Junior Researcher Computer Vision & Data Science

Would you like to make a substantial contribution to both the quality of education in the Northern Netherlands and the social mission of higher professional education? Are you the link between education and the professional field?

What will you do?
As a Junior Researcher in Computer Vision & Data Science, you are a key link between our teams of researchers, industry partners, and students. Together with your project team, you work on real-world projects in areas such as multi-modal AI models, Vision Language Action (VLA) models, AI agents, and (hyperspectral) image and video data analysis. You collaborate closely with colleagues and students, carrying out various facets of applied research while inspiring students to engage in innovative, hands-on research.

With your hands-on mindset, you take responsibility for data collection, conduct research into the latest AI techniques, and develop new software tools for colleagues and students to use in their work. Together, you help clients and the wider field move forward through the results of your research, while preparing students to become the next generation of innovative professionals.

A glimpse of your workdayIt’s Monday morning. You start the week with your colleagues in a SCRUM meeting, discussing current challenges as well as the successes from last week. Right after the meeting, a student approaches you with a coding problem. You dive into the issue together to find out what’s going wrong.

In the afternoon, you work on one of your research projects. From the mechanical recycling lab, you collaborate with our lead researcher, three students, and a colleague from the Circular Plastics research group on a project for a local waste-sorting company. Together, you analyze textiles using hyperspectral cameras—with one goal: better recycling.

During lunch, you and your colleagues discuss the rise of VLA models—and you realize this technology could also benefit your recycling project. That same afternoon, you set up a first test configuration so you can start experimenting with your team and students right away.

Later in the week, you’ll meet with the client to present your recent progress. Sometimes you visit them on site, and sometimes they come to you—like this time. A perfect opportunity to showcase your new setup and demonstrate what your team can do. You’re already looking forward to what tomorrow will bring.

Where will you be working
As a Junior Researcher, you will join the Computer Vision & Data Science research group in Leeuwarden — an international team of twelve professionals led by Professor Klaas Dijkstra. All team members share a passion for the field, and through our research we contribute to the advancement and practical application of the latest technologies.
Our research group offers a minor within the bachelor’s programme and a master’s degree in Computer Vision & Data Science. As part of the team, you will help answer students’ technical questions and collaborate with them on real-world research challenges as a subject-matter expert. This unique combination of practice, research, and education makes the role both dynamic and rewarding.
With access to our high-performance computing cluster, equipped with A40 GPUs, you’ll have the ideal facilities for conducting advanced research projects.
We’re looking for a professional with a hands-on mindset who can strengthen our research and, in doing so, help advance the field — and our students. Will you join us as our new Junior Researcher?

Learn more about our research group and current projects: Professorship of Applied Sciences Computer Vision & Data Science | NHL Stenden university of applied sciences

What is required?
To be considered for this position, we ask that you meet the following requirements:

• You hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.
• You have some research experience with modern AI models.
• You have proven experience in software development using various programming languages, including Python.
• You possess excellent communication skills in English; proficiency in Dutch is an advantage.
• You have the ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within a team.

Do you possess the following competences?

• You have a hands-on mindset, strong problem-solving skills, and an analytical way of thinking.
• You are driven by a constant curiosity to explore the latest technologies in our field.
• You maintain a clear overview of multiple projects, set the right priorities, and act decisively. You’re not afraid to take responsibility.
• You think in solutions — sometimes simple, sometimes innovative.

What we offer
A meaningful job! Working at NHL Stenden means working in a challenging environment where you can mean something to students, society and your colleagues. We also offer very attractive employment conditions. In addition to the Collective Labour Agreement for higher professional education we have a number of terms and conditions unique to NHL Stenden. Conditions that are just that little bit different. You can read more about this on our website: The strength of our 8 conditions | NHL Stenden.

Additionally:

• Depending on your knowledge and experience, the salary is a maximum of € 5.377.13 (scale 10 Collective Labour Agreement for higher professional education) gross per month for a full-time position, excluding 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• The initial term of your employment contract will be one year, with possible extension of one year.
• Your normal place of work is in Leeuwarden, but you must be willing to travel if the job requires it.

The strength of NHL Stenden
Our university of applied sciences is solidly embedded in the region and cultivates a global network approach. At our branches and in our worldwide partner network, we are constantly looking for innovative methods and ways to connect the professional field, education and research. Students, lecturers and researchers work in small teams on real-life issues and test their innovative ideas in a practical environment. Our education reflects current developments in the professional field. Regional, national and international.
For the future, we need enterprising and inventive professionals who can transform their knowledge into innovative solutions. Who apply a smart vision to look beyond their field of study and who are not afraid to take action.
That is NHL Stenden's strength: in a world that is changing increasingly rapidly, our people make the impossible possible.

The procedure
Interested? Submit your motivation letter and CV (in a single document) via the application button addressed to Klaas Dijkstra, mentioning the vacancy number 3601 TECH in the subject line.
You can apply until 10 December 2025. We will inform you within 2 weeks after the closing date if we wish to proceed with your application. For any content-related questions about the role, you can contact Klaas Dijkstra, Professor of Applied Sciences in Computer Vision & Data Science at +31 (0) 6 28 303 802 or [email protected].

In addition to the usual selection process, your application letter and CV may also be shared with the Knowledge Safety Coordinator of NHL Stenden. As part of Knowledge Safety, an additional interview or screening may take place to ensure that sensitive information remains protected and that the knowledge shared within our organization contributes to society in a responsible manner.

This vacancy is open to both internal and external candidates. In the case of equal suitability, preference will be given to an internal candidate.

Details from this vacancy listing are not to be used for marketing purposes.