Postdoctoral researcher in Digitalized and Data-Driven Materials Discovery; F​/M​/D

A focus of our research are Engineered Living Materials (ELMs), an emergent class of materials at the interface between materials science and synthetic biology, with huge potential for sustainable innovation in different technological fields. The multidisciplinary component of our research requires intensive information and data exchange between multiple disciplines. We work on semantically structured data and interfaces, shared workflows, and contribute to engaging the growing ELM community in digitalized research.

To coordinate and support the digitalization of the ELM community, we are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work within the collaborative network Material Vital Hub, recently funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) in collaboration with the Material Digital Platform. The candidate will be part of a team working together with experimental scientists and research data management experts at INM-Leibniz Institute for New Materials, with experts in ontologies and data platforms at IFW-Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials and with bioinformaticians at the University of Freiburg.

• Contribute to the digitalization of the materials/data development workflows of selected ELM use cases by developing code to create semantically annotated data structures.
• Development of metadata schemes for typical methods in ELM research which are transferable to electronic Lab Notebooks and data platforms of relevance for other researchers within the Material Vital Hub.
• Lead the development of ELM-dedicated ontology for interoperability within the Material Vital Hub in cooperation with researchers and Material Digital partners.
• Demonstrate application cases of Data Science to ELM research based on structured data from the Material Vital Hub.
• Support and promote digitalization of the ELM community within the Material Vital Hub in close interaction with Material Digital Platform and NFDI.
• Attend workshops and disseminate your work within the ELM community by presenting results at conferences and scientific events.
• Document your work and report to project coordinators and stakeholders.

• PhD degree in materials science/engineering or related disciplines. Experience as experimental materials researcher in combination with modelling or data-driven methods is ideal. Previous experience as data steward, or previous work within NFDI Consortia or Material Digital Platform is an advantage. Experience in the ELM or the biomaterials field is beneficial.
• Interest in working with and for the digitalization of the ELM community. Self‑driven and hands‑on personality. Organization and prioritization skills.
• Very good communication skills in English.

• An emergent hot research topic with multiple opportunities to contribute and interact with the growing community and contribute to its development at an early stage.
• Direct access to and high visibility in the ELM network at national and international level.
• An existing team with expertise and drive to move forward digitalization in ELM research. A well‑structured onboarding process and clear responsibilities.
• A community‑oriented, multifaceted work with great scope for creativity.
• A highly professional and supportive working environment with an open and international culture.
• Strong support of training and career development towards an outstanding profile as data scientist in materials research.
• Flexible working hours and mobile working opportunity.
• A family‑friendly working place.
• A EG 13 TV‑L position (full time). A part‑time position is also possible.

The position is initially for 3 years.

We look forward to your application!

Please upload your CV and motivation letter, by February 15th 2026 via the online application system.

For further information on this position, please contact INM Scientific Director Prof. Dr. Aránzazu del Campo (aran).

The INM practices an open and appreciative corporate culture in which the existing diversity is promoted and lived. The institute is an equal opportunity employer with a certified family‑friendly policy, and it provides offers for a better work‑life balance, flextime, and mobile working. We promote professional opportunities for women and strongly encourage them to apply. Full time jobs can be generally divided.

Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.