Researcher in Semantic Interoperability and Explainable, Knowledge-driven AI for Smart Systems (SAREF4XAI)

• • Vacancies • Researcher in Semantic Interoperability and Explainable, Knowledge-driven AI for Smart Systems (SAREF4XAI)To vacancy overviewApply now • • • • • EEMCSPostDocResearcher in Semantic Interoperability and Explainable, Knowledge-driven AI for Smart Systems (SAREF4XAI)Are you looking for a new adventure in Smart Systems?Apply now • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Stefano Stramigioli • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Britt Büter • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Clara Stegehuis • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Ying Wang • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Jeroen Blok • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Eline Meijerink • • • • • • Key takeaways • Hours 16 hr. • Salary indicationSalary gross/monthly based on full-time € 3,546 - € 4,241 • Deadline 6 Sep 2026 The rising popularity of AI-powered smart environments for building automation and management raises concerns about interoperability, transparency, and trust. These environments often operate across heterogeneous domains, rely on various standards and protocols, and are tailored to different tasks. This makes it difficult to guarantee meaningful integration, explainable decision-making, and automated task execution. Combining semantic technologies with knowledge-driven AI can help alleviate many of these challenges. Within the SAREF4XAI project, jointly conducted by the Semantics, Cybersecurity and Services (SCS) group at the University of Twente and the User-Centric Data Science (UCDS) group at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, we offer a 1-year, part-time research position focusing on semantic interoperability and explainable, knowledge-driven AI for smart environments. The researcher will explore how ontologies, knowledge graphs, and knowledge-driven AI can be combined to support interoperable and explainable applications in the smart buildings domain. Building on open modelling standards and recent breakthroughs in (neuro-) symbolic learning methods, the researcher will investigate and evaluate conceptual and technical approaches for leveraging semantics and formal background knowledge to enhance explainability in downstream AI tasks for complex socio-technical systems. The position involves close collaboration between both research groups, engagement with external stakeholders, and participation in joint research activities and dissemination efforts, thereby contributing to a broader research agenda on semantic interoperability and explainable, knowledge-driven AI. This project aims to lay the foundation for long-term collaboration and future funding opportunities in the area of trustworthy, transparent, and interoperable AI for smart societies. Your profile • MSc degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Industrial Engineering, Data Science, or a closely related field • Familiarity with knowledge graphs, ontologies, and related semantic technologies, including RDF, SPARQL, and formal logic • Familiarity with (neuro-) symbolic machine learning methods and their application • Analytical and conceptual thinking skills to work across technical and organisational perspectives • Programming skills (e.g. Python, Java, or similar) • Interest in interdisciplinary applied research Our offer • You will be appointed part-time for a period of 12 months for 0.4 FTE 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 € 4.241,- (step 4), 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 September 7, 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 (j.luizrebelomoreira@utwente.nl) Screening is part of the selection process. Apply nowShare this vacancy • • • • 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. Want to know more?Rebelo Moreira, J.L. (João) Assistant ProfessorRebelo Moreira, J.L. (João) Assistant ProfessorDo you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact João for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.ContactPhone:+31534894337Email:j.luizrebelomoreira@utwente.nl How to applyStep 1Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.Apply nowStep 2Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.Step 31st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.Step 42nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.Step 5The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening. Your Colleagues • Rebelo Moreira, J.L. (João)Personal page • Ferreira Pires, L. (Luis)Personal page • Ligtenberg, A.W.L. (Laura)Personal page About the faculty EEMCSCurious about what the faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) stands for? Check out the EEMCS website for more information.Go to the EEMCS websiteA job that mattersCreate new opportunities for yourself, your colleagues and our society. Scientist or teacher, administrator or facilitator, thinker or doer, energetic leader or silent support – your work at the University of Twente matters. 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