Researcher in methods and statistics, specializing in programming and structural equation modelling

Job description

The opening

We are seeking a highly motivated junior (e.g., postdoctoral) researcher to develop and implement an automated, transparent framework for testing,  validating, and documenting the lavaan package.

As part of Work Package 2 (Modernize lavaan’s accountability infrastructure) of the “[Infra-Structural Equation Modelling: Sustainably Scaling an Indispensable Open-Source Theory-Testing Infrastructure ”](https://zenodo.org/records/19552780) project, you will become a member of the lavaan core team to implement modern software best practices into the core package. This will involve collaborating with other core team members and writing comprehensive unit tests to automatically validate user-facing "visible" outputs as well as "invisible" underlying background calculations. You will also design a validation testing database to cross-verify lavaan's estimation outcomes against those of alternative commercial and open-source statistical software. Additionally, you will exhaustively document existing and new features, and build an accessible, public-facing documentation website.

In this role, you will be based at the University of Twente under the supervision of Dr. F. (Florian) Schuberth, collaborating closely with core lavaan authors, SEM experts and the broader inter-university project development team.

Focus

In this role, you will become a member of the core lavaan development team:

• Develop and implement automated, transparent quality tests for both low-level and high-level functions of the lavaan packages in order to ensure the validity of the reported results.
• Systematically document existing and newly developed codebase features.
• Opportunity to co-author a “sequel” to Rosseel’s (2012) frequently cited paper in the Journal of Statistical Software, which introduced an early version of lavaan.
• Author comprehensive package vignettes (potentially publishable as tutorials in academic journals) to be included in the lavaan package or automatically deployed on the lavaan website.
• Contribute to defining and publishing transparent coding and testing standards, to guide future community contributors and extension developers, and co-author a “call-to-action” tutorial paper targeted for Structural Equation Modeling: An Interdisciplinary Journal.

Your profile

You are enthusiastic about software development and possess the following essential qualifications:

• At least a master degree.
• Strong experience with R, particularly package development, including automated unit testing and inline documentation.
• Proficiency with version control systems, specifically Git, and continuous integration workflows.
• Familiarity with the lavaan package and the foundations of structural equation modeling.
• Excellent collaborative abilities, an open mind for interdisciplinary teamwork, a constructive, solution-oriented mindset.
• A commitment to code quality and craftsmanship, with a critical, first-principles understanding of the code you write rather than reliance on automatically generated code.
• Full professional proficiency in written and spoken English.

Our offer

We offer a full-time, two- to two-and-a-half-year junior researcher position, including excellent mentorship within a stimulating research environment. We aim for the successful candidate to start at the beginning of November 2026. It also includes:

• You will receive a gross monthly salary in the range of € 3.546,- to € 5.538,- based on experience.
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• A solid pension scheme, and 29 vacation days in case of full-time employment.
• An enthusiastic and welcoming team that is open to new colleagues and enjoys computers, research methods, and statistics.
• A green campus with free access to sports facilities and an international scientific community.
• An inspiring academic and international work environment.
• An opportunity to help shape the future of the lavaan ecosystem.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).

Information and application

Please submit your application before 1st August 2026 using the “Apply now” button. Your application package must include:

• A Curriculum Vitae, including up-to-date contact details for at least two professional or academic references.
• A Cover Letter (maximum one page) and 3-minute video explaining your motivation and detailing how your specific background matches the position requirements.
• Relevant Academic Transcripts (e.g., coursework records or copies of your degrees).
• A link to a public record of your software work, such as a GitHub, GitLab, or Codeberg profile, or specific repositories, packages, or contributions you are proud of. Please write out the full URL, as hyperlinks are not always preserved in the application system.

Interviews will be scheduled shortly after the submission closing date. For additional information or informal inquiries about this position, please contact Dr. Florian Schuberth directly at [staat bij de werkgever].

Screening will be part of the selection procedure.

About the organisation

At the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we work on engineering for impact: developing smart, sustainable, human-centred and technological solutions for societal challenges. We connect fundamental education, research and practice across five core domains: Asset & Maintenance engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalised Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy and Resources.

We work on education and research in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and industrial design engineering. Together, we learn by making, creating, and innovating, addressing challenges in a solution-oriented way. Quality, connection and inclusivity are the foundation of our culture.

In our open community, students, researchers and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners. This enables us to develop insights, applications and solutions that add value to society.