Researcher in Knowledge Graphs (KTS-81)

Köln

Part-time

Temporary

GESIS – Leibniz-Institute for the Social Sciences is an internationally active research institute, funded by federal and state governments and member of the Leibniz Association.

Starting on 1. October 2026 our Department Knowledge Technologies for the Social Sciences (KTS), Team Information Extraction & Linking located in Cologne is looking for a

Researcher in Knowledge Graphs
(Salary group 13 TV-L, working time 75%, limited for 2 years, subject to approval)

The department Knowledge Technologies for Social Sciences (KTS) conducts research at the intersection of information retrieval, natural language processing, semantic technologies and human information interaction as foundation for innovative web portals and platforms for the search and use of research data like the GESIS Knowledge Graph among others.

In the KGI4NFDI basic service, we aim to support the creation, discovery, connection, and use of knowledge graphs within the NFDI ecosystem, EOSC, and beyond. This service addresses the increasing demand for knowledge graph deployment, a central knowledge graph hub, interoperability, and community engagement. In this context, we are seeking a motivated researcher to work on the software development of research infrastructures.

Your tasks will be:

Design, implement and evaluate an infrastructure for a knowledge graph registration service, including software testing and quality assurance workflows
Evaluate web-based interfaces for querying knowledge graphs based on open Large Language Models to increase accessibility
Support stakeholders in the construction and publication of knowledge graphs
Dissemination of project results through publications and workshops

Your profile:

Very good university degree (master's/diploma or equivalent) in computer science, data science, or a related field
Proven experience in semantic web, knowledge graphs, RDF, and metadata standards
Very good experience in designing and implementing web-based APIs, software development with Python, triple store and search engine technologies, software testing and quality assurance
Very good knowledge of English, good verbal and written communication skills in German desirable

Our Benefits:

A growing, international work environment with access to unique datasets
Excellent career opportunities in software development and data engineering
Flexible working hours and regulations for mobile working
Very good conditions for reconciling work and family life, e.g. subsidies for childcare for children who have not yet attained the age of compulsory schooling
Holistic company health management and discounted participation in the university's sports programme
Generous support for your pension provision as a direct insurance policy
Promotion of your skills through further training measures

Contact

For further information concerning the tasks please contact Dr. Benjamin Zapilko via phone +49 221 47694 515 or via E-Mail (Benjamin.Zapilko@gesis.org). If you have questions about the application process, please contact Franca Tosetti via E-Mail (franca.tosetti@gesis.org).

Interested?

Please apply via our Online-application portal until 17.06.2026.
Our reference number is: KTS-81

About us

GESIS is one of the world's leading social science infrastructure facilities, supporting researchers at all levels of their research projects with expertise and infrastructure services. We help ensure that socially relevant questions can be answered based on reliable data, the latest scientific methods and research information. We help with study planning and data collection, provide high-quality research data, support with data preparation and analysis, and finally with data archiving.
GESIS helps you gain further qualifications. We offer our employees a wide range of career opportunities in an appealing work environment with a high degree of personal responsibility and creative freedom. With us, you will work in an international environment in the heart of Mannheim and Cologne and benefit from a flexible work environment as well as internal and external networks.
GESIS ensures compliance with the guidelines for the severely disabled and promotes professional equality between women and men.
Full-time positions can also be filled on a part-time basis.
As a family-friendly employer, we have been certified by the “berufundfamilie” audit since 2010.
Further information on working at GESIS can be found here.