Scientist (m/f/d) to further develop the ISRaD Radiocarbon database

Scientist Jena

Microbiology & Ecology Earth Sciences and Climate Research

Job Code: 13/2026

Job Offer from November 12, 2026

The Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) in Jena is dedicated to interdisciplinary fundamental research in the field of Earth system sciences with a focus on climate and ecosystems. The internationally renowned institute, which currently employs around 250 people, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. Jena is known for its high-tech industry, internationally renowned research institutions and a modern university, but it also has a beautiful natural setting in the green Saale valley with steep limestone slopes. The city of Jena has an active student scene and a diverse cultural life. We are looking for a Scientist to further develop the ISRaD Radiocarbon database (m/f/d) full-time for 1 year.

Background and position description

The Department of Biogeochemical Processes in the MPI for Biogeochemistry seeks a Scientist (m/f/d) to support efforts to maintain, improve and expand the community-driven International Soil Radiocarbon database (ISRaD). We seek a candidate with sufficient knowledge of radiocarbon nomenclature and its applications to carbon cycling in vegetation and soils to extract information from existing literature and to consult with researchers to preserve previously unpublished datasets. Candidates should have sufficient knowledge of R (or other) programming languages, Markdown authoring, and database management to assist with further development of ISRaD in ways that can streamline data entry and increase its use within the radiocarbon community. The successful candidate(s) will work with the ISRaD community to build useful products for synthesis of available data.

The Department of Biogeochemical Processes has supported the past development of ISRaD and seeks to use this one-year opportunity to further develop the database to preserve and use information on measurements of radiocarbon in soils and other sources of respiration from terrestrial ecosystems.

Your tasks

• Continue development of the ISRaD database through addition of new data, correction of errors
• Implementing further developments to the database in close consultation with the ISRaD Steering Committee – for example, streamlining data input for users or adding new features to facilitate use of existing data
• Updating the ISRaD R package
• Improving the ISRaD website, including co-developing tutorials on interpretation of radiocarbon data in the context of carbon dynamics

Your profile

• Doctoral degree in natural sciences (e.g. geochemistry, geo-ecology, soil science, environmental physics)
• Experience in radiocarbon nomenclature and interpretation of 14C data
• Experience with R (or other) programming language for updating R packages
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a larger team
• Very good written and spoken English is essential
• Knowledge of Git, bash scripting, and website deployment is a plus

Our offer

This is a full-time position to be filled by 01 March 2027, with funding guaranteed for a duration of 12 months. Part-time work is generally possible. The position will be evaluated and graded following the collective agreement according to TVöD Bund; in addition, we will provide a pension plan based on the public service (VBL).

Your application

Are you interested? Please send us your application with cover letter, curriculum vitae as well as names and contact information of two references summarised in a PDF file (max. 10 MB) by November 26, 2026, quoting the reference number 13/2026. by e-mail to Jetzt bewerben or to the

Max-Planck-Institut für Biogeochemie Personalbüro: Kennwort “Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter ISRaD” Hans-Knöll-Straße 10 07745 Jena Germany

We ask that you do not use application folders, but only submit copies, as your documents will be destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations after the application process has been completed. We look forward to receiving your application!