Assistant Professor in Computational Complexity Theory

Department of Computer Science
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen

The Department of Computer Science (DIKU) at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professorship in computational complexity theory.

We are looking for an outstanding junior researcher with an innovative mind-set and intellectual curiosity to strengthen and complement the research profile of the Algorithms and Complexity Section at DIKU. This is part of an exciting environment including the Basic Algorithms Research Copenhagen (BARC) centre, joint with the IT University of Copenhagen, and involving extensive collaborations with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and Lund University on the Swedish side of the Oresund Bridge. We aim to attract top talent from around the world to an ambitious, creative, collaborative, and fun environment. Using the power of mathematics, we strive to create fundamental breakthroughs in algorithms and complexity theory, but we also have a track record of start-ups and surprising algorithmic discoveries leading to major industrial applications.

The University of Copenhagen was founded in 1479 and is the oldest and largest university in Denmark. It is often ranked as the best university in Scandinavia and consistently as one of the top places in Europe. Within computer science, it is currently number 1 in the European Union (post-Brexit) according to the Shanghai Ranking.

The department offers a friendly and thriving international research and working environment with opportunities to build up internationally competitive research groups. Working conditions at the University of Copenhagen support a healthy work-life balance and Copenhagen is a family friendly capital city.

The duties of the tenure-track assistant professor will primarily consist of research, including obligations with regard to publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching with associated examination obligations within theoretical computer science. To a limited extent the position may also include other duties.

The tenure track assistant professor must have an academic standing showing internationally competitive research, and/or have internationally recognized high potential to make a future impact.

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, internationally competitive research. The ability to attract external funding will be considered together with outreach qualifications. Teaching qualifications are not mandatory but documented teaching qualifications and teaching experience will be considered.

Six overall criteria apply for assistant professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates. Furthermore, each candidate must be assessed according to the specific requirements stated in the job advertisement. Please read more at https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/dokumenter-til-meritering/5a_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Assistant_professors.pdf.

The position is open from 1 August 2021, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Further information about the Department of Computer Science and the Faculty of Science can be found at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Jakob Nordström (e-mail jn@di.ku.dk; phone +46 707422198) or to the Head of Department Mads Nielsen (e-mail: madsn@di.ku.dk; phone: +45 24600599).

The University wishes for our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Requirements

The successful candidate should have:

• A PhD degree in computer science, mathematics, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated strength within computational complexity theory with a solid publication record in leading conferences such as STOC, FOCS, CCC, and ICALP, and/or in journals such as JACM and SICOMP. Interdisciplinary work applying complexity theory to other areas is viewed as an additional asset but is not necessary.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

The starting salary is currently up to DKK 437.843 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 74.871).

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The tenure-track programme

An assigned mentor will provide the tenure-track assistant professor with guidance related to career development, other academic topics, and administrative procedures.

The performance of the tenure-track assistant professor will be appraised via internal yearly evaluations and a mid-term and final international evaluation by an assessment committee. A positive final appraisal will be followed by promotion to associate professor. Performance and progression towards the criteria below will be evaluated with due consideration of differences between research fields.

Criteria for promotion

After a 6-year tenure-track period the assistant professors are expected to meet the following criteria:

• A strong publication track record within the specific field of research, including a significant number of publications in highly ranked venues based on work carried out during the tenure-track period.
• A strong external network of collaboration, including joint publications.
• A significant track record of successful external research funding.
• Establishment of a strong and internationally competitive research group demonstrating clear independence of former supervisors/mentors, and/or major contributions to the development of an existing research group demonstrating an ability to collaborate within the research group.
• Completed pedagogical course https://www.ind.ku.dk/english/course_overview/up/ and composition of a teaching portfolio via participation in teaching, including preparation and development of departmental courses
• Successful supervision/co-supervision of MSc and PhD students.

The application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Application documents

• Curriculum vitae including:Diplomas (MSc and PhD degree or equivalent). If you have not yet defended your PhD thesis, please enclose a declaration from your supervisor on expected submission and defence of PhD thesis.
  • Description and documentation of international network and relations.
  • Description and documentation of internationally based activities.
  • Positions held at universities/research institutions outside Denmark.
  • Outreach activities, i.e., popular lectures or other activities in the media.
  • Grants held, personal or in part, including career development grants.

• Research statement: description of current and future research plans, including a short description of up to 5 selected papers.

• If available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications, covering:
  • Experience with supervision of BSc and MSc students.
  • Teaching experience.
  • Formal pedagogical training.

• Complete publication list, starting with links to author pages at DBLP and Google Scholar.
• Separate reprints of the above up to 5 selected papers.

The deadline for applications is 17 January, 2021 at 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews/trial lectures will be held on 29 April 2021

Please refer to the following no. in future communication in this case: 211-0076/20-2N

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.