Backend Developer

Job Description

Hi! 👋 We’re The Selection Lab — a fast-growing HR-tech company helping businesses make better recruitment decisions — faster and without bias. We believe AI is the future of recruitment. To further develop our talent selection platform, we’re looking for a Backend Developer. Someone who not only writes code but has a vision for scalable and secure systems and actively contributes ideas to improve our technology. This way, we can help even more companies enhance their hiring processes with AI and data-driven insights.

“Every day, I build a platform here that truly makes a difference for companies and candidates. Together with the team, we solve challenging problems that are not only technically interesting but also genuinely impactful. That’s what makes working at The Selection Lab so unique.”
— Rosa van der Heide, Developer

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Recruitment
As our Backend Developer, you’ll be responsible for the core functionality of our platform. With your experience in backend development, APIs, and security, you’ll provide robust, secure solutions that make our platform shine. You’ll work with a multidisciplinary team to create technology that makes recruitment more efficient and fair. Your technical choices will guide businesses and candidates through every step of their journey, and you’ll have the freedom to shape those choices!

What You’ll Do

• Build powerful, scalable backend code that ensures our codebase is reliable and future-proof.
• Design and develop APIs, data processes, and AI functionalities that integrate smoothly with our frontend and external systems.
• Collaborate with colleagues from various fields – from frontend developers to customer success and sales – to bring ideas to life.
• Improve the performance, quality, and security of our codebase – you’re the guardian of the highest standards.
• Keep growing and innovating: explore new technologies, implement features independently, and make proposals that continuously improve our platform.

What We Offer

• Our tech stack: Python (backend) and Javascript/Typescript/Svelte (frontend) – a modern, versatile environment for optimal skill development.
• Direct impact: your work makes recruitment more objective and inclusive, and you see that impact every day.
• An inspiring office in central Amsterdam – a friendly work environment where hard work and fun go hand in hand, with flexibility to work from home as well.
• Top-notch gear: a MacBook Pro awaits you (if you want it)!
• Attractive salary (€4000 – €5000 depending on experience + 8% holiday pay) and stock options (SAR), so you can grow with our success.
• Team spirit and enjoyment: daily lunches, social events, team-building, and office boot camps – we work hard and celebrate together.
• Extras like CO₂ compensation through tree-planting initiatives, 25 vacation days + 2 extra public holidays to make time for yourself.

Does This Sound Like You?
You enjoy writing robust, structured backend code and have a keen eye for scalability and security. You have an analytical mindset, work methodically, and take responsibility for your work. Innovation and improvement are part of your DNA – both in the code you write and in yourself. Additionally, you have:

• 2-4 years of experience in backend development and comfort with Python frameworks and tools.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail – you understand the nuances of scalable architectures.
• Excellent communication skills, in both Dutch and English, to collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
• A drive to build technology that makes a difference and impacts the world of recruitment.

Heads-up: We don’t offer visa sponsorship, so please make sure you’re already able to work in the Netherlands before applying.

A Typical Day at The Selection Lab
8:00 – 9:00: Start your day with a coffee or tea and review your schedule, PRs, or new feature requests.
9:15: Daily kickoff. Join the team to briefly discuss the day’s focus.
9:25: Stand-up with your backend team to discuss technical questions, tasks, and progress.
10:00: First focus block – time to dive into deep work, whether on a new API, performance optimization, or a security enhancement.
12:00: Lunch! Enjoy a delicious lunch with the team, catch up, and recharge for the afternoon (Friday roti is now a beloved tradition).
12:30: Code reviews and collaboration – review teammates’ code, share feedback, and ensure consistency in the codebase.
13:30: Second focus block – time to further develop that challenging feature or explore a new architecture.
16:00: Growth and learning – maybe a 1-on-1 on your goals, or time to learn about a new library or technology.
17:30 – …: End the day however you like. Whether with a boot camp, a drink, or one last bit of coding, you choose what suits your energy.

Team Atmosphere
At The Selection Lab, you’ll join a close-knit team of ambitious professionals working together on the future of recruitment. From sales and marketing to data analysis and development – everyone brings their own expertise. Based in our central Amsterdam office – just steps from the Rokin – we’re building technology that is transforming recruitment. The atmosphere is energetic, driven, and collegial. We celebrate our successes, learn from each other, and share a common mission: making recruitment fairer and better for everyone.

Ready to shake up the world of recruitment? Apply now and join our team! 🚀