> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1221364-job-offer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1221364-job-offer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Job offer

- **Company:** University of Twente
- **Location:** Enschede, Netherlands
- **Contract:** Temporary contract
- **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Information Systems, Computer Programming, Graph Database, Interoperability, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, SPARQL, Information Technology
- **Published:** July 10, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.academictransfer.com/en/jobs/362454/researcher-in-semantic-interoperability-and-explainable-knowledge-driven-ai-for-smart-systems-saref4xai/apply/

## About the Role

Specific Requirements

 * 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

## Description

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.


## Related Videos

- [Rethinking Recruiting: What you didn’t know about Responsible AI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1090-rethinking-recruiting-what-you-didn-t-know-about-responsible-ai)
- [Thinking Differently - How to Make Money from Cyber Attacks & Cheats](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/745-thinking-differently-how-to-make-money-from-cyber-attacks-cheats)
- [Putting the Graph In GraphQL With The Neo4j GraphQL Library](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/257-putting-the-graph-in-graphql-with-the-neo4j-graphql-library)
- [Graphs and RAGs Everywhere... But What Are They? - Andreas Kollegger - Neo4j](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1311-graphs-and-rags-everywhere-but-what-are-they-andreas-kollegger-neo4j)
- [New AI-Centric SDLC: Rethinking Software Development with Knowledge Graphs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1417-new-ai-centric-sdlc-rethinking-software-development-with-knowledge-graphs)
- [Cyber Sleuth: Finding Hidden Connections in Cyber Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/893-cyber-sleuth-finding-hidden-connections-in-cyber-data)

## Related Articles

- [Best Companies in the Netherlands: Top 25 Companies in 2023 ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/193-best-companies-in-the-netherlands-top-25-companies-in-2023)
- [The Netherlands – Europe’s powerhouse for software development?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/31-the-netherlands-europe-s-powerhouse-for-software-development)
- [Where to Find Entry-Level Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/397-where-to-find-entry-level-software-engineering-jobs)
- [How to Find Tech Jobs in Amsterdam](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/279-how-to-find-tech-jobs-in-amsterdam)
- [Software Developer Salary in The Netherlands [2023]](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/217-software-developer-salary-in-the-netherlands-2023)
- [Best Coding Boot Camps in Germany](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/237-best-coding-boot-camps-in-germany)