211-0480/23-2E Associate Professorship in Systems and Software Engineering

Associate Professorship in Systems and Software Engineering
Department of Computer Science
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for a position as Associate Professor in Systems and Software Engineering. The position is to be filled by 1 August 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter, subject to negotiation.

It is a high priority at Department of Computer Science to foster a research environment of highest excellence allowing people from diverse backgrounds to thrive. The researcher will join a rapidly growing department, with strong research sections in the areas of Algorithms and Complexity; Machine Learning; Natural Language Processing; Human-Centered Computing; Business Process Management, Software Engineering and Data Management; Programming Languages; and Image Analysis. The department is heading 2 centers within Artificial Intelligence: the SCIENCE AI Center (https://ai.ku.dk/) and the Pioneer Center within Artificial Intelligence (https://di.ku.dk/ai-centre).

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 ranked number 4 in the European Union according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2022.

The Department of Computer Science offers a friendly and thriving international research and working environment with opportunities to build up internationally competitive research groups. There are good opportunities available to apply for research funding in order to establish oneself in Denmark. The Department of Computer Science has an experienced research support unit that offers mentoring and assistance when applying for funding. Further information on start packages and recruitment grants offered by Danish private and public foundations is available at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/research/recruitment-grants-and-start-packages/experienced-researchers/ .

Copenhagen is one of the 10 most livable cities in the world with a rich culture within music, theater and associations (https://www.visitcopenhagen.com). Life for families is made easy by a publicly supported daycare and health care system, dual career opportunities, maternity/parental leave and six weeks of annual vacation. International candidates may find information on living and working in Denmark at www.workindenmark.dk . Useful information is also available at The International Staff Mobility office (ISM) at the University of Copenhagen (https://ism.ku.dk ). ISM offers a variety of services to international researchers coming to and working at the University of Copenhagen.

Description of the position
We are looking for an outstanding, experienced researcher with an innovative mindset and intellectual curiosity to strengthen and complement the research profile of the department within Systems and Software Engineering. Research areas of interest include, but are not limited to, Trustworthy and dependable systems/AI and privacy; Decentralised Systems; Formal methods and programming languages; Cybersecurity and privacy for distributed systems; Program synthesis and generation; Symbolic logic, logical methods and proof theory; Business process management; Emerging technologies, such as Quantum Computing; Applications in finance (FinTech), logistics, supply chain management, healthcare, and manufacturing systems.

A priori, the researcher will join the Software, Data, People and Society Section (SDPS) or the Programming Languages and Theory of Computation Section (PLTC) but the section affiliation will be decided in the hiring process. The SDPS Section research in software, process and data management systems, and methods for the development of software systems suited for the people developing and using them, thereby creating value for society. The research is often carried out in an interdisciplinary context and in collaboration with industry. For further information, please visit https://di.ku.dk/english/research/sdps/ . The PLTC Section conduct research in programming language technology and in the theory of computation. Much of the work involves topics in the intersection of programming language theory (e.g., algorithmic aspects of programming and formal verification), and applications (e.g., computer security and privacy, systems, distributed ledger technology, and fintech). For further information, please visit https://di.ku.dk/english/research/pltc/ .

Duties include furthering the applicant’s own research, development of the scientific field, research assessment tasks, research grant applications, and research management such as supervision and training of research fellows and other staff. The successful applicant must also teach, supervise, prepare and participate in examinations, and fulfill other tasks requested by the Department.

The department values interdisciplinary research and teaching, and is actively involved in several cross-faculty research projects and educational programmes. Thus, the successful candidate must be capable of and interested in facilitating cross-disciplinary interactions both within the Department of Computer Science and across the university, as well as internationally. The candidate is expected to be open to conducting interdisciplinary teaching, including courses for students with a non-technical background, e.g., health sciences.

Qualifications
The position requires a track-record of successful external research funding as well as a strong publication record in high-level, international, peer-reviewed venues in the area of specialization. Candidates are also required to have documented university level competencies in delivering high-quality undergraduate/graduate teaching and must be able to explain and reflect upon own teaching practice and portfolio. Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen teacher training programme is expected. Candidates are also expected to have managerial qualifications, for instance in managing their own research group, and out-reach experience.

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.

Negotiation for salary supplement, and relocation expenses, is possible. Note that Denmark protects the economic, social, and physical well-being of its workers, which includes robust health care, childcare, elder care, and other generous benefits. Thus, direct salary comparisons across nations are typically not meaningful. Furthermore, unlike some north American universities, University of Copenhagen appointments are 12 months in duration

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, original scientific production at an international level, including contributions to developments in their field, scientific profile in relation to ongoing research at the section, as well as documented teaching qualifications. Ability to attract external funding will also be considered as will managerial and out-reach qualifications.

Six overall criteria apply for Associate 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 an overall assessment of the candidates. Furthermore, each candidate must be assessed according to the specific requirements stated in the job advertisement.

Criteria for Associate professors: https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/dokumenter-til-meritering/5b_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Associate_professors.pdf .

Further information
For more information about the Department of Computer Science, please visit our website https://di.ku.dk/english/

Inquiries about the position can be made to Head of Department, Professor Jakob Grue Simonsen ([email protected] ); Head of SDSP Section, Professor Thomas Hildebrandt ([email protected] ) or Head of PLTC Section, Professor Martin Elsman ([email protected] ).

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

Please include

• Curriculum vitae including information about external funding
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Description and documentation of teaching experience and qualifications according to university guidelines
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

Deadline for applications is 26 February 2023 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment at all levels to be assessed by an Assessment Committee. Note that being on the short-list, is not equivalent to being assessed qualified for the position. Short- listed candidate may potentially be deemed “not qualified” by the Assessment Committee.

A sub-set of the qualified short-listed candidates will be selected for a formal interview by the Recruitment Committee.

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

Interviews will be held on 29 June 2023.

Please refer to the following number in future communication in this case 211-0480/23-2E.

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.