RDM Facilitator Bioimaging Community Services (I3D:bio) (m/f/d)

German BioImaging Society for Microscopy and Image Analysis e.V. (GerBI) is the central network of the bioimaging community in Germany. We connect and represent a collaborative, sharing, and inclusive imaging community. We empower this community to work efficiently, effectively, and sustainably. We live open science and innovate towards open standards. Through imaging science, we help society see why science matters.

We are looking for a hands-on, community-oriented RDM Facilitator to join our CORE and RSE units and play a central role in the DFG-funded project "Information Infrastructure for BioImage Data" (I3D:bio, 2nd funding phase). I3D:bio drives the adoption of FAIR research data management practices in the German bioimaging community, with a focus on the open-source platform OMERO. Learn more at www.i3dbio.de.

In this role, you will help researchers, core facilities, and institutions make bioimaging data management work in practice, through coaching, training, workshops, and hands-on support. At the same time, you will be instrumental in building a sustainable OMERO Services Portfolio within GerBI that will ensure these services continue long after the project funding ends.

Enabling RDM in the bioimaging community (~20%) together with the I3D:bio coordinator position at DKFZ

• Coordinate sustainability-focused activities and discussions across I3D:bio partner institutions

• Foster national and international community exchange with partners such as NFDI4BIOIMAGE, Euro-BioImaging, and QUAREP-LiMi (with focus on the sustainable OMERO services portfolio)

• Represent GerBI and I3D:bio at conferences and events, and support dissemination of project results (with focus on the sustainable OMERO services portfolio)

Building a sustainable OMERO Services Portfolio (~80%)

• Develop and test a sustainable service and cost model for OMERO deployment support, aiming to secure long-term funding for at least one permanent GerBI position beyond the project period

• Define and deliver the service offering based on community needs: coaching sessions, deployment support, training courses, lectures, and programming services

• Build partnerships with universities and research institutions to establish framework agreements and cost recovery models based on full-cost accounting

• Pilot services with GerBI members, gather feedback, assess willingness to pay, and iteratively refine the portfolio

• Support grant writing to help institutions integrate OMERO and RDM support into their funding proposals

• Maintain I3D:bio's OMERO training and demonstrator instances hosted by GerBI

• Contribute to open educational resources and training materials for OMERO and FAIR bioimaging data management

• Evaluate how the I3D:bio OMERO Services Portfolio can integrate into the NFDI4BIOIMAGE service portfolio

• Doctorate in biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, or a related life science discipline - or equivalent experience if youve taken a different path or achieved something exceptional.

• Knowledge of bioimaging methods, especially microscopy; experience with OMERO, research data management, metadata standards, or image data formats is a strong plus

• A collaborative spirit and willingness to contribute to the open-source community, e.g. through sharing scripts, workflows, or training materials

• Entrepreneurial mindset: excited about building a service from scratch, engaging stakeholders, and iterating on what works

• Experience in, or enthusiasm for, training, coaching, or scientific consulting

• Self-driven, communicative, and well-organized with the ability to work independently in a remote setting, proactively build connections, and keep projects moving forward.

• Excellent spoken and written English; good command of German (=B2) highly desirable

• Digital fluency and comfort with collaborative online tools

• Based in Germany

• A unique role at the heart of Germany's bioimaging community, with direct connections to leading national and international research infrastructure initiatives

• The opportunity to build something lasting: you will shape a service portfolio designed to sustain this position permanently beyond project funding

• A flexible, fully remote working environment, our team members work from Aachen, Wiesbaden, Heidelberg, and Dresden (and in the UK)

• A genuinely collaborative team: despite working fully remotely, we stay closely connected through open communication, a well-structured team culture, and a shared commitment to getting things done together - efficiently and enjoyably

• Diverse, meaningful work: from hands-on OMERO coaching to strategic partnership building

• Family-friendly working conditions with flexible hours and the option to work part-time.

• Room to grow: as the services portfolio matures, this role is designed to evolve into a permanent position within GerBI
• Compensation in line with TVöD salary scales (level 13) 

This is a 100% position (part-time arrangements are explicitly welcome), fully remote, based in Germany, funded for 36 months, with a core project objective of transitioning this role into a permanent GerBI position. 

Application Deadline: 30.10.2026

We look forward to hearing from you!

Host Organization: German BioImaging Society for Microscopy and Image Analysis e.V. (GerBI)
Funder: German Research Foundation (DFG)
Duration: 36 months | Earliest Start: [as agreed]
Position: 100 % (part-time welcome) | Salary: according to TVöD level E13
Location: Fully remote, based in Germany

GerBI is seeking an RDM Facilitator for the DFG-funded project "Information Infrastructure for BioImage Data" (I3D:bio). The project supports Germany's bioimaging community in implementing FAIR research data management in practice with a focus on the open-source platform OMERO.

You will empower researchers, core facilities, and institutions to manage bioimaging data sustainably and in compliance with standards through coaching, training, and technical support. Simultaneously, you will develop a sustainable business model for OMERO services that anchors this position permanently at GerBI beyond project funding.

A self-directed, community-oriented professional with a scientific background (doctorate in life sciences or equivalent) and ideally experience with bioimaging, OMERO, or research data management. You enjoy training and scientific consulting, bring an entrepreneurial mindset for service development, and can communicate complex technical content to diverse audiences. Networking, open communication, and commitment to open science are essential.

Fluent English (written and spoken) required; good German (B2+) highly desirable.

Application Deadline: 30 October 2026