The German Climate Computing Centre (DKRZ) is the central simulation and data processing facility for the German climate and Earth system modelling community and one of the leading institutions in this field worldwide. DKRZ not only operates supercomputers of the highest performance class and one of the largest data and archive systems, but also participates in many national and international projects aimed at improving the software and infrastructure for climate modelling. Here we are offering a position as
Research Software Engineer (all genders)
HPC Code Performance Optimisation
Your tasks
DKRZ plays a significant role in a number of projects with the aim of advancing Earth System Modelling (ESM). This facilitates the advancement of scientific knowledge in the fields of Earth system modelling and climate research. In the context of the current development of digital twins of the Earth, it is necessary to adapt increasingly complex models and corresponding software to the most powerful HPC systems in Europe and ensure that those codes run stable and efficiently.
As a member of the team of Research Software Engineers (RSEs), you will collaborate with Earth System scientists to overcome technical challenges in high-performance computing (HPC) and software development. Your responsibilities will include further developing, testing and optimising existing coupled Earth System models. This will allow them to be extended with new components (e.g. ice sheet models) without compromising the efficient execution time. This is a key challenge, given the need to use resources effectively on current and future HPC systems. For this position, we are looking for candidates who are interested in the interdisciplinary implementation of Earth System models and who want to apply their programming skills to new challenges.
Qualifications / Experiences
- Academic degree in computer science, applied mathematics, computational physics/engineering or related fields with a focus on scientific computing
- Strong interest in and experience with HPC-systems and parallel programming with MPI/OpenMP
- Knowledge of programming with C/C++ and/or Fortran under UNIX/LINUX and scripting languages
- Experience in the use and programming of GPU systems for scientific applications is an advantage
- Experience in algorithms, data structures and design of scientific software is welcome
- Very good communication skills and knowledge of English
Employment conditions
We offer opportunities to work in interdisciplinary teams and have excellent connections to national and international research networks. In addition to specific implementation and support requirements from our users and project partners, your work will be characterised by the freedom to work creatively at the interface between applied computer science and the development of scientific applications. Attendance at international conferences, project meetings and hackathons facilitate further training and the presentation of your own results.
Our company is headquartered in Hamburg, but we are committed to creating a flexible working environment. We offer a remote working option, with the possibility of working from home up to 100% within Germany. Remuneration will be based on the candidate's qualifications according to TVöD-Bund. The ideal commencement date would be September 2026, although this is flexible and can be discussed on an individual basis. The position is funded by a third-party project, with a limited initial timeframe until the end of 2028.
Interested applicants are requested to compile a single pdf document containing a cover letter, a detailed CV and any additional documents (e.g. professional references). Applications must be submitted via the portal https://dkrz.softgarden.io/en/vacancies
Application deadline: Open until filled. Priority will be given to applications received by 23 August 2026
Questions? Dr. Hendryk Bockelmann ([email protected]) will be happy to answer them in advance.
