and ecosystems. The internationally renowned institute, which currently employs around 250 people, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. Jena is known for high-tech industry, internationally renowned research institutions and a modern university, but it also has a beautiful natural setting in the green Saale valley with steep limestone slopes. The city of Jena has an active student scene and a diverse cultural life. We are looking to recruit as soon as possible a Research Software Engineer - Machine Learning (m/f/d) in full time, fix term position 2 years with possible extension.


Background and position description:

The Department of Biogeochemical Integration, at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry in Jena offers a project related position open for a Research Software Engineer with experience in machine learning pipelines in the context of the EarthNet Initiative .

This is an appointment at the Department Biogeochemical Integration  and the ELLIS Unit Jena . The BGI team is involved in development of advanced methods and datasets towards a better understanding of Earth System dynamics. In particular, we are actively involved in researching the use and development of machine and deep learning (ML/DL) approaches to model, parameterize and analyze large datasets on Earth System dynamics, with an emphasis on modeling terrestrial ecosystems and their interaction with climate.

We are seeking a machine learning engineer, data scientist or research software developer to play a pivotal role in scientific support of the EarthNet initiative. This role is at the intersection of data science, machine learning and geoscientific research. Depending of the profile of the candidate, it includes

  • maintain and improve the code base for training and deployment of large deep neural networks (CNNs, Transformers);
  • Integrating novel data streams from high resolution remote sensing platforms such as Landsat, SMAP or Ecostress into harmonized, analysis-ready datasets by utilizing a cloud-centric workflow;
  • optimizing code to train ML model on multiple Nvidia A100 GPUs on our in-house HPC cluster;
  • Building front-end applications for dissemination of EarthNet model predictions, with a focus on users from the humanitarian sector, e. g. specialists on anticipatory action from the Red Cross Society;
  • Contributing to the research within the EarthNet initiative with a willingness to discuss and critically reflect upon novel ideas and to quickly iterate through proof of concept studies.

    • Your tasks
    • Maintain and improve the code base of the EarthNet initiative
    • Development of a research software (using continuous integration, code review and improving the current documentation)
    • Develop a pipeline integrating the different components (e. g. training in PyTorch, visualization in Julia) and build a front-end application for dissemination of EarthNet model predictions
    • Create new datasets by fusing and integrating satellite data with meteorological reanalysis
    • Run EarthNet models for Earth surface prediction across the globe
    • Participate in the dissemination of work, such as writing scientific papers, and making presentations at conferences and the related workshops
    • Be part of EarthNet-related scientific projects by participating in project meetings, reports and future development

    Your profile
    • Solid experience in Python, PyTorch and Git
    • Solid experience in deep learning and interest in software development
    • A scientific background in one of these fields: computer sciences, mathematics, climate sciences, physics, environment, ecology, geography or remote sensing sciences (MSc required, holding a PhD is beneficial but not required)
    • Affinity towards teamwork; nurturing, collaborative and responsible profile
    • Good communication skills (oral and written) in English

    Our offer

    This is a TVöD position in a collaborative team in applied basic research. The current duration of the position of 2 years may be extended in view of upcoming projects and other opportunities. Part-time work is possible in principle. The position will be classified according to TVöD Bund if the requirements of the collective agreement are met; in addition, we provide a pension based on the public service (VBL).

    The Max Planck Society is committed to gender equality and diversity. It wants to increase the proportion of women in those areas in which they are underrepresented. Women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from all areas. The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are expressly encouraged.


    Your application

    Any further inquiries about the position and/or expectations are very welcome and can be directed to Prof. Dr. Markus Reichstein ([email protected] ). Are you interested? Please send us your application with cover letter, curriculum vitae as well as names and contact information of two references summarised in a PDF file (max. 10 MB) by March 31, 2024, quoting the reference number 04/2024 by e-mail to [email protected] or to the

    Max-Planck-Institut für Biogeochemie
    Personalbüro: Kennwort “Forschungssoftwareingenieur”
    Hans-Knöll-Straße 10
    07745 Jena
    Deutschland

    We ask that you do not use application folders, but only submit copies, as your documents will be destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations after the application process has been completed. We look forward to receiving your application!


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