Senior Scientific Data Manager (f/m/d)

1571/2026/9

• Bonn
• initially limited to 2 years
• 11.10.2026
• full-time

The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) is a globally leading, internationally oriented research institution dedicated to discovering new approaches for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

In the Department of Population Based Health Research, Bonn, we have a vacancy with the following responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic development and continuous optimization of data management processes for one of Germany’s largest population-based cohort studies
• Develop and continuously enhance structures, standards and quality assurance processes for the systematic documentation of study data, variables, and metadata, in close collaboration with researchers and in line with best practices
• Lead and coordinate complex data management projects  and manage the needed stakeholder communication
• Identify data-related challenges and translate them into practical, scalable solutions

 

• PhD or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Data Science, or a related field
• Several years of experience in scientific data management of large scale human data, preferably in large population-based cohort studies or clinical research
• Strong understanding of current data protection requirements and governance principles
• Excellent management  and leadership skills
• Ability to work independently, prioritize strategically, and lead initiatives to completion
• Strong organizational skills and a structured, solution-oriented approach to work
• Advanced programming skills in R or Python, experience with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL)
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with public authorities and to work successfully in international, interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent proficiency in written and spoken English and German

Your role in cutting edge research

Population-based health research is one of the DZNE’s key research areas, dedicated to investigating the causes and biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases and supporting healthy aging. Most of our research is based on the Rhineland Study, a large-scale, deeply phenotyped population-based cohort study conducted in the Bonn area that will include up to 20,000 adults who are followed over their life course. Further information on the Rhineland Study can be found at the following link: www.rheinland-studie.de.

The Data Management and IT team of Population Health Sciences ensures reliable data flow and end-to-end data provenance, from data collection at the Rhineland Study examination centers to downstream analysis by researchers. In addition to integrating external systems, the current eight-member team develops core components of the data infrastructure in-house. We are looking for an experienced scientific data manager to join this team as a senior member.

We envision the position as bridging research, data management and IT, to ensure data integrity and support the accurate documentation and scientific contextualization of data and metadata. To that end, the ideal candidate combines scientific data expertise, epidemiological knowledge, data management experience, and communication skills, and will play a key role in shaping data integrity as well as the data management infrastructure. This includes the further development of a comprehensive data dictionary and harmonized data models, establishing robust governance frameworks and scalable data workflows, and securing a high-quality, privacy-preserving data infrastructure.

• Innovation and internationality:

  A forward-looking infrastructure, modern laboratory and office equipment, software tools and the opportunity for international exchange with your colleagues from 65 nations

• A feel-good working environment:

  Our Bonn employees enjoy a campus surrounded by greenery, with on-site parking and public transport connections as well our company restaurant

• Remuneration and conditions according to TVöD-Bund:

  Including annual special payment, capital-forming benefits and VBL supplementary pension scheme

• Family-conscious corporate culture:

  Because we know that family is important, we support you with our family service

• Focus on Development:

  Training programmes tailored to your individual needs and annual HR-development meetings for concrete prospects and potential development

• Job with prospects / permanent:

  The position, which is initially limited, offers the opportunity to become a permanent position

Excellence in research thrives on diverse perspectives and experiences. We stand for a respectful and open culture. We promote equal opportunities, remove barriers, and welcome applications from people across all dimensions of diversity. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities.

Please ensure that your complete application (cover letter, CV, certificates, and references) is uploaded as a single PDF document. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

For further questions regarding the position, please contact Astrid Seidel and Prof. Dr. Dr. Breteler at population-research@dzne.de