Position Description
We are seeking an experienced, motivated and forward-thinking research data engineer and information systems specialist to join our team and to share activities and responsibilities in the development, testing and integration of tools and services into the ECCCH platform in the context of POLARIS project, https://polaris-eccch.eu/, https://www.echoes-eccch.eu/, GA 101290169, HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-HERITAGE-03. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, deploying tools, and maintaining robust, scalable information systems and automated data pipelines capable of integrating complex, multimodal cultural heritage data (such as text, high-resolution images, 3D assets, audiovisual media, and scientific/physicochemical analytical datasets). Working closely with multidisciplinary international consortia —including librarians, conservators, heritage scientists, curators, and software engineers—the role bridges domain-specific user requirements and open-source cloud architectures. Benefits for the candidate An international, multidisciplinary research environment bridging cutting-edge computer science and cultural heritage preservation. Opportunities to contribute to high-impact open-source cloud-based tools and European digital policy. Key tasks and responsibilities Data architecture and cloud infrastructure: Implement and maintain scalable data storage, indexing, and ingestion systems for multimodal assets (textual corpora, 2D/3D visual or audio media, conservation archives, and metadata) within cloud-native environments. Semantic data modelling and knowledge graphs: Develop, extend, and implement domain ontologies, knowledge graphs and linked open data structures (e.g., CIDOC-CRM family, RDF/OWL) to enable semantic interoperability across distributed repositories. Applied AI and intelligent discovery: Build end-to-end NLP and LLM-powered pipelines-including vector search, and intelligent retrieval- to enable context-aware natural language querying, automated semantic tagging and entity extraction, to enhance discovery across distributed GLAM collections. Tool and interface development: Deploy modular, open-source web applications, REST/GraphQL APIs, and search/exploration interfaces facilitating discovery, semantic cross-referencing, and multi-repository querying. Archival and library co-design: Conduct requirements engineering with curators, archivists, and digital humanists to convert cataloging standards and translate complex archival scenarios into scalable digital workflows. Related Project POLARIS: Empowering Libraries to Lead Co-Creation and Innovation through the European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage, https://polaris-eccch.eu/
Required Qualifications
- Master or higher in Physics, Maths, Computer Science, Digital Humanities, Information Systems or Software Engineering.
- Solid expertise in Semantic Web technologies (RDF, OWL, SPARQL, JSON-LD) and ontology engineering (CIDOC-CRM family, Europeana Data Model, SKOS).
- Strong software development skills in Python, Java; experience with REST/GraphQL APIs and microservices.
- Deep familiarity with library and archival metadata standards (EAD, MARC, MODS, TEI, IIIF) and FAIR data governance (IPR, licensing, GDPR).
- Fluent English; demonstrated ability to communicate technical data architectures to non-technical GLAM professionals and consortia partners.
Desirable Qualifications
- Practical experience implementing LLM pipelines, and vector search engines. (15%)
- Previous experience with team collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, data analysts, and stakeholders, to understand requirements, gather feedback, and implement system enhancements. (10%)
- Skills to deliver tutorials and documentation: Provide tutorials and documentation to users on system functionalities, data workflows, and best practices to ensure effective utilization of information systems. (10%)
Application Procedure
Application Submission
Interested candidates who meet the aforementioned requirements are kindly asked to submit their applications, no later than November 27, 2026, 23:59 local Greece time to the address (hr@iesl.forth.gr), with cc to the Scientific Responsible, Prof. S. Sotiropoulou (sophiaso@iesl.forth.gr).
In order to be considered, the application must include:
Application Form (please download file from the job announcement webpage https://www.iesl.forth.gr/en/jobs-bids/jobs/job-positions)
Detailed curriculum vitae (CV) of the candidate
Scanned Copies of academic titles
Any application received after the deadline will not be considered for the selection