Technical Researcher / Knowledge Graph Engineer 0.2 FTE

Introduction

Are you a Python and database enthusiast driven to tackle urban climate resilience? We are looking for a technical developer to translate municipal spatial regulations into a deterministic, neurosymbolic AI graph engine.

Job Description

The Department of the Built Environment is developing an applied research tool aimed at automating the compliance and financial assessment of nature-inclusive real estate development. You will build the core computational logic engine that evaluates building designs against strict municipal mandates.

As a Technical Researcher and Knowledge Graph Engineer, you will tackle two concrete challenges:

1. Rule Digitization & Graph Logic Implementation: You will analyze unstructured municipal policies (such as the Eindhoven Omgevingsplan and rainwater ordinances) and extract the legal thresholds. You will design and maintain a Neo4j Graph database schema, writing robust Cypher queries to execute complex compliance logic (e.g., dynamically triggering a higher requirement or calculating municipal shortfall penalties based on spatial intersections).
2. Spatial API & Pipeline Integration: You will develop Python-based pipelines to automatically ingest spatial payloads. This involves integrating Dutch open geodata APIs (like PDOK, BRK cadastral data, and municipal infiltration maps) to extract the physical and environmental context of a building plot, mapping these variables directly into the graph ontology while building fallback protocols for urban data gaps.

Within our team, you will be embedded in the Information Systems in the Built Environment group, collaborating closely with spatial analysts and market researchers to translate complex urban ecosystems into clean, auditable code.

Job Requirements

• A Master’s degree (completed or near completion) in Computer Science, Data Science, Geomatics, Artificial Intelligence, or a related technical field.
• Strong proficiency in Python programming, specifically with API integrations (e.g., requests) and data structuring (JSON/GeoJSON).
• Hands-on experience with Graph Databases, specifically Neo4j, ontology design, and writing complex Cypher queries.
• Experience with spatial analysis and GIS libraries (such as geopandas, shapely) and familiarity with Dutch open geodata standards (PDOK, BAG, BRK) is a massive advantage.
• A highly analytical mindset capable of translating unstructured, qualitative legal and regulatory text into strict, deterministic logic trees.
• Fluent in English; basic reading comprehension of Dutch is highly beneficial for analyzing local municipal policy documents.

If you are concerned that you don’t meet all the requirements sufficiently, but the job does excite you, then be sure to respond, we would love to look at your profile.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 3,546 max. € 5,538 gross per month).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• A favorable arrangement for more holidays or a sabbatical.
• A selection model for additional fringe benefits.
• Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development opportunities such as mentoring, workshops and coaching.
• Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses, working from home and the internet.
• A generous employer contribution to the favorable ABP pension plan.

Here you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Sustainability, in its broadest definition, is the cornerstone of research and education in the Department of Built Environment. We take the lead in (re)shaping the built environment to be future-proof, safe, healthy, inclusive and respectful of planetary boundaries. We house the entire spectrum of technology, engineering, design, and human behavior disciplines in the built environment, with world-class experimental facilities at all scales. This allows us to address societal challenges from a uniquely integrated perspective.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager, Shahryar Ershad Sarabi, Assistant Professor, [email protected].

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Leo van Houten, HR-Advisor, [email protected]l or +31 40 247 8269.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

If you are interested, please use the ‘apply’ button to send us your CV and letter of application with your motivation and a description of your qualifications.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Please note 

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.