Data Scientist (f/m/d)

The Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology (MPI-GEA) was founded in the summer of 2022; it is a dynamically growing, highly interdisciplinary and international research institution. The research focuses on modeling and analyzing the interrelationships between biophysical and human-made systems, looking from the deep past to the future to examine how humanity has driven the emergence of the Anthropocene – the period in which human activities began significantly impacting our planet’s climate and ecosystems – and identifying potential intervention points towards a more sustainable future.

The Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology in Jena is seeking an experienced

Data Scientist (f/m/d)

to realize a crucial update and expansion of the Great Acceleration dataset at the earliest possible date as a fixed-term position (initially 24 months) up to EG 13 in full‑time or part‑time.

Project Overview

The Great Acceleration Observatory aims to create a comprehensive, up-to-date repository of Earth system and socioeconomic trends that characterize the Anthropocene. This position within the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology’s new Data Center offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research while helping establish a new data infrastructure for studying global change.

The successful candidate will lead the updating, expanding and regional differentiation of the classic Great Acceleration dataset, which tracks 24 key indicators of change in the coupled human-Earth System, and develop new approaches for managing and analyzing these complex datasets.

The transdisciplinary research at MPI‑GEA will combine research areas represented by all three scientific sections of the Max Planck Society (MPG): Biology & Medicine; Chemistry, Physics and Technology; and Human Sciences. Corresponding inter- and transdisciplinary research projects concern, for example, planetary urbanization, the global food system, and global material, energy, and information flows.

Your tasks

• Collect, validate, and harmonize current datasets for the original Earth system and socioeconomic proxies
• Develop systematic approaches for dataset expansion
• Develop and implement data approaches to bring together heterogeneous time series data with varying temporal and spatial resolutions
• Create and maintain a scalable database architecture for storing and accessing multiple versions of datasets
• Implement strategies for regional data differentiation and analysis
• Design and establish technical solutions for dataset management, including:
• Integration of regularly updated external datasets through automated pipelines
• Management of multiple datasets for single parameters with proper versioning
• Enhancement of existing datasets with uncertainty estimates
• Implementation of robust metadata schemas and documentation
• Contribute to the development of the institute's Data Center infrastructure
• Document methodologies and create reproducible workflows
• Collaborate with researchers to support ongoing system dynamics analyzes of Great Acceleration data

Your profile

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Data Sciences, Computer Sciences, Earth System Sciences, or related field
• Strong programming skills and experience with data management systems
• Demonstrated experience in handling large, complex environmental or socioeconomic datasets
• Expertise in data curation, i.e. validation, harmonization, and documentation
• Proficiency in database design and implementation (SQL and NoSQL)
• Experience with data modeling and database schema design for scientific datasets
• Strong background in statistical analysis and data visualization
• Proven track record in developing data pipelines and ETL processes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Advanced proficiency in scientific programming languages (Python, R, etc.)

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with version control and collaborative development tools
• Familiarity with uncertainty quantification methods
• Experience with time series databases and geospatial data management
• Knowledge of semantic web technologies and linked data principles
• Familiarity with modern approaches to data modeling including:
• Schema design for heterogeneous scientific data
• Metadata standards and ontologies
• Data provenance tracking
• API design and implementation
• Experience with cloud-based data infrastructure and distributed computing

Our offer

• Opportunity to contribute to foundational research in the new field of Geoanthropology
• Work with leading scientists in human-Earth system science
• Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure

We offer you a full‑time or part‑time employment contract and an attractive salary in accordance with TVöD (Bund) in line with the specific job description and your personal requirements up to EG 13, as well as an additional annual bonus. You are entitled to 30 days of holiday and time off on 24th and 31st December. We also offer attractive and family-friendly flexitime and home office arrangements. A company pension scheme (VBL), an employer subsidy for a job ticket, the opportunity for further training, and language and health courses round off our offer. The Max Planck Society is committed to the compatibility of family and career and is certified according to the "berufundfamilie" audit.

The Max Planck Society has set itself to employ more people with disabilities. Applications from people with disabilities are expressly encouraged.

We are committed to promoting diversity and actively combating prejudice based on gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, and other components of identity. The MPI‑GEA received the TOTAL E‑QUALITY award for this commitment to diversity and equality.

How to Apply

Please submit your application via online application until April 27th 2025 including:

• Detailed CV
• Cover letter describing your relevant experience and motivation
• Examples of previous data science projects
• Contact information for two professional references

Contact

Yvonne Zeng-Salomon

zeng-salomon@gea.mpg.de

Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology

Kahlaische Straße 10

07745 Jena

www.gea.mpg.de

Twitter: @MPI_GEA