IT / Software positions in Netherlands

A research software engineer (RSE) develops software for research purposes — building tools, pipelines, simulations and platforms that enable scientific work. RSE is increasingly recognised as a career path distinct from both academia and industry software engineering, with dedicated positions at universities and research centres.

Academic IT/software positions typically pay less than equivalent industry roles, but they offer advantages: interesting problems, flexible hours, job security (many are permanent), conference travel, and the ability to publish. In Switzerland and Germany, the gap is narrower than in other countries.

The 30% ruling is a Dutch tax benefit for international knowledge workers, including academic researchers. It allows employers to pay 30% of the salary tax-free as a reimbursement for extraterritorial costs, effectively reducing the tax burden for up to five years.

CAO NU (Collectieve Arbeidsovereenkomst Nederlandse Universiteiten) is the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities. Postdocs typically fall in scale 10–11 (€3,200–4,500 gross/month), while PhD candidates follow a separate four-year salary progression from roughly €2,770 to €3,540.