Java Software Developer

Ready to make a real impact? As Java Software Developer at Naturalis, you'll build large-scale applications that support natural science collections in our institute, in the Netherlands and in Europe. Your work supports collection management and biodiversity research, while working from a user centric approach and using modern technologies to add value for all our stakeholders.

As Java Software Developer

• You play a key role in co-designing, building, maintaining and improving backend applications.
• You have ample opportunity to experiment and innovate. Automation of your own work? Clever and secure use of AI? Your ideas are welcome!
• You bring in your own ideas about team improvement and actively contribute to improving the team’s effectiveness.

This is what you'll be doing

As a Java Software Developer, you develop the backends for services related to natural science collection data. Following modern CI/CD practices, you ensure the code you and your team delivers meets quality standards, is well-tested, and delivers value. You work on data-intensive applications, exposing large datasets for biodiversity researchers and collection managers. Furthermore you contribute to services that analyze, harmonize, and assure the quality of this data. Working in an agile way, collaborating with analysts, stakeholders, and your own team you design features that meet users’ needs.

You will have the opportunity to grow and continue learning , attend monthly technical sessions and contribute to organisational standards through the Naturalis Java Club and other cross-team guilds. Have something to share? Then you’re welcome to present at one of these events!

Here's what we have to offer

• A gross monthly salary of € 3,768.- to € 4,879.- for a full-time contract (36 hours).
• End-of-year bonus of 3.4% of your gross annual salary and 8% holiday pay.
• Time off thanks to 27 days of leave per year with full-time employment. Plus 1 extra day that you can use for a holiday that is important to you.
• Commuting allowance depending on your means of transport.
• Pension scheme via PFZW, where Naturalis pays 60% of your premium.
• A focus on your work-life balance. You can work partly from home and schedule your workday between 07.00 and 19.00.
• Plenty of development opportunities. We support your growth and give you unlimited access to the online training platform Goodhabitz.
• Fascinating knowledge events. These help you stay up to date on the latest developments in both your own field and outside it, such as our lectures and gatherings on various (scientific) topics. You can also attend – or take part in – the fascinating internal information session Naturalis Draait Door.
• A laptop and phone allowance.
• Nice extras such as discounts on software and hardware for private use, collective health insurance plans, and a bicycle scheme. You’ll also enjoy discounts in our museum restaurant and unlimited free access to our award-winning museum for you and your family.
• Fun team outings. We also get together for drinks every month, organise an annual BBQ and a fantastic New Year's party. Not your scene? That's fine too, of course. All team activities are voluntary.
• A unique work environment in a state-of-the-art building where you will feel proud to work every single day – we guarantee it!

The world lies at your feet! Literally. Whatever your role may be, you contribute to the preservation of our planet on a daily basis. Naturalis Biodiversity Center …

• is the national research and knowledge institute and a key player in biodiversity data and infrastructures;
• houses one of the largest natural history collections in the world.
• welcomes 500,000 museum visitors per year.
• collaborates with universities, expertise centres and museums around the world.
• has a staff of diverse colleagues in various functions and with many different nationalities, with whom you will work together in an informal atmosphere.

This is your team

Contributions that really matter for biodiversity. You can do that within the Application Development and Management department, where you work together with 27 enthusiastic IT colleagues. What characterizes us? The diversity. We count different job functions - from junior to lead -, multiple nationalities and we work on the most diverse applications. We work in four product teams that have stepwise improvement in their DNA. And we are innovative: we work platform-independently and are at the forefront of using new technologies. Whenever possible, we use open source technology and make the software we develop available as open source as well.

As a Java Software Developer, you’ll be part of the Collection Data Infrastructure and Access (CoDIAc) product team. The CoDIAc team is responsible for a group of applications that revolve around digitizing, accessing, or analyzing natural science collection data. The team’s scope ranges from applications used internally in Naturalis to pan-European projects. You will be responsible for maintaining, improving and renewing the applications in the team’s portfolio, in addition to developing new services.

What you bring to the table

A collaborative attitude and an open mindset, allowing you to adapt smoothly when working with colleagues, from developers to researchers. You are a good listener who can turn complex information into clear solutions. Not only by yourself, but also by working together with your teammates to find the best solutions. You stay calm when issues occur, analyse them, and always look for the best way forward for the whole team.

Furthermore you have:

• Education in a relevant field, such as IT or Computer Science.
• At least 2-3 years of relevant experience as a communicative backend developer in a a bilingual team (English and Dutch)
• Solid knowledge of Java, including familiarity with Spring Boot framework.
• Strong testing, debugging, and problem solving skills.
• Experience with version control with Git and developing CI/CD pipelines (GitLab pipelines or GitHub actions, GitOps, Docker)

Become our new Java Software Developer

• Upload your CV and motivation letter via the application button no later than Sunday the 5th of July 2026.
• Want to know more about the position before you apply? Call Wilfred Gerritsen, head of the Application Development and Management department via 06 – 227 07 176 or send an email to [email protected].
• For more information about the application procedure, you can send an email to our colleagues in the P&O department via [email protected].

We are managing the recruitment for this vacancy ourselves; unsolicited acquisition is therefore not desired.