Research Software Engineer for Climate Science (m/w/d)

The German Climate Computing Center (DKRZ) is the central simulation and data processing facility for the German climate and Earth System modelling community and is one of the leading facilities in this area. DKRZ not only operates supercomputers in the highest performance class and one of the largest data and archive systems worldwide, we also participate in many national and international projects aiming to improve the software and infrastructure for climate modelling.

Job Opening: Research Software Engineer for Climate Science (all genders)

"A Coming Decade - Decadal-scale prospects for Europe" aims to improve decadal-scale climate prediction for Europe and to provide climate services to support decision making over the next decade. The project has two main goals. On the one hand, to further develop the German decadal climate prediction system using the state-of-the-art ICON-Seamless technology, including higher resolution over Europe and model-consistent initialization in the atmosphere and ocean, which will bring the system to a new technical level, also in comparison with other international prediction systems. On the other hand, co-development of user-relevant forecast products and communication formats based on user perspectives and evidence-based design. https://www.comingdecade.uni-hamburg.de

The DKRZ subproject "Coming Decade Evaluation System - CODES" is a contribution to the research initiative "Coming Decade". As part of its support to the scientific activities, CODES coordinates the software and data management with two main tasks: the development of the software infrastructure for the pre-operational prediction system and the evaluation system and its preparation for relevant users.

Your Tasks:

• The development, support and operation of the CODES central evaluation system, with emphasis on consolidating and extending its use together with the Freva framework (https://github.com/FREVA-CLINT/freva, https://codes.dkrz.de/) standardizing evaluation routines, data standards and analysis tools, and optimizing computing and storage resources.
• The provision of data for the coming decade, in particular by promoting the development of routines for the continuous updating and standardization of different types of data within its database, with particular emphasis on ICON data and the evaluation of decadal simulations.
• The development of new evaluation routines and quality assessment of various data sets, including at the user level.
• The development of an effective workflow for analysis and preparation of operationalization, facilitating its integration into the forecast backend at DKRZ and possible transfer to the German Weather Service (DWD).
• Exploring the use of AI in improving decadal climate prediction and service (e.g., use of Large Language Models to accelerate the analysis and diffusion models for the prediction of decadal climate data).

Qualifications:

• Master in Informatics, Computer-, Geo- or Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Meteorology, Physics or a related STEM subject with strong relation to Scientific Computing and Programming.
• Experience with data analysis, hosting, monitoring and movement on (e.g. cloud-based) data storage technologies, infrastructures and software APIs.
• Solid experience in programming and software development, especially with Python Additional experience in any other programming language is a plus.
• Experience with version control software (preferably git) and unit testing frameworks.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills to coordinate activities and disseminate knowledge effectively.

Nice to Have (not all, but some):

• Experience in search engines (Apache Solr), database system (MariaDB), web frontend development (django, JS), HPC systems, distributed system technologies (dask, docker, binder, kubernetes) or similar software.
• Experience in building and leverage in RestFull APIs.
• Background knowledge in the field of scientific data storage and management.
• Background in climate modeling, climate evaluation and/or even better climate prediction - would be of an advantage.

Our Offer:

• Exciting opportunity in an optimally equipped work space in a dynamic and highly interdisciplinary scientific environment where you have the chance to develop initiative and shape services of the next generation in an area of high social relevance.
• Payment in accordance with the German public service positions (TVÖD Bund Group 13, level in accordance to years of relevant work experience), including a generous benefits package and a flexible teleworking policy.
• Choose to work remote or in one of our modern offices in the heart of Hamburg, one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.

Duration and Work Plan:

The position is based at the Climate Informatics and Technologies (CLINT) Group within the Data Analysis department of the German Climate Computing Center (DKRZ) in Hamburg. www.dkrz.de Job start asap until Nov 2026. Payment will be in accordance with the German public service positions (TVöD-Bund E13 according to the applicant’s qualification), including extensive social security plans. The conditions of employment follow those of the German civil service.

Application Process:

To apply for this position, please submit your updated CV, cover letter, and any relevant supporting documents to with the reference number DKRZ 03_2025. In your cover letter, please highlight your experience and qualifications related to software management, data coordination, and climate science research.

Deadline for Applications:

Applications will be accepted until June 1st, 2025.

Join us at DKRZ to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of climate and Earth system modeling through advanced data handling and optimization techniques. Together, we can drive forward the science of climate change through technological progress, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future.

For further information, please contact Christopher Kadow apply.job.27801077@hokifyjob.com