Welcome to Maastricht University
The world of data is evolving rapidly and we evolve with it. At Maastricht University (UM), you’ll help shape a future where data from diverse scientific domains comes together to drive real impact. Do you enjoy working at the intersection of technology and research? Here, you’ll have the opportunity to build a scalable data platform that accelerates innovation in plant biotechnology.

We are looking for either a postdoctoral researcher or a highly qualified MSc-level data infrastructure engineer with demonstrable relevant experience in this field.

Data Infrastructure Engineer (PhD or MSc)

Our goal: Build a future-proof data platform that accelerates plant breeding research.
Your colleagues: An interdisciplinary team of data engineers, researchers, and domain experts within the Brightlands Future Farming Institute and the Digital Competence Centre.

The Brightlands Future Farming Institute (BFFI) develops innovative solutions for sustainable and data-driven plant breeding. To realise this ambition, we are building a scalable data platform that integrates molecular, genetic, phenotyping, and agronomic datasets. In this role, you play a key part in designing and implementing the technical infrastructure that makes data accessible, interoperable, and ready for long-term use.

You design, develop, integrate, and maintain core platform components such as data ingestion pipelines, APIs, and integration layers that connect heterogeneous data sources and metadata. Where it adds value, you apply semantic models and linked data technologies to enable structured integration. You also contribute to ontology development and knowledge graph components within the broader platform architecture.

Working closely with researchers and operational teams, you translate complex research and business needs into robust, user-friendly technical solutions. You scout emerging technologies, develop proof-of-concepts, and iteratively grow them into production-ready solutions. You explore how AI/ML approaches can support data integration, schema mapping, and automated annotation. In doing so, you help shape the institute’s long-term technical vision and act as an ambassador for modern data engineering and interoperability within and beyond UM.

Are you ready to turn interoperable data into meaningful impact? We would love to meet you.

What you bring
It’s not about ticking boxes – it’s about who you are and what you bring. Do you recognise yourself in this profile?

Technically strong and curious – You hold an MSc in computer science, data science, information science, software engineering, computational linguistics, or a related field, with at least one year of professional experience; or a PhD in one of these areas with demonstrated expertise in programming and semantic web technologies.
Experienced software developer – You have strong programming skills (e.g. Python, Java, or similar) and experience building APIs, data pipelines, or backend systems.
Data integrator by nature – You are comfortable working with SQL/NoSQL databases, graph databases, and data integration technologies, and you can transform heterogeneous data into interoperable formats or knowledge graph structures.
Familiar with semantic technologies – You have hands-on experience with RDF(S), OWL, SPARQL, SHACL, or comparable technologies, and understand how semantic models enhance interoperability.
Explorative and innovative – You enjoy scouting new technologies, developing proof-of-concepts, and contributing to a long-term technical vision.
Collaborative and communicative – You actively seek collaboration, thrive in interdisciplinary environments, and can explain technical solutions in clear and accessible language.
AI/ML-minded (a plus) – You have experience applying AI/ML methods to structured or graph data, or you are motivated to further develop these skills.

What we offer
At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:

A temporary contract for 2 years, including a two-month probation period. (While extension cannot be guaranteed at this stage, we will actively explore opportunities during the project period to extend the position and further develop it into a more structural role.)
A gross monthly salary between €3,546 and €6,433 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week), depending on your profile, you will be appointed at MSc level (scale 10) or as a postdoctoral researcher (scale 11) Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
29 vacation days (based on full-time employment), 4 additional days off, and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and hybrid working options.
Freedom and space to organise your work independently and develop your ideas.
A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate with.
A solid pension scheme via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities.
An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe.

About the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE)
FSE is a young, rapidly growing faculty where science, technology, and society converge. We combine STEM and social sciences in innovative programmes such as Data Science, Circular Engineering, and Systems Biology. Our research and education are interdisciplinary, practice-oriented, and socially relevant. We take pride in our open culture and strong team spirit.

About the Brightlands Future Farming Institute
The Brightlands Future Farming Institute is part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Maastricht University. We focus on sustainable plant breeding and data-driven agricultural innovation. In close collaboration with academic and industry partners, we develop technological solutions that contribute to food security and a future-proof agricultural system. Building a robust and interoperable data platform is a key pillar of this ambition.

Curious?
Would you like to know more about this position or about working at Maastricht University? Please contact Dr. Kumar Saurabh Singh, Assistant Professor at the Brightlands Future Farming Institute Maastricht University on kumarsaurabh.singh@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
You can also apply directly using the button below. The end date of the publication is 19th April 2026

We welcome applications from both postdoctoral researchers and MSc-level engineers with proven relevant experience.
We look forward to getting to know you!

About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,000 students and 5,000 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. Here, you are encouraged to push boundaries and discover new opportunities – for yourself and for the world around you. Together, we find the answers of tomorrow.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

At Maastricht University, we prefer to contact potential candidates directly. We therefore kindly ask that no agencies or intermediaries submit offers or approaches.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.

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