Research Assistant in Knowledge Organisation

Job Description:

ZBW – Leibniz Information Centre for Economics is a research-based information infrastructure for economics and a member of the Leibniz Association. The institution is one of the largest of its kind in the world and accommodates more than 4 million media units. It also provides access to millions of digital full texts. ZBW is scientifically affiliated to the University of Kiel, Christian Albrecht University (CAU), and conducts its own application-oriented research in computer science and information science, with a focus on open science.

We are looking for you to join our A1 – Scientific Services department at our Hamburg or Kiel location, starting January 1, 2027, as a

Research Assistant in Knowledge Organisation

Remuneration is based on the public sector pay scale at grade EG 13 TV-L. The contract will be initially for a period of two years in accordance with § 14 Abs. 2 Teilzeit- und Befristungsgesetz (TzBfG) with the option of extension. This is a full-time position 38.7 hours per week. The starting date is January 1, 2027.

Your tasks …

• Conceptual and technical development of the existing knowledge organisation system
• Modelling and processing of knowledge bases for generative AI applications
• Data cleaning, transformation, and modelling
• Development of scripts and prototypes for semantic enrichment, data conversion and integration into library processes
• Migrating a knowledge organisation system to a new management system

Your profile …

essential:

• A completed university degree, i.e. a master’s degree or diploma in (Business or Library) Informatics, Computational Linguistics, Information Science, or a related technical discipline
• A basic understanding of data models, metadata, and semantic interoperability
• Good knowledge of the Python programming language
• A basic understanding of machine learning and hybrid approaches such as Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)
• Ability to work independently and think analytically
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Good written and spoken English

desirable:

• Several years’ professional experience in the field of (business or library) informatics, computational linguistics, or information science
• Knowledge of semantic technologies or concepts in computational linguistics (natural language processing)
• Experience with thesaurus management software
• A basic understanding of library processes and knowledge organization systems (e.g. thesauri, ontologies)
• Practical experience in the areas of knowledge graphs and NoSQL databases
• Good written and spoken German

We offer …

• challenging and varied tasks in a dynamic environment where teamwork, transparency, innovation, and learning are essential
• the public sector pension plan (VBL)
• an attractive workplace, initially at Hamburg's Binnenalster and, from the first half of 2027, in Hamburg's university district – alternatively at our location on the Kiel Fjord – as part of a dedicated and friendly team
• part-time work is possible
• workplace wellness programs and corporate fitness
• subsidised public transportation pass
• equal opportunity and family-friendly policies

You are expected to be willing to work occasional day shifts at the other location and to travel for work, as well as to engage in ongoing professional development.

Are you interested in joining the A1 – Scientific Services team?

Apply online now (ID-Nr. A1-03).

For further information please contact Agnes Grützner (a.gruetzner[at]zbw.eu).

The foundation aims to increase the proportion of women in its staff and encourages suitably qualified women to apply. Female candidates will be given priority in the case of equal suitability, competence and professional performance.

Diversity is a core value of our organization. We welcome applications regardless of nationality, ethnicity, social background, religion or philosophy, age, sexual orientation, and identity.

The ZBW has an equal opportunities policy for persons with recognized disabilities. Disabled persons with the necessary qualifications will therefore be given priority.

Please submit your application with the relevant documents online until September 16, 2026. Please do not submit a photo with your application.

We look forward to meeting you!

Apply online