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The ZEW – Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research in Mannheim, Germany, is one of the leading economic research institutes in Europe. The ZEW is a non-profit organization and works in the field of frontier empirical economic research and high-level policy advice. It is integrated into an extensive national and international network of universities and research institutes. The ZEW is looking to fill the following position in the Research Department "Market Design"

IT Specialist / Software Engineer Fixed-term (12 months) with flexible home office options (f/m/d, 100%)

    About the project:
    As part of the MatchingTools start-up project, ZEW is developing a digital platform to efficiently match supply and demand in early childhood education. The goal is to further develop the existing KitaMatch software architecture and make it scalable and modular for broader use, including in other fields of application.

    What You’ll Do 
    • Build a scalable multi-tenant architecture for the KitaMatch platform 
    • Transform existing components into a modular, service-oriented system
    • Develop core backend features (client management, roles, APIs)
    • Integrate matching algorithms into a flexible architecture
    • Collaborate with research and development partners on technical solutions
    • Identify and apply modern software best practices
    About You 

    Your profile
    • Completed university degree (master's or equivalent) in computer science, software engineering, or a related field
    • You have in-depth PHP knowledge and experience in implementing complex, scalable Laravel-based projects
    • Strong understanding of MVC design patterns and web application architecture
    • Solid understanding of front-end technologies such as JavaScript, HTML5 and CSS3
    • Confident handling of database systems (MySQL/NoSQL) and basic security concepts (e.g., authentication, access control)

    What We Can Offer You
    • A meaningful role in an innovative start-up with real social impact in early childhood education
    • Creative freedom in shaping technical solutions, system architecture, and development processes
    • A collaborative, interdisciplinary team at ZEW Mannheim, combining research excellence with practical innovation
    • Flexible working hours with hybrid work options
    • Opportunities for professional growth, experimentation, and skill development
    • The chance to stay on board beyond the EXIST funding phase and actively shape the start-up’s next growth stage

    IF INTERESTED, we look forward to receiving your application — including a motivation letter and CV (in English or German) — by 31 December 2025, exclusively via the online application form on our website.

    Date 01.12.2025

    Keyword 
    IT-MD_12-25

    Department
    Market Design

    Application end
    31.12.2025

    Contact
    Miriam Charles

    ZEW – Leibniz-Centre for European Research
    L7, 1 · 68161 Mannheim · Germany
    www.zew.de

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    Image ZEW – Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research has been awarded the TOTAL E-QUALITY distinction, recognizing it as an employer particularly committed to promoting equal career opportunities for women and men. Our institute actively supports and includes all employees. We welcome applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation and identity.