SURF · Standplaats: Utrecht · 2 februari 2026
Technical Advisor Online Data Services
Would you like to contribute to digital autonomy and build open-source alternatives to Big Tech? As a Technical Advisor at SURF, you will work within the Online Data Services team on our Nextcloud-based storage services, which are widely used by Dutch education and research institutions. You will advise users and actively help to further develop these services, ensuring that they retain maximum control over their data. Does this sound like your next step? Apply now and make an impact.
Where you will work
SURF is the ICT cooperative for Dutch educational and research institutions. Together with them, we work on digital services and complex innovation challenges to enhance the quality of education and research.
The team you will join
The Online Data Services team manages large-scale data storage systems that are essential for scientific research and education. Our mission is to enable scientific progress by truly understanding researchers and working with them to solve their data issues.
With a team of system administrators, DevOps engineers and consultants, we build, scale and manage robust infrastructure. We are responsible for services such as SURFdrive and Research Drive (which are based on Nettcloud), which are used by tens of thousands of users for data sharing and active Research Data Management. We also support large-scale storage for international research instruments such as LOFAR and the Large Hadron Collider.
We offer an inspiring working environment, an open atmosphere of helpful colleagues, and the opportunity to work with exciting new technologies to enable world-class scientific research and education. We live at the cutting edge of infrastructure technology. Would you like to join us?
What you will do
As a Technical Advisor Online Data Services, you are the first point of contact for users, the technical team and other stakeholders. You will be at the heart of the user community and play an active role in user group meetings and training sessions. You will work on our Nextcloud-based sync and share services: an open-source alternative to cloud storage services such as OneDrive and Dropbox, which is being embraced by more and more organisations in Europe to maintain control over their data. These services are used on a large scale by Dutch educational and research institutions.
By listening carefully to ideas and needs, you translate questions into scalable, practical solutions and contribute ideas about the future development of our services.
Other tasks you will handle
Your skills and experience
You are energised by technology, collaboration and creative problem solving. You switch effortlessly between technical depth and clear communication, enjoy working independently and in a team, and are motivated to contribute to reliable, future-proof technology that supports public values and digital sovereignty. You are curious, eager to learn and take ownership.
In addition, you have:
Prior to starting this job, a VOG must be presented .
SURF takes pleasure in doing its recruitment itself; acquisition is therefore not appreciated.
Applying for a job at SURF
This is what you can expect
Apply
After submitting your application, you will immediately receive a confirmation e-mail.
Response
After the the closing date, you will receive a response from our recruitment team.
First interview
We invite you to our office, because we want to get to know you.
Second interview
We invite you again for an interview with others who also want to get to know you.
Assessment
We may ask you to do an assignment (assessment).
Are you the right person?
Then you will receive a salary offer from one of our HR advisors.
Welcome to SURF!
You join onboarding activities with other new colleagues.
Location Science Park, 140, 1098 XG, Amsterdam, Netherlands Degree Master of Science (MSc) Employment Fixed term with permanent employment intention Salary €4791 - €7786 Hours per week 32 to 40 hours Deadline 18 February 2026 Substantive questions
Questions about procedure SURF Recruitment
What we offer
Research shows: many people do not apply for a job until they can tick all the boxes. We think talent, commitment and fresh insights are just as important. So do you find this job opening interesting? Don't hold back and apply!