Assistant Professor in Automated Reasoning (0.8-1.0 FTE)

The Faculty of Science, Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), is seeking candidates for an Assistant Professor (0.8-1.0 FTE) position in Automated Reasoning. We seek to appoint an expert in the research area of Combinatorial Optimization, Constraint Solving and Knowledge Representation with applications to Formal Verification, Automatic Synthesis or Automated Reasoning. The focus of the position is on the construction and implementation of algorithms for combinatorial problems and the analysis of their practical performance by investigating relations between empirical observations and theoretical results in computational complexity theory. In addition, the certification of the correctness of the results computed by algorithms, as well as the explainability of those results, is of interest.

Expectations:

• Conduct independent research in theoretical computer science.
• Teach relevant courses at both BSc and MSc levels.
• Obtain the University Teaching Qualification (BKO) within 2 years.
• Supervise BSc and MSc students.
• (Co-)supervise PhD students.
• Secure external funding for research initiatives.
• Participate in committees and organize activities within your research group, the institute, and relevant initiatives in Leiden and the Netherlands.

Selection Criteria:

• PhD degree in Computer Science on a topic related to automated reasoning.
• Proven independence and excellence in research at the postdoctoral level or beyond.
• Strong publication record and experience in securing research funding.
• Proven teaching experience with a track record of effective student engagement.
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and in a supervisory role with students.
• An academic, creative, and open mindset.
• Good to excellent proficiency in English.
• Willing to start before the end of December 2024.

Additional Information:
We are looking for a candidate working on automated reasoning techniques with applications in AI, verification, probabilistic reasoning and synthesis and who has a strong research track record that connects areas such as logic, satisfiability, model counting, approximation and parameterized complexity. You will be embedded in the Theory group and are expected to thrive in our culture of cross-group collaboration. As an assistant professor, you will teach courses related to your research, supervise students, and foster connections between LIACS and other Universities. The level of the position will correspond to the candidate experience.

Research at LIACS
The Leiden Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of one of Europe’s biggest bio-science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in the core areas of Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, and Data Science, and in the interdisciplinary areas of Business, Creative Intelligence, and Bioinformatics. We are a highly international place to do research, committed to excellence in a supportive and inclusive environment. We value fun, inclusivity, openness, and teamwork, ensuring that excellence and enjoyment go hand in hand. At LIACS, we balance teaching and research, offering a clear and inviting career path for young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow.

Terms and conditions
We offer a position commensurate with your level of experience, initially for one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research and personal compatibility, the appointment can be extended further to a permanent one. The salary ranges, depending on qualifications and experience, from € 4.332,- to € 5929,- gross per month, following the pay scale 11 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development, and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses, we have set up a dual career program. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Diversity and inclusivity
Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community that enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality teaching and research are inclusive.

Information
Inquiries about this opening can be made to dr. Alfons Laarman, leader of the Theory cluster at LIACS, email: a.w.laarman@liacs.leidenuniv.nl.

If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl.

Application
Please submit your application online no later than Sept 15, 2024 via the blue button in our application system. Please ensure that you attach the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• A short cover letter (1 page) detailing your motivation to apply for the position,
• A brief description of your research plan,
• A full CV including a list of publications, eventual grant acquisition and community services, and a link to your Google Scholar page,
• Links to key publications and Ph.D. thesis when appropriate, and
• The names and addresses of at least two persons that can be contacted for reference (who have agreed to be contacted).