Job description
We are looking for a results-oriented postdoctoral researcher to accelerate our strategic partnership with ING and drive innovation at the intersection of banking and Large Language Models (LLMs). The role focuses on designing, validating, and operationalizing next-generation LLM solutions that enable ING to streamline core processes, strengthen compliance, and scale agent-based AI systems.
The position potentially targets at one of the following three high-impact research streams:
Quality assurance and confidence scoring for LLM outputs
Generative AI models such as LLMs can produce responses with inconsistent accuracy, creating a growing need for systematic validation and performance assessment. At ING, large document flows and multiple RAG-based initiatives call for robust mechanisms to evaluate model outputs. You will work with ING Analytics to design and test methodologies that quantify confidence levels in LLM responses, supporting transparent and reliable decision-making across the bank.
Domain-specific language models for compliance-driven processes
ING aims to tailor language models to its KYC and mortgage domains, where precise understanding of internal documents, policies, and regulatory frameworks is essential. A key component of this research is developing structured, LLM-readable document representations that enhance accuracy, facilitate automation, and improve interoperability across different model types used within the organization.
Context-engineering automation for agentic AI
As ING scales up its agentic AI capabilities, the manual design of context, i.e., how AI agents collect, structure, and prioritize information, remains a major bottleneck. You will explore methods to partially automate context engineering, enabling faster development cycles, stronger scalability, and more autonomous, high-fidelity multi-agent systems within operational banking environments.
This postdoctoral role offers a unique opportunity to shape the next wave of AI-driven financial technologies in close collaboration with a leading global bank.
The ING Analytics department
This research will be performaned in collaboration with ING Bank. More specifically, with the ING Analytics (INGA) team. This team consists of data scientists, data engineers, software developers and many more, that are focused on bringing data, machine learning and statistical modeling into the products that we build for our clients or internal users. The data scientists in INGA furthermore have a strong desire to keep up with and be part of the latest developments in the fields of AI, tooling and statistics. Which they do by working closely together with interns on a variety of topics to solve academic yet practical problems. The INGA team has extensive experience with researchers. You will collaborate with subject matter experts and (senior) data scientists to perform the proposed applied research.
Your profile
We are looking for a proactive, impact-oriented postdoctoral researcher who thrives in interdisciplinary environments and has a clear drive to bridge academic research with real-world applications. We list the following key qualifications:
- PhD degree in Natural Language Processing, Language Models, Information Retrieval, Deep Neural Networks, Computer Science, or related discipline;
- Proven affinity and/or experience with LLMs;
- Willing to work both at the premises of ING (Amsterdam) and the University of Twente (Enschede);
- A good team spirit and feel at home in an interdisciplinary environment;
- Practical mindset with the ability to translate academic insights into pilot projects, demonstrators, and industry collaborations;
- Able to do independent research and willing to develop writing and publication skills;
- Exhibit a strong passion and possess outstanding skills in algorithmic design;
- Possess good communication skills and an excellent command of English.
Our offer
We encourage high responsibility and independence while collaborating with colleagues, researchers, other university staff and partners. We follow the terms of employment by the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO).
- Our offer contains 1-year researcher position, with the prospect of an extension with 2 additional years.
- The starting salary, depending on your experience, ranges between € 3546 to € 5.538 gross per month (in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities), based on the job profile of a researcher.
- In addition, the University of Twente offers additional attractive employment conditions (8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, solid pension scheme, sabbatical leave, professional and personal development programs, etc.).
Information and application
Are you interested in being part of our team? Please submit your application before January 1, 2026 and include the following:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for this position;
- A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references;
- An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).
Additional information can be acquired via email from Martijn Mes (m.r.k.mes@utwente.nl). Please do not send applications to these email addresses.
About the department
The HBE department is dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive working culture. Our aim is that all job applicants are given equal opportunities. When we select candidates for employment, it will be on the basis of their competence and ability. To support workforce diversity, we are open to offering flexible working conditions on an individual basis to support work-life balance, which may include a contract of employment, working hours and location, or childcare arrangements.
About the organisation
At the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS), we unite the worlds of people and technology to address today’s complex societal challenges. We are passionate about understanding human behaviour, fostering responsible innovation, and designing solutions that create societal value. Our educational programmes span disciplines such as Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Educational Sciences, and Health Sciences. Through our bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Professional Learning & Development programmes, and interdisciplinary research themes – including Emerging Technologies & Societal Transformations, Resilience, Smart Industry, Learning, and Health – we empower students and researchers to make a positive societal impact.
At BMS, we combine critical thinking with practical action. From advancing sustainable mobility with innovations like the world’s most efficient hydrogen car to shaping policies that promote digital inclusion, our work contributes to a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future. Whether it’s exploring how technology influences human behaviour or leveraging data and innovation to transform industries and communities, we ensure that technology serves people – and not the other way around.
As an employer, BMS offers a vibrant, inclusive, and entrepreneurial environment where you can thrive personally and professionally. Join us and become part of a forward-thinking community that equips you to shape the future – for yourself and society. With us, you will become part of a leading technical university with increasing, positive social impact.
