Research Fellow SW Maintenance & Evolution

In this role, you will do applied research at the intersection of software engineering, program analysis, and industrial practice. You will collaborate with partners such as ASML, Canon, Philips, and Vanderlande, following the “industry as a lab” principle: real systems, real constraints, and results that get used. Your work focuses on technologies for software maintenance and evolution of large codebases: program comprehension, reverse engineering, refactoring, and migration. You will build and validate techniques that help engineers understand systems faster, modernize safely, and reduce long-term cost and risk.

• Prototype and evaluate methods and tools for program analysis and program comprehension (e.g., static analysis, parsing, lightweight modeling).
• Extract and formalize models from software artifacts (source code, build pipelines, logs, and technical documentation) to support migration and refactoring decisions.
• Design and test “digital engineering assistants” that support software analysis or modernization, including responsible use of generative AI where relevant.
• Work in multidisciplinary project teams and co-create solutions with industrial engineers; present results in workshops and project reviews.
• Contribute to research outputs (technical reports, internal tooling, and—where applicable—scientific publications and conference presentations).
• You will typically work with existing industrial assets in languages like C++, C#, and Python on Windows and Linux, and you will help teams move towards more maintainable architectures, tooling, and workflows.

• MSc or PhD in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Programming Languages, or a related field.
• Hands-on programming skills and the ability to work with (and improve) existing codebases; experience with at least one of C++, C#, Java, or Python.
• Interest or experience in program analysis, compilers, language engineering, reverse engineering, or software modernization.
• Ability to communicate clearly with both researchers and engineers; comfortable presenting results and recommendations.
• Team mindset and ownership: you collaborate, deliver, and iterate based on feedback and project constraints.
• Experience with compiler tooling, language workbenches, or code-query frameworks (e.g., LLVM/Clang, Roslyn, ANTLR, tree-sitter).
• Experience applying static analysis, intelligent parsing, or lightweight modeling to extract structure from source code and documentation.
• Experience building research prototypes in Python and transitioning them into maintainable internal tooling.
• Knowledge of software engineering processes in industry (CI/CD, testing strategy, architecture, system engineering).
• Interest in responsible generative-AI solutions for software engineering (e.g., retrieval-augmented assistance, evaluation, safety).

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. We offer a gross monthly salary between € 4,621 and € 7,114 (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180). In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself.

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation. You may also expect:

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• 33 days annual leave on a full-time basis plus a flexible holiday (prorated) that can be used on a cultural, religious, or otherwise important day of your choosing.
• An employer working towards a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment where every employee can flourish, with various employee networks that foster connection and give advice.
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues. That’s how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work parttime (32 or 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• A good pension scheme.

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Please apply before the 27th of May, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. In a final meeting we will discuss the terms of employment and your tailored benefits package. We aim to finalize the entire process within four weeks.

The selection process may include an online assessment and a reference check.

A certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.