Researcher in methods and statistics, specializing in programming and structural equation modelling
Have you worked with the R package lavaan before, for example to conduct structural equation modeling or path analysis? Do you support Open Science and its principles? Do you have experience in software engineering, particularly in R package development? Would you like to contribute directly to improving the accuracy, robustness, and sustainability of a global statistical infrastructure? If so, we would love to receive your application.
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.
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 f.schuberth@utwente.nl.
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.
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