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

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Tenure-Track Assistant Professorship in Computational Complexity Theory

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

The Scientific Environment

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 a world-leading research environment (currently ranked 6th worldwide in algorithms and complexity by CSrankings.org), 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

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. 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 position is open from September 1, 2021, 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

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, SODA, 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.

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.

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 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.

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 January 30, 2022 at midnight local time.

Applications must be submitted via the University of Copenhagen recruitment system. Please see the official advertisement at employment.ku.dk/tenure-track/?show=155457 for more detailed information, including a link to the application form.

The application should 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.

Interviews/trial lectures will be held on Friday April 8, 2022.

Please provide the reference 211-0112/21-2N in any communication regarding this position.

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).