Project description

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science is searching a new faculty member for the Applied Quantum Algorithms group, a joint initiative with the Leiden Institute of Physics.

We seek candidates who can contribute to the national Quantum Delta NL program in quantum technology, by

-the development and application of quantum algorithms to problems in computer science, physics and chemistry, and

-through the development and application of machine learning and AI methods to address the challenges of quantum information and quantum physics.

We offer a tenure track appointment as assistant professor that upon successful performance will lead to promotion to a tenured position as associate professor and upon continued growth to promotion to full professor. (In exceptional cases, initial appointment at a higher level is possible.) We offer a clear and inviting career path, support in the development of your personal and professional skills, and an attractive start-up package. We actively support learning Dutch through departmentally funded courses.

Locally the position will be embedded in the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science , with a diverse research agenda in theoretical foundations, formal methods, and  applications in the field of artificial intelligence and data science. Nationally, we are a partner of the Quantum Software Consortium, a multidisciplinary group of researchers from the universities of Amsterdam, Leiden and Delft, with backgrounds in computer science, mathematics, engineering, and physics. We are one of the five research hubs of the Quantum Delta NL program for the development of quantum technology. We share students and postdocs with QuTech in Delft, where we can try out ideas on quantum hardware.

Key responsibilities

·         Establish an independent, internationally recognized research line in computer science, AI, quantum information science and technology;

·         Acquire external funds through research grants and/or industrial collaborations;

·         Teach at the undergraduate and graduate level in computer science;

·         Supervise MSc and PhD students in their thesis work;

·         Contribute to the inclusive atmosphere, management and organization of the institute

Selection criteria

• PhD degree in computer science or physics and research experience at the postgraduate level;
• Demonstrated strong interest in an academic career through activities and publication record;
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal;
• Strong commitment to teaching and willingness to further develop teaching skills.

Terms and conditions 

We offer a full-time, 6 year term position, with the possibility of a tenure position based on performance. Salary range from € 3.807,-  to € 5.211,-  gross per month (pay scale 11 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). In exceptional cases, candidates at the associate or full professor level will be taken into consideration

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. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see the website.

Leiden University has its own childcare centre with available places reserved for Leiden University staff and students. Young parents also have the opportunity to take partially paid or unpaid parental leave (exact conditions are dependent on the duration of the employment).

Our organisation

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and almost 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

For more information, see the website of the Faculty of Science.

You will be part of the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS). LIACS offers courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, ICT in Business, Media Technology, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, LIACS is one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. For more information, see the website of LIACS.