Staff scientist, computing infrastructure for AI and dataprocessing

Nikhef participates in a wide range of research collaborations, including the ALICE, ATLAS and LHCb experiments at CERN, the KM3NeT neutrino telescope in the Mediterranean, the Virgo gravitational waves interferometer nearby Pisa, the Xenon-nT dark matter experiment at LNGS, the Pierre Auger cosmic ray observatory in Argentina, and the eEDM research programme in Groningen. Nikhef furthermore has scientific groups on theory, physics data processing and detector R&D, and has excellently equipped technical departments in mechanics, electronics, and computing. Nikhef hosts a LHC Tier-1 data processing center and offers substantial additional computing resources for end-user data analysis and simulation.

The AI and ML research group

Starting in 2026, a new Nikhef AI and ML group will establish a scientific research agenda to develop AI/ML technology with broad applicability across Nikhef's particle and astroparticle physics programs. The growing group will coordinate AI/ML activities at Nikhef, collaborate with leading national and international AI/ML communities, and participate in European AI-in-science initiatives. Nikhef is initially recruiting two dedicated staff scientists as well as postdoctoral researchers for this group.

The position

The successful candidate will perform and lead research on data processing infrastructures for high-throughput computing, accelerated computing, and dedicated computing infrastructures for AI/ML. In addition to developing the long-term strategic vision, this position will benefit from direct engagement with the physics research programmes and a hands-on approach to systems engineering. The successful candidate will play a leading role in shaping computing to enable future particle- and astro-particle physics research. Key elements of the position include collaborating with our national and international partners at a strategic level, the acquisition of funding and management of projects, and developing the computing systems for the AI/ML activities at Nikhef. This position is closely linked to the Physics Data Processing (PDP) research group, which fosters the R&D agenda for dataprocessing and computing infrastructures, including those for AI/ML, for Nikhef’s particle- and astroparticle physics programmes. The programme encompasses the Netherlands Tier-1 infrastructure for worldwide LHC computing and the federated Dutch National e-infrastructure for research; algorithms for accelerated and heterogeneous computing; and trusted collaboration for open science and interoperable infrastructures. Collaboration with national and international partners, and a multi-disciplinary approach, are hallmarks of the Nikhef approach to computing.

Requirements

Applicants are expected to have a PhD degree in physics, computer science, or a closely related field, and extensive experience in the organization of data-intensive computing in large physics experiments. Systems operation experience in high-throughput computing, data management systems, or networking, as well as knowledge of machine learning frameworks or infrastructure for AI and machine learning is expected. The candidate should also be a skilled communicator, excelling at presentation, negotiation, and information sharing; be a team player, capable of motivating and inspiring colleagues and collaborators; and be effective in policy-oriented and planning discussions. These qualities will be necessary for the candidate to operate effectively in the communities of national and international projects in which Nikhef plays a significant role. Prior experience in international particle and astro-particle collaborations is strongly preferred, and interest in or affinity with other data-intensive sciences, and especially active experience with them, is also advantageous. Willingness to learn (if necessary) the Dutch language to communicate effectively in the national context is expected.

Offer

The successful candidate will be offered a fixed term employment contract, with the explicit intention of changing this to a permanent position upon mutual satisfaction. Depending on the seniority of the candidate, tenure may be offered right away. Our new colleague will be employed by the Dutch foundation for scientific research NWO-I and based at Nikhef in Amsterdam. In addition to an attractive salary, the conditions of employment are excellent and include extra months' salary payment in May and December and good travel arrangements. More information about the NWO-I foundation can be found here. The date on which the appointment is to begin will be determined by mutual agreement.

On top of being an employer, the Nikhef institute offers new colleagues the opportunity to become a member of a community with a long-standing tradition of being a welcoming home for talented scientists. We welcome candidates who want to be part of this community, who are willing to contribute to this atmosphere and who want to actively participate in extracurricular activities. Nikhef hosts active committees that organize a variety of intellectual, scientific and social activities. Nikhef staff members are encouraged to contribute to these activities.

Application

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button at the bottom of this vacancy. Please be prepared to upload a curriculum vitae, a motivation letter and the email addresses of three referees who are willing to send a letter of recommendation on your behalf. The deadline for applications is May 20th 2026. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview in Amsterdam in the second half of June, 2026.

Further information on this position can be obtained from prof. dr. David Groep (davidg@nikhef.nl).

Nikhef is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, and strongly encourages candidates from under-represented minorities to apply.