Project Manager AI and Software Automation for Self-driving Lab

At DIFFER, we are advancing AI and automation technologies to create next-generation self-driving labs (SDL) for specialized energy applications. This initiative aims to create a flexible autonomous research system that adapt to evolving requirements and diverse research demands.

As a project manager, you will bring cutting-edge software development methods to laboratory automation, focusing on developing and testing software to accelerate the discovery, synthesis, and characterization of new materials for energy. Your tasks include building and managing the SDL system, setting up virtual tools and workflows, developing APIs, and training users.

You will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team and external partners, building upon your expertise in software development, architecture, and automation to advance scientific research. Additionally, you will scout for new AI and software technologies and communicate with external suppliers and service agents. This role offers the opportunity to create innovative solutions for clean energy transitions.

This position is for 1 FTE, will be for a period of 2 years, with possible permanent contract at proven suitability and is graded in pay scale 10 or 11, depending on education, experience and skills. For exceptional candidates who have proven experience in self-driving labs, a tailor-made contract will be offered, at the most pay scale 11, max € 6.000,- gross per month, excl 8% holiday and 8,33% end of year bonus. Applicants from abroad could apply for the 30% arrangement. The position will be based at DIFFER (www.differ.nl) and the working location will be at TU Eindhoven. When fulfilling a position at DIFFER, you will have an employee status at NWO. You can participate in all the employee benefits NWO offers. We have a number of regulations that support employees in finding a good work-life balance. At DIFFER we believe that a workforce diverse in gender, age and cultural background is key to performing excellent research. We therefore strongly encourage everyone to apply. More information on working at NWO can be found at the NWO website (https://www.nwo-i.nl/en/working-at-nwo-i/jobsatnwoi/).

The Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER) performs leading fundamental research on materials, processes, and systems for a global sustainable energy infrastructure. We work in close partnership with (inter)national academia and industry. Our user facilities are open to industry and university researchers. As an institute of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) DIFFER plays a key role in fundamental research for the energy transition.

We use a multidisciplinary approach applicable on two key areas, solar fuels for the conversion and storage of renewable energy and nuclear fusion – as a clean source of energy.