DevOps Engineer

Reference number: 2025-0221

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• German Human Genome-Phenome Archive

“Research for a life without cancer" is our mission at the German Cancer Research Center. We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and look for new cancer prevention strategies. We develop new methods with which tumors can be diagnosed more precisely and cancer patients can be treated more successfully. Every contribution counts – whether in research, administration or infrastructure. This is what makes our daily work so meaningful and exciting.

The German Cancer Research Center is the largest biomedical research institution in Germany. With more than 3,000 employees, we operate an extensive scientific program in the field of cancer research. Since 2020, the DKFZ together with other academic institutions across Germany has been operating the German Human Genome-Phenome Archive (GHGA) as part of the national program for research data infrastructures (NFDI). GHGA acts as a national node within the federated European Genome-Phenome Archive and the European Genomic Data Infrastructure (GDI). Since 2025, GHGA data hubs also act as genome data centers within the German national sequencing program genomDE, making GHGA the largest research data infrastructure dedicated to genome research.  

In order to develop the GHGA software platform into a state-of-the-art infrastructure for the secure exchange of genome data, we are seeking for the next possible date a

Your Tasks

As DevOps Engineer, you will be responsible for managing the GHGA cloud infrastructure, developing and maintaining genomics and health web services following the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) standards, and integrating them with our national and international partners. The role will involve close cooperation with other partners in the GHGA network, as well as international networks and initiatives. 

Your tasks in detail: 

• Design and manage deployments on Kubernetes clusters within our internal cloud infrastructure
• Develop and maintain state-of-the-art/modern FastAPI-based microservices, ensuring automated and reliable deployment using Helm charts
• Integrate API and metadata services for global European biomedical networks
• Learn, follow and contribute to global GA4GH standards like DRS (Data Repository Service), Beacon, LS AAI (Life Sciences Authentication and Authorization Infrastructure), and Crypt4GH
• Collaborate closely with bioinformaticians, developers, data stewards, and international partners to support data sharing and interoperability

We offer the opportunity to help shape one of the most important emerging scientific data infrastructures for the storage and exchange of omics data in Germany. 

Your possibilities: 

• Shape one of Germany’s most important scientific data infrastructures
• Contribute to interdisciplinary efforts, bridging cutting-edge research with clinical applications
• Work with an interdisciplinary team of experts bringing state-of-the-art biomedical research closer to clinics and patients 
• Take part in international organizations such as the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH), the European Genome Phenome Archive (EGA) and ELIXIR shaping the future of genomics across borders 
• Widen your expertise with extensive possibilities of training programs, seminars and conferences 

Your Profile

• Master's degree in computer science, mathematics, physics, bioinformatics, computational biology, or similar background with a focus on bioinformatics or data science, optionally with a PhD; alternatively a BSc or equivalent qualification with complementary years of relevant experience
• Proven experience in DevOps, cloud infrastructure management, and container orchestration with Kubernetes
• Proficiency with Linux systems
• Strong knowledge of IT security certifications and standards
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a collaborative, research-oriented environment
• Strong knowledge of Infrastructure as Code, especially Helm for managing Kubernetes applications
• Experience in (meta)data interoperability standards
• Familiarity with GA4GH standards such as DRS, Beacon, LS AAI, and Crypt4GH
• Experience or interest in microservices design patterns and domain-driven design

The ideal applicant should have demonstrated the ability to work independently. The candidate should have excellent communication skills in English and be able to articulate clearly the technical needs, set clear goals, and work within an interdisciplinary setting, communicating with other partners. 

We Offer

Are you interested?

 Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

 ​Duration: The position is initially limited to 2 years with the possibility of prolongation.

Application Deadline: 09.09.2025

Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.

Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.

 

We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.

Notice: We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.

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