Head of Data Management & IT (f / m / x)

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We are seeking to fill a full-time position as Head of Data Management & IT of Population Health Sciences, located in Bonn.

As team leader, you will oversee the Data Management and IT team of the Rhineland Study, ensuring seamless data flow and curation—from collection in the study centers to analysis by researchers. You will coordinate the interfaces between software, science, and medical devices to optimize data utilization and to ensure long-term, traceable storage. This includes leading software development (e.g., for appointment booking, data exchange platforms, test environments, and laboratory management systems), data management, and the technical support in the study centers. Additionally, you will shape the strategic IT direction and software landscape of the Rhineland Study, advancing new initiatives.

• Leadership and development of the team :  You will be responsible for the technical and organizational management of the Data Management and IT-team. You will foster an open communication and feedback culture in the team and support the individual development of the team members.
• Task Prioritization and Project Management. Ensure effective prioritization and alignment of tasks to meet project goals and stakeholder needs.
• Coordination with internal and external stakeholders : Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment of software and data solutions with their needs. Represent the team in committees on IT and research infrastructure projects to ensure strategic alignment.
• Data Management :  Ensure data governance, access, security, and quality, building reliable and future-proof data systems, adhering to FAIR principles.
• Innovation and Process Optimization : Monitor emerging trends in IT and data management, incorporating relevant innovations and refining processes (e.g., CI / CD, automation, platform for advanced data analyses) to enhance operational efficiency and reliability.
• Modernization : Evaluate and guide the gradual enhancement of legacy software systems, prioritizing scalability, maintainability, and the integration of testing frameworks.
• Resource management : Plan and guide the enhancement of legacy systems, including medium- and long-term computing and storage needs, in collaboration with the central IT department of the DZNE.
• A Master’s or PhD degree in natural or life sciences or related discipline with extensive practical experience with software development, engineering, and data management
• Experience in leading an IT team and IT projects
• Strong communication skills and the ability to communicate complex, technical concepts in a clear manner in an interdisciplinary environment
• Knowledge of requirements engineering and / or agile methods as well as designing robust software architectures
• Knowledge of quality assurance, especially in the development and integration of automated test strategies and procedures
• Experience in scientific research, scientific software development, and with large scale heterogeneous personal data is highly valued
• Experience with DevOps-approaches, including container-virtualization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes and CI / CD-Pipelines), is preferred
• Strong programming skills, especially in Python, as well as experience in SQL and database systems is a plus
• Ideally, experience with additional technologies such as R or Groovy, and in web development
• Fluent in English and German (written and spoken)

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all technical requirements—in our team, we value teamwork, supporting each other and the willingness and openness to acquire new skills.

What our employees value

For inquiries about the position, please contact Prof Dr Dr Monique Breteler at [email protected]

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, a CV, and transcripts in one single PDF file.