Research funding & knowledge management
Taking innovation to new heights: apply your expertise to missions, research and funding programmes
The future requires innovation. It needs investment. It calls for dedicated individuals capable of bridging the gap between the two to advance research and education, society and the environment, as well as aeronautics and space within Germany, in Europe and across the world. Moreover, it requires individuals capable of successfully carrying out Germany's activities in the space sector.
What can you contribute?
Are you ready? Analyse and support meaningful, innovative projects as a scientific officer. Join our team in carrying out sovereign tasks in the space sector on behalf of the Federal Government. Apply your skills to future-oriented research and funding initiatives supported by federal and state governments, international organisations, academia and businesses.
What you bring with you:
expertise, organisational talent, communication skills and the motivation to lead meaningful projects to bring meaningful projects to a successful conclusion
DLR provides the perfect setting for this: at the DLR Projektträger, the German Space Agency at DLR or the Project Management Agency for Aviation Research, you will find numerous exciting and meaningful jobs. Here, you will have access to extensive resources to design, manage and drive socially relevant projects.
Whether you have recently graduated or already boast several years of professional experience, your passion and dedication are paramount to us. Your expertise shapes the viability and financing of project plans, research projects and innovative ideas. You may also contribute to the evolution and governance of the national space programme or advocate for national interests within space-related international entities, notably the European Space Agency (ESA).
Home office and mobile working?
Yes, depending on the activity and agreement, up to 80% is possible.
As a scientific officer, you will be involved in the implementation of the German space strategy and liaising with representatives of academia, government and industry, both at national and international level. Alternatively, you will evaluate innovation projects, examine applications, assess their potential and eligibility for funding and then accompany the projects on their way to marketable products, processes or services.
Help us shape the future! Yours and ours.
Shaping innovation, managing innovations.
Just like Matthias Schott, who oversees scientific and technical research initiatives focusing on aircraft systems at the Project Management Agency for Aviation Research. The outcomes are instrumental in making aviation more climate-friendly, efficient and safe. For Matthias, these results represent the pinnacle of his work: "It's particularly gratifying when I witness them first-hand, vibrant and in action, during on-site reviews or concluding meetings, and, if feasible, get hands-on experience myself. Additionally, factory and institute tours during visits to project partners are another highlight."
292 million euros
budget 2022 of the German Space Agency at DLR for the BMWK's National Programme for Space and Innovation
1.035 million euros
Germany’s ESA budget 2022 managed by the German Space Agency at DLR and based on funding from BMWK, BMVI and BMVg
> 2 billion euros
funding managed by the DLR Projektträger in 2023
250 million euros
funding volume 2022 at the Project Management Agency for Aviation Research
Sites German Space Agency
Sites DLR Projektträger
- Bonn (with offices in Brussels, Düsseldorf and Dresden)
- Berlin
Site Project Management Agency for Aviation Research
What’s in store for you at DLR?
- Varied projects with social relevance
- Collaboration with national and international clients from government, industry and research
- An extensive training programme
- Structured onboarding within the mentoring system
- A modern working environment with an open and motivating atmosphere
- Flexible, hybrid working concepts including home office and remote working
- Family-friendly working conditions with a good work-life balance
- Crisis-resistant workplace
- Company health management
- Convenient location and underground car park with electric charging stations
- Further benefits such as a job ticket
We offer many exceptional projects for engineers in Research Promotion & Knowledge Management. Care for some examples?
- Participation in strategic project planning and the further development of aeronautics research programmes and national aeronautics strategies of the federal government and the federal states in cooperation with the BMWK and the respective ministries of the federal states
- Monitoring, analysing and evaluating technological developments in the federal and state funding programmes as well as in European aeronautics research programmes
- Technical and project-related support for experiments selected as part of the flight programmes (parabolic flight, ISS, etc.)
- Analysing, evaluating and developing positions on EU research policy with regard to German space interests
- Analysing and evaluating the national and international space environment regarding new findings and procedures
Take a look around: We offer an extremely wide range of programmes!
Social sciences & humanities
Our experts from the social sciences and humanities supervise numerous projects in the fields of health, education, gender, European and international cooperation, society, innovation, technology or environment and sustainability. Among other things, they:
- Design and implement project funding in the field of digital education
- Focus on global mega topics such as inclusion, migration, integration, digitalisation, diversity and educational opportunities
- Improve equal opportunities for women and girls in education and research
- Strengthen cross-border cooperation in research, education and innovation with more than 100 countries, the European Commission and international organisations
- Promote the transformation to a sustainable way of life and economy
- Further develop the medical care system
Take a look around: our funding projects span a wide spectrum.
Natural sciences & mathematics
Experts in natural sciences and mathematics not only benefit from excellent working conditions with us but also encounter unique tasks, such as:
- Tracking and evaluating European development and operational programmes for selected Copernicus services and applications
- Representing the NKS (nationale Kontaktstelle – national contact point space) in national committees for the EU Research Framework Programme
- Formulating, developing and testing processes, methods and procedures for space surveillance
- Analysing innovations in health research concerning ethical, legal and social dimensions
- Shaping sustainable social change through funding initiatives for climate and nature conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainable urban and land management
- Analysing and supporting digitalisation in industry, SMEs and society
Explore: highly exciting projects are waiting for you!
We also offer challenging tasks for computer scientists in the field of research funding and knowledge management. A list of possible tasks:
- Addressing future topics in the field of artificial intelligence (AI)
- Advancing the development and application of key technologies (including artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing, quantum technologies)
- Strengthen computer game development in Germany
- Develop and modify project-related IT solutions according to customer requirements and plan and manage IT projects
- Ensure the smooth operation of IT services
Explore our vacancies: do any of them match your skills?
