Tenure-track Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Full Professor in Quantum Computer Science

Tenure-track Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Full Professor in Quantum Computer Science
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 Tenure-track Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Full Professor in Quantum Computer Science – we are particularly looking for candidates with research profiles that incorporate both quantum computation (broadly construed) and at least one other classical discipline in computer science, e.g., algorithms, cryptography, machine learning, or programming languages and compilers. 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, 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 ). Furthermore, we participate in the Quantum for Life Centre (https://quantumforlife.ku.dk/) and the newly formed Quantum Hub (https://www.math.ku.dk/english/about/news/joined-forces-in-new-quantum-community/).

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 2 in the European Union according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2021. University of Copenhagen is becoming a center of gravity in quantum computing research with the new 200 million Euro quantum computing center (https://nbi.ku.dk/english/news/news22/major-investment-for-developing-denmarks-first-fully-functional-quantum-computer/ ) and several other initiatives, such as quantum for Life.

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. As part of new initiatives in the area of quantum computing, including an associated MSc education in quantum information science, spanning several universities and departments in Denmark, we are looking to hire one or more researchers who can extend the department’s profile in quantum computing (broadly conceived); we welcome both applicants whose primary field is quantum computation, and applicants whose primary field is in classical computation, but who have a strong publication record and research presence in quantum computing. We are especially looking for researchers working in the intersection between quantum computing and other fields such as algorithms, cryptography, machine learning, and programming languages and theory of computation. Ideally, the successful applicant(s) would, in addition to their research work, be able to teach courses in quantum algorithms and machine learning and/or quantum compilers. Examples of topics of particular interest to the department are:

• Algorithms, Complexity, and Cryptography
• Quantum information science and quantum machine learning
• Semantics, analysis, simulation, specification, verification, and compilation of quantum systems.

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

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.

Duties
As tenure-track assistant professor the duties will primarily include research, including obligations with regard to publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching with associated examination obligations within Data Management Systems. To a limited extent the position may also include other duties.

As associate professor or professor 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.

Qualifications

Needed qualifications at the Tenure-track Assistant Professor level: The position requires an increasing publication trajectory in high-level, international, peer-reviewed venues in the area of specialization, as well as some personal research grants or a designated (by name) part of major grants. Research plans and publication record should delineate a clear potential for attracting external funding. An active network of international collaborations will be considered a very important asset. The tenure-track assistant professor must have an academic standing showing internationally competitive research, and/or have high potential to make a future scientific impact at the international level. Documented university level experience in delivering high-quality undergraduate/graduate teaching is not mandatory but will be an advantage. If not already holding formal pedagogical qualifications, candidates are required to obtain pedagogical training equivalent to the University of Copenhagen Teaching and Learning in Higher Education programme for Assistant Professors.

Needed qualifications at the Associate Professor level: 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.

Needed qualifications at the Full Professor level: Applicants are expected to have a solid track-record of attracting significant external research funding, as well as a significant 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, as well as participate in strategic teaching planning. Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen Teaching and Learning in Higher Education programme is necessary. Candidates are expected to have significant managerial qualifications, for instance in positions of service to their institution or to the community, and experience in leading a competitive research group, as well as out-reach experience.

Information on tenure-track programme
Candidates hired as tenure-track assistant professor will be assigned a mentor who will provide the candidate with guidance related to career development, other academic topics and administrative procedures.

Performance of the tenure-track assistant professor will be followed via internal yearly evaluations and a mid-term and final international evaluation by an assessment committee. If the ‘final appraisal’ is positive you will be promoted as associate professor which is a permanent position. Performance and progression towards the criteria below will be evaluated with due consideration of differences between research fields.

After a 6-year tenure-track period tenure-track assistant professors are expected to meet the criteria for appointment of associate professors at the University of Copenhagen .

If the criteria are met, the tenure-track assistant professor will be promoted to Associate professor which is a permanent position.

Assessment of applicants
Assessment of applicants as tenure-track assistant professor 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.

Assessment of applicants as associate professor/full professor 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.

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, child care, elder care, and other generous benefits. Thus, direct salary comparisons across nations are typically not meaningful. Furthermore, unlike some north American universities, salary is paid out every month of the year and thus require no need for faculty to procure summer funding.

Six overall criteria apply for Tenure-track Assistant/Associate/Full 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 Tenure Track Assistant professors: https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/dokumenter-til-meritering/5a_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Assistant_professors.pdf

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 .

Criteria for full professors: https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/dokumenter-til-meritering/5c_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-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]).

Filing of application
The position may be applied for at the Tenure-track assistant professor level, at Associate professor level or at Full Professor level. Please note that it is possible to apply at more than one level. If applied at more than one level, separate applications must be submitted (see below).

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

If you are applying for the positions at Tenure Track assistant professor level, please include

• Curriculum vitae including:
  • Please describe and document international network and relations
  • Please describe and document 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. Career development grants.
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan - description of current and future research plans
• If available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications- please describe and document:
  • Experience with supervision of BSc and MSc students
  • Teaching experience
  • Formal pedagogical training
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of up to 5 particularly relevant papers

If you are applying for the positions at Associate Professor or Full Professor level, 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

The 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 28 June 2023.

Please refer to the following numbers in future communication in this case:

• Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Quantum Computer Science 211-0168/23-2N
• Associate Professor in Quantum Computer Science 211-0482/23-2E
• Full Professor in Quantum Computer Science 211-0221/23-2K

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.