Research Infrastructure Expert

Join the KB | national library and play a key role in improving access to our collections, developing sustainable and innovative solutions for data storage, analysis, and reuse. An excellent opportunity for an ambitious research infrastructure expert who is eager to bridge the worlds of technology, data and Dutch cultural heritage.

About the KB | national library
The KB is the National Library of the Netherlands since our foundation in 1798. We bring research, reading, discovery and lifelong learning within reach of everyone in the Netherlands. At home and at the library, online and offline, for those interested and for research. Together with over 600 colleagues, we are committed to promoting reading, digital inclusion and lifelong development.

Your role
Within the KB, you contribute to the development, support, and innovation of our digital infrastructures, by applying your expertise of external research infrastructures like CLARIAH and ODISSEI to advance our internal infrastructure. This includes translating research results into concrete, innovative applications and prototypes for our evolving collection of books, periodicals, newspapers, and websites that support researchers worldwide.

You will play a key role in improving access to our collections, developing sustainable and innovative solutions for data storage, analysis, and reuse, and coordinating national and international digital humanities projects. You will collaborate closely with various teams on collection knowledge, collection development, IT, and data services. Externally, you’ll frequently engage with researchers and partners in the Netherlands and across Europe.

What to expect in your everyday role?
1. Research Support

• Provide technical support to researchers working with our digital collections.
• Advise the organization on infrastructural solutions that can contribute to our needs around text mining, data analysis, and visualization.
• Develop documentation, tutorials, and workshops to support research teams.

2. Innovation

• Contribute to innovative projects - from full-text search and entity recognition to annotation and AI/NLP applications.
• Test and evaluate new software tools for data access and long-term preservation.
• Perform a coordinating role in meetings around research infrastructure and contribute to discussions around innovation.

3. Collaboration & Community

• Maintain active relationships with researchers, developers, data managers, and policy partners.
• Represent the organization in national and European research infrastructure networks (e.g., CLARIAH, ODISSEI, DARIAH, EOSC).
• Write and share technical insights through blogs, presentations, and documentation.

“Become the linking pin between external research infrastructures and internal stakeholders”
Rosemarie Van der Veen-Oei, Head of Research.

What will you bring to the team?
We are looking for someone who can combine strong technical expertise with a solid understanding of research methods and user needs.

You’ll become part of a pioneering and collaborative research team that values creativity, autonomy, and experimentation. Our department consists of 21 colleagues working across themes such as data science, AI, and digital preservation. What else are we looking for?

• You preferably have a PhD or advanced degree in Computer Science, Information Science, or a related field.
• You have a minimum of 4 years of working experience in this field.
• You have knowledge of data modelling and metadata standards (e.g., Dublin Core, METS, MODS).
• You have advanced knowledge of programming (Python, SQL, XML), API’s and web technology.
• Preferably, familiarity with digital preservation principles like OAIS and PREMIS.
• A well-developed network within Dutch research infrastructures (e.g., CLARIAH, ODISSEI).
• Excellent communication skills to be able to translate knowledge between IT specialists and research users.
• The ability to explain in a clear and convincing manner to your internal stakeholders.
• Fluency in English, both verbally and written. Understanding of Dutch is a plus.

KB | The National Library Code of Conduct: Together we create a pleasant, safe, and inclusive work environment. At the KB, but also within our network. This is where you can be yourself, express yourself, and where everyone is treated with respect. The place where you can enjoy your work and contribute to the goals of the KB.

What to expect if you choose for the KB | national library?
If you choose KB, you also choose excellent employment conditions. Consider, for example:

• A gross monthly salary between € 4.743,- and € 6.526,- (scale 11) with a one-year contract. We will keep you informed about the possibility of extending your employment beyond this year.
• An excellent work-life balance. You'll have 42 days off, and we're happy to discuss working from home and flexible working hours.
• 100% reimbursement of your public transport travel expenses.
• Pension accrual through the ABP pension fund, with the KB paying 70% of the premium.
• A thirteenth-month bonus (8.33%).
• Plenty of opportunities for further development within your profession.
• And many social activities within KB, such as the annual KB party, debate evenings and symposia.

These employment conditions apply to a full-time position of 40 hours per week. This vacancy requires a 32-40 hour per week contract.

How do I apply for this vacancy?
Join us and contribute to our innovation! We look forward to receiving your resume and cover letter. To apply, please use the apply button. 

If you have any questions, please contact Frouke Röben at recruitment@kb.nl.

• The closing date for this vacancy is 21-11-2025. After this date, we will get back to you as soon as possible. We will schedule the first virtual introductory interviews in the week of 24-11-2025.
• We aim to conduct the first in-person interviews in the week of 1-12-2025. We will retain your information during the selection process. We will delete it no later than four weeks after the end of the application process in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Read more about this in our applicant privacy statement (in Dutch) at www.kb.nl/privacy-avg/privacyverklaring-sollicitanten.