System Administrator (f_m_x) - Automation and Cloud Infrastructure

About the Position

The GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences is one of the world's leading institutions in the field of geosciences. As part of the Helmholtz Association, Germany's largest research organisation, we address global challenges such as natural hazards, climate change, and the sustainable use of resources. Our vision: “Taking the pulse of the Earth to safeguard a habitable planet.”

For section 5.2 eScience-Zentrum (department 5 Geoinformation), we are looking for a:

System Administrator (f_m_x) - Automation and Cloud Infrastructure

Modern scientific research today relies on complex software services and the provision of large amounts of geodata. To ensure these services are stable, scalable, and secure, seamless integration between software development and system operations is required. In this role, you will bridge the gap between the Research Software Engineers (RSE) of the eScience Center, who develop the scientific applications, and the central IT services that take care of basic operations. Through the operational implementation of automation, containerization, and continuous optimization, we will work together to ensure that innovative research results are efficiently and reliably transferred into applications.

Responsibilities

• Ensure technical collaboration between software development and system operations
• Implement and operate our cloud infrastructure
• Support the entire software life cycle through the provision and continuous maintenance of automated deployment and CI/CD pipelines
• Maintain container-based application architectures (e.g., via Docker and Portainer)
• Handle the technical implementation of monitoring and logging architectures
• Provide technical support of open-source systems for providing geodata
• Act as the central technical contact person for the section and assist in setting up workstations
• Conduct technical workshops on the use of the DevOps toolchain

Requirements

• Completed vocational training as an IT specialist in system integration
• Very good knowledge of Linux/Unix system administration and network technology (TCP/IP, HTTP, TLS)
• Experience with relational databases (especially PostgreSQL), particularly concerning administration and data backup
• Practical experience in containerisation (e.g., Docker) and configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible)
• Proficiency in CI/CD concepts and tools (e.g., GitLab CI), as well as version control systems (e.g., Git)
• Proficient in using Python and Bash to implement automation solutions and tooling

Nice to Have

• Demonstrable knowledge of DevOps fundamentals and the operational support of CI/CD pipelines
• Proficiency with container management tools (e.g., Portainer) for the orchestration and monitoring of containerised applications
• Practical knowledge in the technical implementation of monitoring solutions (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, Loki, Gatus)
• Experience in the technical support of geodata infrastructures (SDI/WebGIS, PostGIS) as well as knowledge of OGC standards (WMS, WFS, WMTS, SLD)
• Knowledge of the technical adaptation of web-based backend frameworks (e.g., Django) for the administrative extension of existing domain applications
• Experience working with object storage solutions (e.g., S3)
• Familiarity with agile working methods (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) within development teams
• Skilled in interdisciplinary teamwork in international environments

We Offer

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Public service benefits
• Extensive training opportunities
• Flexible working hours and conditions
• Support with finding a good work-life balance offered by benefit@work
• Institute day-care centre on site
• Working at the Albert Einstein Science Park on the Telegrafenberg in Potsdam
• Workplace within walking distance of Potsdam main train station, or just a short ride on the shuttle bus

About the Company

The GFZ actively promote diversity and equal opportunities. We explicitly welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age, and physical or neurodiverse abilities.

“Diversity in perspectives” is one of GFZ's core values. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. To know more about our Diversity policies, contact the diversity team. If you need more information about our gender equality policies, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer and check our Equal Opportunities Plan & Cascade Model.

We look forward to applications from people who enjoy working in diverse teams, where everyone feels respected and valued and can fully develop their own talents. Applicants with severe disabilities and equalised persons will receive preferential consideration if equally qualified.

Application

Start date: As soon as possible

Fixed-term: 2 years (with option of a permanent contract)

Salary: The position is classed as salary group 9b according to “TVöD Bund”. The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.

Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h/week); The position is generally suitable for part-time work.

Place of work: Potsdam

Have we piqued your interest? If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 29th October 2026. Please use our online application form only.

Required documents: CV and cover letter, certificates/grades

Contact

For further queries regarding the field of activity, please contact Marc Hanisch via email. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.

Recruitment Team:

• Franca Buge, Human Resources, +49 331 6264-28787
• Tina Woydowski-Parzych, Human Resources, +49 331 6264-28787
• Sabine Bacher, Human Resources, +49 331 6264-28787

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Important Technical Note | June 2026

Currently, email addresses associated with domains such as @hotmail.com, @outlook.com, or @live.de may experience occasional delays or restrictions in receiving messages. To ensure smooth communication during the application process, we recommend using an alternative email address and providing an additional contact method (e.g., a phone number).