people in a lab
Berlin-Buch

Head of Scientific Computing (m/f/d)

The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association aims to transform tomorrow’s medicine through our discoveries of today. At locations in Berlin-Buch, Berlin-Mitte, Heidelberg and Mannheim, our researchers harness interdisciplinary collaboration to decipher the complexities of disease at the systems level – from molecules and cells to organs and the entire organism. Through academic, clinical, and industry partnerships, as well as global networks, we strive to translate biological discoveries into applications that enable the early detection of deviations from health, personalize treatment, and ultimately prevent disease. First founded in 1992, the Max Delbrück Center today inspires and nurtures a diverse talent pool of 1,800 people from over 70 countries. We are 90 percent funded by the German federal government and 10 percent by the state of Berlin.

The Max Delbrück Center is renowned for transformative discoveries in molecular medicine, harnessing interdisciplinary collaboration to decipher the complexities of disease at the systems level. Frontier HPC and RSE are pivotal to addressing our fundamental biomedical challenges, where our collective goal is to uncover molecular and cellular processes that drive disease and to develop innovative strategies for early and precise diagnosis, disease prevention, and effective treatment.

The Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) invites applications for the Lead of the Scientific Computing Technology Platform.

Job Description

With an academic track record in computational sciences and strong experience in interdisciplinary collaboration, you catalyze data-driven biomedical research at the MDC. Leading a team of HPC systems engineers and research software engineers, you ensure ready-to-use state-of-the-art HPC infrastructure and user support for a diverse community of researchers, from applied scientists with little technical background to expert data scientists; Tightly collaborating with scientific groups and technology platforms, you identify synergistic needs in HPC and RSE and devise respective sustainable solutions.

Requirements

  • strong academic background in computational sciences or a related field
  • proven experience in interdisciplinary collaboration
  • demonstrated leadership experience, ideally in managing HPC and/or RSE teams
  • strategic mindset with the ability to develop and evolve complex technical infrastructures
  • strong commitment to enabling data-driven biomedical research

We offer

  • international working environment with communication in English and German
  • interesting career opportunities and a range of opportunities for further qualification and training
  • Compatibility of family and career certified by the workandfamily audit (“berufundfamilie audit”)
  • Support for "New Berliners" through the MDC Welcome & Family Office

We offer a highly collaborative and vibrant scientific community; Modern HPC infrastructure, including HAICORE.berlin, run by a dedicated team of systems engineers; E15 TVöD/Bund salary; Two additional RSE staff positions for software engineers; A unique opportunity to shape the computational future of biomedical research.

Please get in touch with any questions

Karsten Häcker
Corporate IT
Karsten.Haecker@mdc-berlin.de

Facts & figures

Workplace
MDC Berlin-Buch
Salary
Remuneration will be according to the TVöD Bund, depending on the personal requirements, up to the fee group E15.
Desired starting date
July 01, 2026
Limitation
Permanent
Team
Corporate IT
Application Period
May 17, 2026
Employment volume
Full Time
Apply now

Apply now

Applications must be submitted through the web-based application portal by May 10, 2026. Please include the following documents in a single PDF file (maximum size: 8 MB):

  1. A complete CV.
  2. A list of publications.
  3. Names and contact information for three referees.
  4. An outline of past and current work (approximately 500 words).
  5. A plan for leading Scientific Computing at the MDC (approximately 1000 words).
For informal inquiries about the MDC or the application process, please contact Karsten Häcker at Karsten.Haecker@mdc-berlin.de.

If you have a foreign degree, please submit proof of the recognition of your Master's degree in Germany with your application. The proof can be determined via the anabin database and can be submitted as a PDF attachment to the application. Further information can be found at Recognition of Degrees and Achievments.

For information on fair mobility, click here: https://www.fair-labour-mobility.eu/.
Apply now

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Excellence in science and innovation depends on a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment. At the Max Delbrück Center, we are committed to creating such a space — one where individuals from all backgrounds can grow scientifically, professionally, and personally. As a values-driven research institute, we recognize that diversity of thought, experience, and identity is essential to our mission: advancing biomedical research to transform tomorrow’s medicine. We foster a culture of curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and shared responsibility for equity and openness. We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences, especially those who bring new perspectives and a collaborative spirit to our international team. Applicants are considered based on qualifications and experience, free from discrimination. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with disabilities and will ensure appropriate support is provided.