Junior researcher Data-driven intelligence and AI

Saxion University of Applied Sciences; Enschede; On-site; EUR 39,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary scale 8: 3477–4595 EUR

Holiday allowance 8%

Year-end bonus 8.3%

Temporary contract with extension

Generous leave policy

Saxion Academy training

Hybrid Working Package

Retirement plan

Travel allowance for public transport

Job summary

Saxion University of Applied Sciences seeks a Junior researcher in Data-driven intelligence and AI to advance quantitative models and prototypes for crime investigations. You contribute to data analysis, model testing and integration within larger software systems, while documenting methods and results.

Based in the Netherlands, you join a multidisciplinary team across Enschede, Deventer and Apeldoorn, with opportunities for growth and education through Saxion Academy and the hybrid working

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in statistics, data science, computer science, applied mathematics, or a related field.
• Strong statistical and quantitative analysis skills; theoretical understanding emphasized.
• Interest or experience in quantitative modelling and machine learning.
• Proficiency in Python for data science and collaboration with software developers.
• Research-oriented mindset with interest in safety and security applications.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design, implementation and evaluation of quantitative models and prototypes.
• Analyse and integrate data from diverse sources for research and development.
• Document work and contribute to technical and academic outputs.
• Collaborate with researchers, software developers and external partners.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Quantitative analysis

Machine learning interest

Python programming

Research mindset

Education

Bachelor degree in statistics/data science/CS/applied mathematics

Tools

Python

Job description

Turn complex data into actionable intelligence. As a junior researcher you support the design, implementation and evaluation of quantitative models and you translate them into working prototypes for the safety and security domain. You work together with researchers, software developers and practice partners. Would you like to use data and AI and contribute to innovative solutions for criminal investigations?

This is what you do as Junior researcher Data-driven intelligence and AI

In this role, you will conduct applied research on data-driven intelligence and AI. Working under – and together with - experienced researchers, you will analyse and integrate data from a variety of sources, support the design, implementation, and validation of statistical and machine learning models, and contribute to data analysis, model testing, and prototype development. Throughout the role, you will critically assess methods, assumptions, and results while gradually building your expertise and research capabilities. You will support integration of the models into larger software systems and collaborate closely with developers, researchers, and external partners. Systematically documenting your work and contributing to technical and academic outputs and educational activities.

You will join an enthusiastic, multidisciplinary team of colleagues from various fields. Working from Enschede, Deventer, and Apeldoorn, we collaborate on innovative technology for law enforcement investigations. The atmosphere is collegial, committed, and informal.

(*) As you will be working in a security-sensitive environment and with sensitive data, you will be required to undergo a mandatory security screening.

This is where you will work

At Saxion (https://www.saxion.nl/over-saxion/werken-bij/maak-verschil-in-de-wereld-van-morgen) we explore future developments, look beyond our borders and disciplines and drive innovation. By doing this together we contribute to a smarter, safer and more sustainable world. We question how significant technological innovations are and how they can contribute to humanity, society and our planet. We teach our students to look at social issues from a broad perspective and to come up with practical solutions.

School of Life Science, Engineering and Design

As Junior researcher Data-driven intelligence and AI at Saxion, you will be part of the Data-driven Investigations team, which conducts research within the Technologies for Criminal Investigations (https://www.saxion.nl/onderzoek/lectoraten/technologies-for-criminal-investigations) (TCI) research group. This team is part of the School of Life Science, Engineering and Design (LED). LED offers an inspiring and effective learning, work and research environment, focused on applied technologies and recent national and international developments.

Saxion’s employment terms and conditions

Working at Saxion means working on inspiring, future-oriented education and research. You will fulfil an exciting position, working independently in a dynamic, socially relevant organisation that matters. The position provides you with plenty of opportunities to take initiative and develop.

We also offer the following:

• The following salary scale: scale 8: min € 3,477 / max € 4,595 (cao-hbo) working on a full-time basis.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus.
• You will receive a temporary contract, with the possibility of extension.
• A generous leave policy. For example: if you work full-time and have opted for a 40-hour week you can take 428 hours of leave annually. This means you will have 53.5 holiday leave days, including statutory holiday days and public holidays.
• Personal development: follow an inspirational webinar, workshop or training course at our internal Saxion Academy, do a career check or explore the possibilities of taking a master’s degree or PhD programme or professional doctorate.
• The Saxion Hybrid Working Package (https://www.saxion.nl/over-saxion/werken-bij/en/benefits#saxion-hybrid-working-package1)
• A comprehensive retirement plan. See the cao-hbo for more information.
• 100% allowance for travel by public transport and tax benefits on the purchase of a bicycle.

Job Requirements

We seek a professional who fits the job profile below.

• A completed Bachelor degree in a quantitative discipline such as statistics, data science, computer science, applied mathematics, or a related field.
• Strong statistical and quantitative analysis skills, with a theoretical understanding of the techniques used rather than tool-based application alone.
• Demonstrable interest or experience in quantitative modelling and machine learning.
• Good skill level in programming for data science (Python), and the ability to collaborate with software developers.
• A research-oriented mindset, with demonstrable critical and analytical thinking, and interest in the safety and security application domain.

Saxion strives to be a diverse and inclusive organisation.

VOG - may be part of the application process.

Application procedure

For your diary:

• Applications can be submitted until 11th of November, 2026.
• The first job interview is on 18th of November, 2026 between 9.00-12.30.
• The second job interview (optional).
• Finally, we schedule the employment conditions on a later time.

Please note that this vacancy is open to both internal and external candidates. In the event of candidates with equal merit, internal candidates will be given priority.