At the Faculty of Computer Science, within the Institute for Technical and Business Information Systems, Research Group “Data & Knowledge Engineering” a position is available as:

Research Associate (m/f/d) “Integrity and Fake in Science” (Research project “FASCIFFT”)X

Salary scale: 13 TV-L

Date commencing: As soon as possible

Fixed term (until): 31.12.2027

Contract status: up to 60 %

We are a university with a focus on engineering and natural sciences as well as economics, human sciences and medicine. We offer excellent study and working conditions to 13,000 students from Germany and abroad as well as approx. 3,000 employees.

Otto von Guericke University is characterized by a high degree of interdisciplinarity and networking from regional to global levels and has a strong interest in ensuring scientific integrity. Criminal scientific agencies (so-called “paper mills”) are flooding the scientific literature with fake publications (FPs), which is an increasing cause for concern. As part of a joint research project (FASCIFFT 2) we investigate the mechanisms of paper mills and develop technology to detect fake publications. In cooperation with global networks of stakeholders, a catalog of measures will be developed to curb these activities. The project also serves as a focal point for central OVGU institutions to further develop education and training in “research integrity".

Job description:

• Support in identifying and communicating with potential academic partners (universities, research institutions, publishers), as well as coordinating collaborations and data access agreements.
• Contribute to joint research proposals, literature reviews, and scientific publications.
• Monitor and document the progress of ongoing partnerships and collaborations.
• Prepare reports, summaries, and presentations for non-technical audiences (e.g., editors, university administration, policymakers).
• Support external communication (newsletters, social media, website), participate in conferences and events, and serve as a contact point for external inquiries.

Requirements profile:

• Completed scientific university education (Diploma/Master's) in Computer Science, Information Science, Data Science, or Communication Science.
• Solid knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and programming fundamentals (preferably Python).
• Very good written and spoken English skills.
• Proven ability to communicate professionally with partners or stakeholders (in academic, institutional, or industrial environments).
• Detail-oriented working style with strong organizational and time management skills.

Your benefits:

• Opportunity to pursue a PhD is supported and encouraged.
• Opportunity to help shape research projects and communicate with international partners in networks on the highly relevant topic of “integrity in scientific publishing”.

For further information about the position, please contact Prof. Bernhard Sabel (E-Mail: bernhard.sabel(at)med.ovgu.de) or Prof. Andreas Nürnberger (andreas.nuernberger(at)ovgu.de).

You will benefit from our structures and offerings in the fields of sustainability, diversity, family support and staff development. Our location in the center of a thriving, lively and family-friendly state capital guarantees a high quality of life and a wide range of leisure activities. For more information, please visit www.ovgu.de/en/karriere or www.dke.ovgu.de.

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is a signatory of the German Diversity Charter. We welcome your application, regardless of gender, cultural and social background, age or sexual orientation. Applications from severely disabled people or people with an equivalent impairment will be given priority in the case of equal suitability, ability and professional expertise. Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg strongly promotes gender equality in all professional areas.

Please note the information for storage of personal data: https://www.ovgu.de/unimagdeburg/en/data_protection-p-66790.html

Please send your complete application (motivation letter, curriculum vitae, graduation certificates, references) by June 15st, 2026 using the online application portal.