The Department of Mathematics is seeking a new colleague who is passionate about scientific research and education. We are looking for a mathematician with a proven expertise in the broad area of stochastic operations research. This may include (but is not restricted to) stochastic optimization, data analytics, stochastic processes of queueing, reinforcement learning, mathematics for business, and financial mathematics.

The appointed candidate is expected to develop her/his own research line in an area of stochastic operations research. The position of Assistant Professor is initially a tenure track position for five years. After four years, based on transparent criteria, the tenure decision will be taken. The preferred starting date is as soon as possible, and 1 September 2022 at the latest.

The department has a strong desire to hire more female colleagues. Therefore, women are especially encouraged to apply.

Your duties

The candidate will be expected to

• develop a research line in an area of stochastic operations research
• interact with and complement existing research activities in the department (and outside)
• contribute to the teaching of the department, at both the undergraduate and
  graduate level
• show academic leadership nationally and internationally
• participate in departmental activities and tasks, including writing grant proposals

The successful candidate must have a PhD in mathematics or business analytics with a strong mathematical component, for example in the fields mentioned above, with a few years of postdoctoral experience. The candidate should

• have a strong research record as witnessed by excellent publications, original research projects, and an international network
• be an inspiring lecturer
• have good communication and execution skills
• be fluent in English
• be willing to acquire a basic teaching qualification (‘BTQ’) as required by Dutch universities, if this qualification (or equivalent) has not been obtained already

Fixed-term contract: 5 years.

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. Based on full-time employment, and depending on experience, the gross monthly salary ranges from €3,746 to €5,826, in accordance with Dutch academic salary scales 11 or 12. The job profile (Assistant professor or “Universitair docent”) is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for 0.8-1.0 FTE. The appointment will initially be for 5 years (tenure track). After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended indefinitely.

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• good paid parental leave scheme
• child daycare facilities available on campus

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 26,000 students. We employ over 4,600 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students.
About the department
The Department of Mathematics strives for excellence in research. The department balances pure mathematical research with mathematical research motivated by applications. Researchers in the department are on one hand active at a fundamental and theoretical level, and, on the other hand, work on applications with links to business, the sciences, and societal issues. The department has a strong international research staff with expertise in dynamical systems, geometry and algebra, as well as in stochastics (statistics, data analytics, probability).
 
The department offers bachelor and master programs in mathematics and in business analytics. In addition, the department provides mathematics courses for other programs of the Faculty of Science, for programs  of other faculties in the university, and for Amsterdam University College.