Associate Professor in Theoretical Computer Science

Do you have the ambition to develop world class research in Theoretical Computer Science at the Informatics Institute (IvI), and together with the  chair Theoretical Computer Science at the Institute for Logic, Language, and Computation (ILLC) form a strong and visible nucleus Theoretical Computer Science in our University? Are you willing to collaborate with other research groups, also within other faculties of the University, to seek relations with public or private partners, to be visible in the broader academic community, to teach Theoretical Computer Science in our Bachelor/Master programmes and to take responsibility for all theory of computer science aspects of our educational programmes?

We offer a position of either associate professor or full professor, depending on experience, in Theoretical Computer Science. This new chair is embedded in the Informatics Institute (IvI) of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and will lead the Theory of Computer Science group. The chair holder should develop a unique profile within the IvI while interacting with one of more research groups within the Institute. The ILLC of the UvA has recently appointed a chair in Theoretical Computer science, and both chair holders should build links and create a visible nucleus of Theoretical Computer science in Amsterdam, also together with VU and CWI.

The IvI has a long-standing tradition in Theoretical Computer Science, with special attention to Algebraic Specification and Process Algebras. With the retirement of the chair holder, and the unprecedented growth of the Informatics Institute and the larger Computer Science ecosystem in Amsterdam, new opportunities for research in Theoretical Computer Science emerge. The research profile of this new chair is designed to reflect Theoretical Computer Science in a broad sense, with three possible (preferred) attention areas. This should result in strong synergies and added value to research within the IvI, but also with the ILLC or the broader Amsterdam context (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Center for Mathematics and Informatics). A strong research profile in Theoretical Computer Science beyond the preferred attention areas is not excluded.

The IvI has world class research in machine learning, information retrieval, computer vision, computational science, data engineering, data exchange and cyber infrastructures, and is further enlarging its research portfolio. The research of this chair will significantly contribute to Theoretical Computer Science, while at the same time building bridges to and creating synergy and added value with research within our Institute or the broader Amsterdam context.

The proposed chair in Theoretical Computer Science is preferably positioned in one of the following three domains:

1. Algorithms and/or Automata
   Algorithms research, possibly linked with formal methods, in particular automata theory or logic, or a focus on formal methods linked to algorithms;
2. Quantum Algorithms
   Quantum Algorithms (e.g. Quantum Machine Learning or Quantum Simulations) with applications in areas ranging broadly from the sciences to specific applications, e.g., finance;
3. Foundations of Learning
   Computational/Algorithmic/Statistical Learning Theory, Inductive Logic Programming, or other foundational research in the broad domain of Machine Learning, AI, ranging from time complexity and feasibility of learning to, e.g., novel frameworks for cooperative/competitive multi-agent learning, preferably starting from a strong mathematical/statistical background.

Other domains are also possible, but then synergy with research themes within the Informatics Institute should be emphasized.

What are you going to do?

You are expected to:

• demonstrate leadership in research: setting up a successful world class research line in Theoretical Computer Science;
• demonstrate leadership in education: designing, delivering and managing academic education in Theoretical Computer Science;
• develop collaborations with other Informatics Institute professors in the implementation of strategic decisions at the Faculty of Science;
• seek funding for PhDs and postdocs by writing research proposals to the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research and EU;
• seek funding by engaging with other public of private partners;
• supervise PhD students;
• supervise Bachelor and Master projects;
• write high impact scientific publications, being member of programme committees etc.;
• organize events and conferences;
• engage with the media;
• transfer of research results to industry and society through startups, industry engagement, etc.;
• help build a strong and visible Theory of Computer Science activity in Amsterdam.

You will provide lectures and presentations in accordance with the education programmes under the supervision of the director of the College of Informatics and the director of the Graduate School of Informatics. You will take responsibility for education of Theoretical Computer Science in all our programmes. Teaching will include:

• contributions to programmes such as the Bachelor and Master Computer Science, Information Studies, or AI;
• supervise BSc and MSc students during their research projects;
• develop or redesign courses in Theoretical Computer Science.

What do we require?

• A PhD in Computer Science or a closely related field;
• proven ability to engage in cutting-edge research in Theoretical Computer Science;
• demonstrated to be creative and inspiring with excellent managerial qualities and leadership capabilities;
• the capability to initiate and organize new research by identifying innovative research themes;
• a strong track record in, enthusiasm about and the willingness to be active in the attraction of external funding;
• contacts necessary to initiate national and international public-public and public-private partnerships, and being part of an international network;
• proven teaching skills (preferably with a certificate of academic teaching quality), excellent didactic qualities, a demonstrated dedication to and affinity with the content of the Bachelors and Master programmes where we teach theoretical computer science;
• commitment to stimulating and supervising PhD research;
• willingness and ability to perform administrative, organizational and managerial tasks.

Our offer

We offer an employment contract for 38 hours a week. The offer is dependent on relevant experience and the type of contract is thus to be determined.

The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be €5,190 to €8,371 (scale 13 – scale H2) gross per month, based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.

Questions?

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation? Please contact:

• Prof. Max Welling
  T: +31 (0)20 525 8256

About the Faculty of Science and the Informatics Institute

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 7,000, as well as 1,600 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The mission of the Informatics Institute is to perform curiosity-driven and use-inspired fundamental research in Computer Science. The main research themes are Artificial Intelligence, Computational Science and Systems and Network Engineering. Our research involves complex information systems at large, with a focus on collaborative, data driven, computational and intelligent systems, all with a strong interactive component.

The Informatics Institute has a long-standing tradition in Theoretical Computer Science, with special attention to Algebraic Specification and Process Algebras. With the retirement of the chair holder, and the unprecedented growth of the Informatics Institute and the larger Computer Science ecosystem in Amsterdam, new opportunities for research in Theoretical Computer Science emerge. The research profile of this new chair is designed to reflect Theoretical Computer Science in a broad sense, with three possible (preferred) attention areas. This should result in strong synergies and added value to research within the Informatics Institute, but also with the Institute for Logic, Language, and Computation or the broader Amsterdam context (Free University Amsterdam, Centre for Mathematics and Informatics). A strong research profile in Theoretical Computer Science beyond the preferred attention areas is not excluded.

The Informatics Institute of the University of Amsterdam has world class research in machine learning, information retrieval, computer vision, computational science, data engineering, data exchange and cyber infrastructures, and is further enlarging its research portfolio. The research of this chair will significantly contribute to Theoretical Computer Science, while at the same time building bridges to and creating synergy and added value with research within our Institute or the broader Amsterdam context.

Job application

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

The Informatics Institute strives for a better gender balance in its staff. We therefore strongly encourage women to apply for this position.

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 25 April 2021. You can apply online by using the link below.

Applications in .pdf should include:

• a motivation letter and CV, including a list of publications,
• a visionary research statement and educational statement,
• a list of potential references.

Please mention the months (not just years) in your CV when referring to your education and work experience.

No agencies please