Researcher in Ontology-Driven Software Engineering for Architectural Ontology Reuse Recommendation System Development

Job description

Onto4Reuse is a service-oriented framework that supports the systematic reuse of standardised ontologies, bridging enterprise architecture and ontology-based software engineering. Rather than relying on individual expertise, the framework operationalises ontology reuse as an explicit architectural activity by guiding architects through the identification, selection, alignment, and modularization of (standardised) ontologies.

Central to the framework is the Architectural Ontology Recommendation Service, which leverages Enterprise Architecture models (e.g., ArchiMate and EIRA) to derive semantic requirements from stakeholders’ goals, requirements, business objects, and integration patterns. By orchestrating a set of interconnected services the framework provides traceable recommendations for reusable ontologies that are aligned with architectural decisions and enterprise objectives, ultimately promoting semantic interoperability in distributed systems.

The project “Onto4Reuse: Empowering IT Architects for interoperability challenges of distributed systems via reuse of standardised ontologies” aims to develop and integrate Onto4Reuse framework to support master students in addressing real-world challenges related to distributed systems, standards, and semantic interoperability.

Your profile

You are enthusiastic about software engineering, particularly software architecture and applied research and possess the following qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Business Information Technology, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field;
• Experience with software architecture design and implementation, and ontology engineering;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• An interest in educational innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration;
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English.

Our offer

• You will be appointed part-time for a period of 12 months within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAONU).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.546,- (step 0) to € 4.901,- (step 8), depending on experience and qualifications.
• There are excellent benefits, including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• The flexibility to work (partially) from home.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
• Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before August 17, 2026, and include:

• A Curriculum Vitae, including the names of two possible references, a list of publications, and a list of all courses attended and grades obtained.
• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasising your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for this position.

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Dr. João Rebelo Moreira ([email protected])

Screening is part of the selection process.

About the organisation

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.