Research software engineer (full-stack)

• Our international research team develops cutting-edge AI solutions for the analysis of mass spectrometry-based proteomics and metabolomics data. Our research aims to understand the role of biomolecules as fundamental building blocks of life.
• You will play a central role in designing and developing intuitive, reliable, and scalable web applications that make our scientific tools accessible to researchers worldwide. While the focus is on front-end development and creating excellent user experiences, you will also contribute to back-end services, build interactive dashboards for data science and analytics tasks, and assist with deployment on research servers and cloud environments. We are looking for someone who thinks creatively about broader applications and is motivated to help shape innovative tools that can make a real impact beyond academia.
• Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Building modern, user-friendly front-end interfaces for scientific web applications.
  • Developing and maintaining back-end services to support these applications.
  • Assisting with server setup, deployment, and optimization to ensure smooth operation of tools.
  • Translating research prototypes into robust, production-ready applications.
  • Building dashboards for internal performance monitoring and data analytics.
  • Collaborating with international researchers, data scientists, and industrial partners to understand user needs and improve usability.
• You will collaborate closely with the Adrem Data Lab, an internationally renowned research group known for both theoretical and applied innovations in data science, and Biomina, a multidisciplinary network bridging data science and life sciences.

Why this role is exciting

• Impactful research: Contribute to open-source tools used by scientists worldwide.
• Freedom & creativity: Help shape software design choices with plenty of room for innovation.
• Collaboration: Be part of an international, interdisciplinary, and innovative research team.
• Work-life balance: Flexible working conditions and 40 days of annual leave.
• Career growth: Opportunities for continued learning, publications, and networking within the global AI and bioinformatics communities.

• You hold a Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• You have experience in front-end web development (e.g., JavaScript/TypeScript, React, or similar frameworks).
• You are comfortable with back-end technologies (e.g., Python, Node.js, or similar) and databases.
• Experience with cloud environments and containerization (Docker/Kubernetes or similar) is a plus.
• While knowledge of molecular biology or life sciences is not required, familiarity is an advantage. If applicable, highlight this in your cover letter.
• You are an excellent communicator (written and verbal) in English, with strong interpersonal skills.
• You have an inquisitive mindset, an independent work ethic, and strong problem-solving abilities.
• International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

• We offer a full-time, one-year appointment (renewable, subject to funding and performance).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary within pay band 6.1-8.1 of the pay scales of the Administrative and Technical Staff. Your entry-level grade depends on your relevant professional experience.
• You will receive meal vouchers, ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, group insurance, income protection insurance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• We offer flexible working hours.
• You will have 40 days of annual leave and collective leave for 1 week when the university is closed, between Christmas and New Year.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Middelheim in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here and discover all the other benefits.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp's online job application platform up to and including October 27, 2025 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • Motivation letter outlining your fit for the position.
  • Detailed CV, including your employment/educational history, programming experience, and notable projects.
  • Software portfolio (e.g., GitHub profile showcasing your code contributions).
  • Recommendation letters or references (either two letters of recommendation or contact details of two professional references).
• The selection committee will review all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview in November-December 2025.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to . If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Dr. Wout Bittremieux () with the email subject "Research software engineer".

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission's HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees' growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.