Standardized Job Profiles for Research Software Engineers

Research Software Engineers (RSEs) play a crucial role in modern research, but many institutions lack standardized job profiles that accurately reflect their responsibilities, skills, and career progression paths. This creates challenges for both RSEs seeking appropriate recognition and compensation, and for institutions trying to recruit, retain, and develop RSE talent. A recent report demonstrated that currently no standardized job profiles exist which acknowledge the hybrid nature of RSE work, combining technical software development skills with research domain expertise.

The goal of this working group is to develop standardized job profiles and career progression frameworks for Research Software Engineers that can be adopted across different types of research institutions in the Netherlands, and to build the necessary support and implementation pathways to make their adoption possible. While requirements may vary depending on type of institution, research domain, and organizational structure, the working group aims to create profiles that are specific enough to be actionable while maintaining flexibility for institutional adaptation.

The group will map the current policy landscape to identify key decision-makers and build support across the academic landscape, and plan for implementation of such job profiles. It will also engage with relevant stakeholders across universities, university medical centers, NWO-I institutes, KNAW institutes, and universities of applied sciences.

If you are interested in learning more, you can contact the chair or secretary of the working group:

Working group members