Jakob Nordström / Open positions / Tenure-track assistant or associate professorship in computational complexity theory

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Tenure-Track Assistant or Associate Professorship in Computational Complexity Theory

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

The Scientific Environment

We are looking for an outstanding 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 a world-leading research environment with a strong presence at top-tier conferences like STOC, FOCS, CCC, and SODA, and also with publications in premier AI conferences like AAAI, IJCAI, and NeurIPS. We are home to the Basic Algorithms Research Copenhagen (BARC) centre, joint with the IT University of Copenhagen, and have extensive collaborations with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and with Lund University on the Swedish side of the Øresund Bridge, as well as with our many visitors. 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. While the focus in on foundational research, we do have a track record of surprising algorithmic discoveries leading to major industrial applications.

Job Description

This is a position in theoretical computer science, or, more specifically, in computational complexity theory. Candidates are expected to publish in the premier venues within theoretical computer science, such as STOC, FOCS, and CCC, or in journals of comparable quality, such as JACM or SICOMP. Interdisciplinary work applying complexity theory to other areas is viewed as an additional asset but is not necessary.

Work duties include 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 candidate will also teach and supervise, prepare and participate in examinations, and fulfill other department tasks as needed.

The position is open from March 1, 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter, though the exact starting date is negotiable.

The working language of the Algorithms and Complexity Section is English, and knowledge of English is also fully sufficient to navigate every-day life in Denmark in general. It might also be worth mentioning that Denmark routinely scores at the absolute top in rankings of quality of life such as, e.g., the OECD Better Life Index.

Qualifications

Needed qualifications at the Tenure-track Assistant Professor level: The position requires an increasing publication trajectory in international premier venues in the area of specialization. Research plans and publication record should delineate a clear potential for attracting external funding. An active network of international collaborations will be considered as a positive asset. The tenure-track assistant professor must have an academic standing showing internationally competitive research, and have high potential to make a continued 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, the successful candidate is required to obtain pedagogical training equivalent to the University of Copenhagen Teaching and Learning in Higher Education program for Assistant Professors.

Needed qualifications at the Associate Professor level: The position requires a track-record of publications in international premier venues in the area of specialization as well as proof of successfully attracted external research funding. Candidates are also required to have documented university-level competence in delivering high-quality undergraduate/graduate teaching and must be able to explain and reflect upon their teaching practice and portfolio. Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen teacher training program is expected. Candidates are also expected to have managerial qualifications, for instance in managing their own research group, and outreach experience.

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, internationally competitive research. Documented teaching qualifications and ability to attract external funding will also be considered, as will managerial and outreach qualifications.

Workplace

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 2nd in the European Union (post-Brexit) by ShanghaiRanking.

The Department of Computer Science offers a friendly and thriving international environment with excellent opportunities to build up an internationally competitive research group. There are many funding options for getting started on research in Denmark, and the department 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 www.science.ku.dk/english/research/recruitment-grants-and-start-packages/experienced-researchers/.

Copenhagen is one of the ten most livable cities in the world with a rich culture (www.visitcopenhagen.com). Family life is made easy by a publicly supported daycare and healthcare systems, dual career opportunities, 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.ku.dk), which offers a variety of services to international researchers coming to and working at the University of Copenhagen.

Further information about the Department of Computer Science and the Faculty of Science can be found at www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/.

Application

The application deadline is October 2, 2022 at midnight local time.

The application including all attachments should be in English and should be submitted electronically via the University of Copenhagen recruitment system. Please see the official advertisement at https://employment.ku.dk/tenure-track/?show=157248 for more detailed information, including a link to the application form.

Please observe that the position may be applied for either at the Tenure-Track Assistant Professor level or at the Associate Professor level, but that these are two separate applications. It is perfectly possible to apply to be considered at both levels, but then two separate (though possibly identical) applications must be submitted.

If you are applying for the positions as Tenure Track Assistant Professor, please include the following documents:

  1. Curriculum vitae including:
    • 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Research statement: description of current and future research plans, including a short description of up to 5 selected papers.
  4. 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.
  5. Complete publication list, starting with links to author pages at DBLP and Google Scholar.
  6. Separate reprints of the above up to 5 selected papers.

If you are applying for the positions as Associate Professor, please include the following documents:

  1. Curriculum vitae including:
    • 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.
  2. Diplomas (MSc and PhD degree or equivalent).
  3. Research statement: description of current and future research plans, including a short description of up to 5 selected papers.
  4. Description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications according to university guidelines.
  5. Complete publication list, starting with links to author pages at DBLP and Google Scholar.
  6. Separate reprints of the above up to 5 selected papers.

Interviews will be held on January 30, 2023.

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

  • Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in computational complexity theory: 211-0142/22-2N
  • Associate Professor in computational complexity theory 211-0447/22-2E

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

Further Information and Contact Details

Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Jakob Nordström (jn@di.ku.dk) or to the Head of Department Professor Jakob Grue Simonsen (simonsen@di.ku.dk).

Published by: Jakob Nordström <jn~at-sign~di~dot~ku~dot~dk>
Updated 2022-12-27