Senckenberg Society for Nature Research (SGN), headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, is seeking to fill the following position in the Senckenberg Data and Modelling Center (SDMC) at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, starting as soon as possible:
Full-Stack Software Developer (m/f/d): TETTRIX project
(Full-Time / Part-Time)
Location: Frankfurt
Employment scope: Full-Time / Part-Time options are available
Type of contract: Temporary, initially limited to 2 years
Remuneration: Collective agreement of the state Hesse (TV-H) / E11- E13
The Senckenberg Society for Nature Research is a member of the Leibniz Association and has been investigating the “Earth System” worldwide for more than 200 years, examining the past, analysing the present, and developing projections for the future. We conduct integrative geobiodiversity research with the aim of understanding nature in all its complexity and diversity in order to preserve it as the foundation of life for future generations and to ensure its sustainable use. Across eight institutes and five research stations throughout Germany, scientists from more than 40 countries conduct research at the highest international level.
The city of Frankfurt, where the Senckenberg Society was originally founded, hosts the organization’s central administrative services along with two research institutes housing extensive scientific collections and one of Senckenberg’s most renowned institutions, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum Frankfurt. Senckenberg is as much a part of the city’s identity as its skyline and its traditional apple wine.
The position is within the Geobiodiversity Information and Data Management team of the Senckenberg Data and Modelling Centre and contributes to a project funded by the European Union, TETTRIX – TETTRIs neXt level for the taxonomy of tomorrow. The team works at the interface of biodiversity informatics, ecological modelling, and data management, focusing on integrating, analysing, and making biodiversity data accessible for research and conservation. The TETTRIX project aims to strengthen taxonomic capacity for biodiversity research by developing, validating, and scaling innovative tools, workflows, services, and training pathways, while addressing critical knowledge and capacity gaps across Europe. Within the TETTRIX project, the position will develop a web-based, open-access biodiversity mapping and Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) platform that enables reproducible data and modelling workflows and transforms biodiversity data into actionable knowledge for biodiversity monitoring and conservation. The role combines full-stack software development with biodiversity data integration and close collaboration with researchers and technical partners.
Your tasks
Develop the platform's web application end-to-end: SPA frontend (interactive map, species/variable selection, model-run monitoring) and REST API backend.
Integrate the application with the PostgreSQL/PostGIS metadata layer and the AWS-side batch and data-lake services.
Co-design and implement the data infrastructure of the Open Modular SDM Platform, including a columnar lakehouse (Parquet, DuckDB, Dask on AWS Batch) covering the full GBIF and OBIS datasets.
Develop and operate the hybrid infrastructure, integrating AWS-based services with the institute's internal serving layer (PostgreSQL/PostGIS, map tiles and APIs), and coordinate the associated technical tasks.
Implement map-tile serving, caching and optimise frontend performance.
Set up and maintain CI/CD, automated tests and containerised deployment (Docker) in cooperation with central IT.
Participate in project and team meetings and coordinate closely with the scientific team on a day-to-day basis.
Your profile
Degree in Computer Science or comparable practical experience.
Solid skills in TypeScript/JavaScript and a modern framework (React, Vue or similar).
Backend experience in Python (e.g. FastAPI/Flask) or Node.js; sound REST API design.
Experience with SQL/PostgreSQL; PostGIS and web-mapping libraries (MapLibre GL, Leaflet, OpenLayers) are a strong plus.
Experience with cloud-based data infrastructure, particularly AWS services (S3, Batch).
Knowledge of columnar data storage and lakehouse technologies (Parquet, DuckDB, Dask).
Experience with data pipelines, batch processing and the integration of large-scale datasets.
Knowledge of hybrid infrastructure architectures and the integration of cloud-based and on-premises services.
Experience with Docker, Git and CI/CD.
Very good command of English.
Willingness to work on site in Frankfurt (up to 40% remote work is possible).
Desirable skills
Familiarity with open-access biodiversity databases such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS), Darwin Core standards, and biodiversity data life cycles
Familiarity with species distribution modelling and associated statistical/machine-learning approaches (e.g. GLM/GAM, MaxEnt, Random Forest)
A track record in scientific publications, reproducible scientific computing, or open-source projects
We offer
access to an international network of scientists, policymakers and research organizations
an attractive job within the inspired and dynamic working environment of an internationally recognized research institution
flexible working hours – mobile working options – employee ID card with free admission to Senckenberg museums – annual special payment – collectively agreed vacation entitlement – company pension plan
Senckenberg is committed to diversity. We benefit from the different expertise, perspectives and personalities of our staff and welcome every application from qualified candidates, irrespective of ethnic or cultural origin, age, gender, ethnic or cultural origin, religion or belief, age, sexual identity or and ideology, sexual orientation and identity or disability. Applicants with a severe disability will be given special consideration in case of equal suitability. Senckenberg actively supports the compatibility of work and family and places great emphasis on an equal and inclusive work culture.
How to apply?
Please upload your application (letter of motivation, CV, relevant certificates and references, if available) electronically as a single PDF by 15. November 2026.
Contact
Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
Senckenberganlage 25
60325 Frankfurt am Main
For specific questions about this role, please contact Dr. Hanieh Saeedi at
[email protected] Tags
full-stack software development biodiversity data PostgreSQL/PostGIS metadata layer