AI Software Engineer

Job Description

About the job

Are you an experience software engineer with a passion for AI applications?

Your function

Are you a software developer with a passion for artificial intelligence and do you dream of making an impact within the dynamic domain of education and research? At the new data, AI, and innovation team of the VU, you now have the unique opportunity to collaborate on projects that fundamentally change the future of learning, experimentation, and research.

As a member of this new team, you will work closely with machine learning engineers, data scientists, and experts from education and research. You will have the unique opportunity to help shape the data and AI strategy of the VU, with ample room for personal and professional growth. With your expertise as a software developer with a strong interest in AI, we can make a real impact on research and education.

In This Role, You Will Be Responsible For

• Implementing AI functionalities in scalable and reliable software solutions.
• Writing efficient and reusable code, with an eye for optimizing code, AI algorithms, and models.
• Developing and advising on APIs and software components that integrate AI functionalities.
• Contributing to and supporting the design, training, and evaluation of machine learning and deep learning models for applications in education, research, and operations.
• Contributing to and supporting the collection, cleaning, and analysis of large datasets relevant for education, research, and operational purposes.
• Continuously staying informed about new tools, algorithms, and techniques within both machine learning and software development.
  
  

Your profile

Personal Skills

• Analytical, curious, and problem-solving: You ask sharp questions, actively investigate, make connections, and solve problems both methodically and creatively. You are proactive and identify opportunities to take on tasks proactively.
• Experimental and results-oriented: You enjoy conducting experiments, testing hypotheses, analyzing data accurately, and drawing clear conclusions to achieve improvement.
• Agile and eager to learn: You adapt quickly to changes, are open to feedback, and switch efficiently between tasks. You are proactive in acquiring new knowledge and skills and stay up-to-date with the latest trends.
• Communicative and collaborative: You communicate complex (technical) concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse target audiences, adapt your style flexibly, and listen actively. You work effectively with team members and stakeholders, share knowledge, and contribute to a positive team environment.
  
  

Technical Skills

• You have strong proficiency in Python AND strong proficiency in either Java or C++.
• You have experience with AI frameworks and libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn.
• You have a good understanding of machine learning and deep learning concepts, including Supervised Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Reinforcement Learning, and neural networks (CNNs and RNNs).
• You have demonstrable proficiency in data processing and analysis, including data cleaning, preprocessing, feature engineering, and experience with SQL and NoSQL databases. Knowledge of big data tools (such as Hadoop and Spark) is a plus.
• You have solid knowledge of software engineering fundamentals, including algorithms and data structures, software design and architecture, and API development.
• You have experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and their AI services.
• You have experience with version control systems.
  
  

What do we offer?

Education

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum 3.378,00 (Scale 10) and maximum 5.331,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Engineering and Application Manager 3. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for at least 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. Afterwards, there is a prospect of a permanent contract.
  
  

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• space for personal development
• hybrid working enables a good work-life balance
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
  
  

About Us

About the team

The VU has established the AI Competence Network (AICN) to stimulate and facilitate active, cross-domain, and multidisciplinary collaboration. The primary goal is to jointly develop and apply responsible AI solutions that add concrete value and create a positive impact in education, research, and operations. From the new data, AI, and innovation team, you will contribute to this on behalf of IT.

Information Technology

We at Information Technology (IT) have the responsibility of ensuring a worry-free digital environment for researchers, students and staff. We facilitate teaching and research with IT resources, advise on IT products and services, and keep the application landscape for work and study up-to-date. We ensure that the universitys IT facilities are up and running 24/7.

At the same time, we focus on the future of digital - everything from the smart campus and cyber security to open science and artificial intelligence. Along with the faculties and service departments, we look ahead to ask: how can we prepare now for tomorrows questions? Together we look for better and better ways to support the universitys ambitions in the areas of education, research and valorisation.

Are you interested in joining IT? Working in IT means operating on a complex, often hectic and challenging playing field, where both development and management demand your attention. We give you plenty of scope to show initiative and take responsibility. Learning from one another is key, while remaining focused on results. In Information Technology, you will join over 200 colleagues spread over 4 departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity

Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Interested

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the excellence of our services? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application, even if you don't meet all requirements.

Submitting a diploma is part of the application process.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.