Data systems support engineer

Your job

As a Data Systems Support Engineer at NPEC (The Netherlands Plant Eco-phenotyping Centre), you will play a key role in ensuring that the advanced data infrastructure underpinning cutting-edge plant research operates reliably and efficiently. You will help maintain and optimise the hardware and software systems that generate, process and deliver high-quality scientific data, enabling researchers to focus on discovery and innovation. By combining technical expertise with a service-oriented mindset, you will ensure that NPEC users have seamless access to data and the support they need to make the most of it.

Key responsibilities as a data system support engineer:

• Ensure the reliable operation and quality of the hardware, software and data systems that collect, process and deliver research data.
• Manage and optimise connections between cameras, sensors, research equipment and cloud-based platforms, including integrations through (custom) APIs.
• Support researchers in accessing, understanding and using NPEC data by providing guidance, documentation and training.
• Advise on data management practices and contribute to the continuous improvement of data workflows and processes.
• Identify and implement enhancements to the IT and data infrastructure to improve performance, scalability and user experience.

Your team

You will join the NPEC Data Team, which supports one of Europe’s most advanced plant phenotyping research facilities. NPEC enables large-scale plant research through state-of-the-art sensor technologies that generate terabytes of data each week from growth chambers, glasshouse compartments, drones and semi-autonomous field-based platforms. These data are stored, managed and made available to researchers through our Azure cloud environment.

At Wageningen University & Research, you will work in an international and research-driven environment where science and technology come together to address global challenges. You will collaborate with researchers, data specialists and technical experts while working with modern computational and cloud-based infrastructure. We offer ample opportunities for professional development through training courses, conferences and the exploration of emerging technologies at the forefront of plant science.

Your qualities

You are an open, approachable and technically skilled Data Systems Support Engineer who enjoys combining hands-on technical work with supporting and enabling others. You thrive in a dynamic research environment and take pride in ensuring that data systems, infrastructure and users are fully supported. With a proactive mindset and strong communication skills, you are able to bridge the gap between researchers and technology, translating technical concepts into practical solutions that make a real impact.

You also possess:

• Experience with training/ coaching of users new to data systems.
• Knowledge of and experience with managing cloud environments.
• Proven user of version control systems and code sharing platforms such as Git.
• Operational knowledge of container platforms (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Knowledge of and experience with network design and configuration, distributed file systems and user administration systems.

Additional, preferred, requirements:

• Experience in working with camera/ sensor technology/ APIs and other interfaces.
• Programming experience in Python, R and/or Java.
• Experience with AWS, Azure, Google Cloud or OpenShift.
• Demonstrable ability to communicate IT-related topics to non-IT people.

In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level Dutch (B1/B2).

We offer

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partia