The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Berlin (Dept. III, Artefacts, Action, and Knowledge, Director: Prof. Dagmar Schäfer), seeks an outstanding professional for the position of

Full-stack Developer—GIS

(Full Time, TVöD E13/14). The position will be for 14 months, with possibility of extension.

 Starting date: as soon as possible, but no later than April 1, 2018.

The successful candidate will work as part of the Asia Network team in Dept. III to design and implement a web GIS platform with geo-visualization and analysis capabilities, as well as publication of historical maps and GIS datasets. Asia Network is a digital infrastructure project that aims to link East Asian language sources and digital research tools in a loosely coupled software architecture using technologies like Java, Ruby on Rails, and PostgreSQL. This web GIS platform will be connected to Asia Network via protected APIs. The successful candidate will work closely with Asia Network’s project manager and IT architect, as well as Dept. III’s digital content curator.
 
Skills and Requirements

• Familiarity with existing web GIS platforms, especially open-source ones (e.g., GeoServer)
• Experience in all phases of software development, including testing, optimization, and documentation
• Experience in developing full-stack, rich client, API-based web applications
• Experience or interest in enhancing UI/UX and performance of web GIS platforms
• Knowledge of best practices in software development methodology (e.g., unit testing, production code cleanliness, reproducibility)
• Interest in open-source software development and open-access research principles
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English
• Enthusiasm for learning new technologies and developing new skills independently

Additional Qualifications (Optional)

• Experience in historical GIS, spatial humanities, geocomputation, and/or digital humanities research
• Experience with cutting-edge geo-visualization, geospatial analysis, and data science techniques
• Experience working in international collaborative projects among European, North American, and East Asian institutions
• Knowledge of RDF and Linked Open Data
• Proficiency in German
• Proficiency in East Asian languages, especially Chinese

Further specifications are available upon request. Please contact Asia Network’s project manager Sean Wang.
 
Applications are welcome from advanced graduate students, as well as ABD (all but dissertation), in geography, computer science, or related disciplines.
 
Interested candidates are requested to submit their applications online using the following link: https://recruitment.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/position/10649600.
Only electronic applications will be accepted.
 
Your application should contain: cover letter, resume/CV, a portfolio of selected works to demonstrate the candidate’s capability in web application development, publication list, and names and emails of three referees.
 
The submission deadline will be February 1, 2018 (23:59 CET). Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks after the deadline. Interviews will be scheduled in February 2018. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
 
Candidates of all nationalities are invited to apply; applications from women are especially welcome. The Max Planck Society is committed to promoting handicapped individuals and encourages them to apply.

 
Max Planck Institute for the History of Science

Boltzmannstraße 22

14195 Berlin