Research Associate for Data-Driven Chemistry (m/f/d)

The Center for the Transformation of Chemistry (CTC) is being established as a new large-scale research centre with sites in Saxony (Delitzsch) and Saxony-Anhalt (Merseburg and Leuna). It will transform chemistry into a circular economy that focusses on renewable raw materials and recycling. The focus is equally on excellent basic research and the transfer to application.

As the Research Associate for Data-Driven Chemistry (m/f/d) at the Center for the Transformation of Chemistry (CTC) you will play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and maintaining the Center’s data infrastructure to support FAIR data management and enable scalable and reliable (big) data processing, storage and streamlined analytics. In this context you will contribute to the development of state-of-the art research data management strategies that, by leveraging the data lake and data warehouse concepts, foster data integration and seamless analysis workflows. In addition, you will be responsible for the structuring of the Data-driven Chemistry research area of the CTC. You will be joining the CTC in an exciting phase of its development, when you will have not only the unique chance to contribute to shape the vision, strategy and processes by which the Center acquires, stores, curates and manages heterogeneous research data but also ample opportunities for skills improvement and professional growth.

The role is embedded in the CTC scientific team which is located approximately 30 minutes from Leipzig and Halle (Saale) in Leuna.

• Contribute to the development of the Data-driven Chemistry research area of the CTC by defining the thematics that are relevant for the CTC's Research Agenda.
• Facilitate interdisciplinary research activities involving data science, computational chemistry, and experimental workflows to ensure alignment with CTC's strategic goals.
• Identify emerging trends, tools, and methodologies in AI/ML for chemistry and assess their relevance for integration into CTC's research portfolio.
• Act as a liaison between data scientists, chemists, and external partners to foster collaborative projects and knowledge exchange.
• Interact closely with the IT and Data Management group to define the technical requirements, infrastructure features, and data architecture needed to support data-driven research activities.
• Support the preparation and submission of national and international research proposals, with a focus on data-driven chemical innovation.
• Organize and lead workshops, seminars, or internal training sessions to promote the adoption of data-centric methods within the center.
• Contribute to the publication of white papers or technical reports that highlight CTC's work in data-driven chemistry.

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Computational Chemistry, or in a Data Science-related field.
• PhD or equivalent working experience (minimum 3 years) in Chemical Engineering, Computational Chemistry, or a Data Science-related field.
• Documented experience in data-driven research, preferably involving Machine Learning (ML) or Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches applied to chemical sciences.
• Deep knowledge of chemoinformatics, molecular modeling, or computational material science, with a strong grasp of both theoretical and practical aspects.
• Familiarity with scientific data management, FAIR principles, and data curation practices in chemistry.
• Demonstrated ability to design and lead interdisciplinary research projects that integrate chemistry with data science methodologies.
• Experience in managing collaborative projects involving academia and/or industry partners.
• Previous experience as a Team Leader or Project Leader would be an asset.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to interact effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Publication record or contributions to open-source projects in relevant domains is desirable.
• Experience in preparing research grants, writing scientific reports, or coordinating funding applications is a strong plus.

• The opportunity to shape the data management structures and policies of what will be the largest research center for chemical research in Europe.
• Meet and work with top experts from academia and industry.
• Competitive compensation according to TVöD-Bund E13 or E14 depending on the candidate’s qualifications.
• Partial compensation of Job Commute Ticket.
• Comprehensive social benefits, including 30 days of vacation, annual special payment, and additional pension scheme (VBL).
• Term-limited position until the 31st of December, 2025 allowing for fresh perspectives in terms of contract extension opportunities after 2025.