Scientific Programmer for Explainable AI Applications (0,8 FTE)

The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) are looking for a:

Scientific Programmer for Explainable AI Applications (0,8 FTE)

Join our exciting research project on Explainable AI for Predictive Maintenance as Scientific Programmer and work together with our research team and industrial partner to solve challenging real-world optimization problems. 
As part of the Natural Computing group of LIACS, you will work together with highly skilled professors and PhD candidates in the fields of evolutionary and Bayesian single- and multi-objective optimization, machine learning and explainable artificial intelligence, you will help to make their code re-usable, available and easy to maintain and you will co-develop several software libraries to be released open-source.

We are seeking a candidate with strong skills in Python programming, Git and DevOps with interests in academic projects including artificial intelligence and optimization algorithms.

Key responsibilities 

• Develop and maintain high-quality, reusable, and well-documented software for AI-driven predictive maintenance;
• Collaborate with researchers to translate prototypes into robust, scalable, and maintainable code;
• Ensure reproducibility and accessibility of research software through best practices in software engineering, version control (Git), and DevOps;
• Develop and manage open-source software libraries for AI and optimization research;
• Support PhD candidates and researchers in improving code quality, testing, and deployment strategies;
• Engage in discussions with industrial partners to align software development with real-world applications;

Selection Criteria 
A master’s degree in computer science, Artificial Intelligence or equivalent program.

• Strong proficiency in Python and experience with software development best practices;
• Proficiency with Git and collaborative development workflows (GitHub/GitLab);
• Experience with DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, and software deployment;
• Background in artificial intelligence, optimization, or machine learning (academic or industry experience);
• Experience with code structuring, testing, and software documentation;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research-driven environment;
• Strong communication skills in English;     

Research at our faculty

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to contribute to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. 

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2.300 staff and almost 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. For more information, see www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science  and www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute in the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, ICT in Business, Media Technology, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, we are one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. For more information about LIACS, see http://www.cs.leiden.edu

Terms and conditions  

We offer 0.8 FTE position for one and a half year (18 months). Salary range from € 3.378,- to € 5.331,-  (payscale 10) gross per month. (based on a full-time employment)

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. 

D&I statement
Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.

Information 
Enquiries can be made to  Dr. N. van Stein (n.van.stein@liacs.leidenuniv.nl)
If you have any questions about the procedure, please send an email to: jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl.

Applications 
Please submit online your application via the blue button in the vacancy. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• Your letter of motivation;
• Curriculum vitae;
• Example code snippets from one of your own projects;
• Two reference letters, including names, affiliation, telephone numbers, and email addresses, who have agreed to be contacted; 

Only applications received before 17-03-2025 can be considered.