General information
The Knowledge and Research Services (KRS) department is the heart of academic and research support, serving a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. KRS encompasses three key units: the Library, the Research Data Center, and the Digital Research Support team. Together, these units provide access to essential resources, cutting-edge tools, and expert guidance to foster innovation, learning, and impactful research.
This position is initially a one-year fixed-term contract with the potential to become extended or permanent.
Your mission
Are you passionate about data, AI, and ML and eager to make an impact? As a Research Data and Machine Learning Specialist, you will lead innovative projects that empower students, staff, and faculty with cutting-edge tools and skills. This role combines technical expertise, creativity, and collaboration to develop data-driven solutions and shape the future of research services. Whether you have experience in the academic field or are new to it, this is your opportunity to explore, learn, and grow in a supportive, dynamic environment.
Responsibilities:
Lead Data and AI Services and Projects:
- Take ownership of KRS in-house data and AI initiatives, working independently to deliver impactful solutions
- Explore emerging trends and identify opportunities to improve the department’s services using innovative tools and approaches.
- Provide technical oversight for the “data-lab” initiative.
- Oversee subscribed data platforms supporting users in navigating and extracting data.
- Develop and maintain ML tools that are user-friendly and aligned with institutional needs.
- Assist with data cleaning, querying, analysis, and API integrations to enable efficient research processes.
- Provide technical solutions to meet evolving data needs.
- Raise awareness and provide support by delivering targeted learning opportunities on data literacy, AI, and machine learning, empowering users with the skills to confidently manage their own data challenges.
Collaborate Across Teams:
- Work with the Library, Research Data Center, and Digital Research Support teams to align data services with institutional priorities.
- Engage in interdisciplinary projects that promote the use of AI and data tools across the organization.
Your profile
- Strong background or a degree in Data Science, Machine Learning, Information Science, Data Librarianship or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, R) and machine learning/AI frameworks.
- Experience working with APIs, including API integration, data retrieval, and automation.
- Familiarity with structured data formats such as (JSON, XML) as well as querying techniques.
- A background in big data, data mining, text mining, and web scraping
- Ability to work independently and take initiative in driving research data projects.
- Strong communication skills.
Nice to have
- Software development background.
- Familiarity with academic data platforms and repositories.
- Experience in research data management, analysis, and support in an academic setting is a plus.
What we offer
- A diverse and international working environment
- An open-minded, supportive, and motivated team
- Opportunities to actively contribute to the school’s development
- Flat hierarchies and fast decision-making processes
- Attractive skill development and training offerings
- Flexible working time models, including home office option
- Exclusive company-sponsored social benefits
- Ecofriendly mobility offers (e.g., JobTicket, JobRad, e-mobility)
- Daycare for children for working parents
- Various fitness and health activities
Contact
For questions please contact:
Dr. Carolin Dunkel
Associate Director KRS
email: carolin.dunkel@whu.edu
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About us
WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management is the leading private business school in Germany and is continuously ranked among the top business schools in Europe. On WHU’s two campuses in Vallendar (near Koblenz) and Düsseldorf, faculty, students, and staff enjoy working in a stimulating international environment. The organizational culture combines an entrepreneurial attitude and international orientation with a strong sense of community and diversity and a high commitment to excellence.
