Research Assistant (Doctoral Researcher/PhD)

The third party funded position is offered for a period of 3 years, if no former times of qualification must be considered. The starting date is as soon as possible. The position is fulltime with salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the state Hesse, Germany (TV-H E 13).

In the DFG-funded third-party project "Metaserve", we are developing a data profiling system that can automatically find patterns of structural metadata, such as functional dependencies, key candidates or inclusion dependencies, in relational data. The challenge in examining data for such metadata structures is the effective traversal of exponentially large search spaces as well as the efficient validation of potential metadata candidates. The project is carried out in close cooperation with the Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam.

The Big Data Analytics group researches novel systems for efficient and effective data management. We develop innovative methods for the automatic integration, cleaning and transformation of data, high-performance algorithms for systematic metadata extraction, and data-driven technologies for modern machine learning and data analytics processes. We also have research focuses on distributed systems, green IT, FAIR data management, data warehousing and data stream processing.

Tasks:

• scientific services in research and teaching
• fulfilment of research and development tasks in the context of the third-party funded project Metaserve
• writing publications on novel methods and scientific findings
• presentation of scientific findings at (international) conferences and workshops
• participation in teaching, in particular by supervising seminars and theses

The position is limited to a time period deemed adequate for the completion of a doctoral degree. As part of the assigned duties, there will be ample opportunity to conduct the independent scientific research necessary for the completion of a doctorate. The limitation complies to § 2 sec. 1 WissZeitVG.

Profile:

• you have completed a MSc-degree or equivalent in computer science, data science or comparable with a very good average grade
• you have basic prior knowledge of database technologies, are familiar with the relational data model and ideally already have knowledge of data management disciplines, such as data integration, cleaning, normalization, querying, storage, and distribution
• you can prove your ability to work scientifically by providing reference of a successfully completed, independent scientific paper, such as a Master thesis or a scientific publication, teaching experience in your own courses and tutoring activities is an advantage
• you have very good programming skills, a strong understanding of algorithms and knowledge of software development (ideally proven by completed projects)
• you are interested in data-driven research and software development, you can independently familiarize yourself with new technologies and you enjoy developing solutions to complex problems
• you have very good communication skills in English (spoken and written), you enjoy working in teams and you are characterized by a high level of commitment

Disposition to own scientific qualification (e. g. a doctorate project in the field of “Data Engineering”) is expected.

We offer:

• many years of experience in researching novel data profiling solutions, especially via the predecessor project "Metanome" and a comprehensive library of existing profiling algorithms
• support in research and development tasks with a highly motivated team in Marburg and access to an international network of data profiling researchers
• modern laboratory and computing infrastructure with high-performance computers for the development of distributed systems and the training of large AI models
• flexible working hours, the possibility of working remote and extensive freedom of participation in the organisation of project work
• a wide range of qualification opportunities and extensive sports and family offers

We actively support the professional development of young researchers through the offers of the Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office and the Office for Higher Education Didactics.

We support women and strongly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, female applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. As a certified family-friendly university, we support our employees in balancing family and career. A reduction of working time is possible. Applicants with a disability as discribed in SGB IX (§ 2 Abs. 2, 3) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs can not be refunded.

Please apply by 1st February 2026 exclusively via the application button below.