Assistant Professor in Formal Methods (0.8-1.0 FTE)

The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) are looking for a:

Assistant Professor in Formal Methods (0.8-1.0 FTE)

The Faculty of Science at Leiden University, through the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), invites applications for an Assistant Professor position (0.8–1.0 FTE) in Formal Methods, with a focus on Automated Reasoning. We seek a candidate with a strong foundation in formal techniques, algorithms, and computational logic, who is eager to apply these methods to real-world challenges in computer science, software engineering, and system design. The successful candidate will conduct foundational research in formal methods and automated reasoning, with an emphasis on developing (probabilistic, stochastic) algorithms for verification, synthesis, and algorithmic theorem proving. Experience at the intersection of automated reasoning and emerging fields, such as artificial intelligence or quantum computing, will be considered a strong advantage. 

Additionally, we are particularly interested in candidates with the ability to teach a bachelor-level course on Software Engineering. Beyond research and teaching, the candidate is expected to secure external research funding to support their work and supervise bachelor’s and master’s students in their research projects. The successful candidate will be embedded in the Theory research group at LIACS, the Computer Science and AI department of Leiden University, and will benefit from our open culture of cross-group collaboration. 

 Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research in theoretical computer science;
• Teach two courses annually, including at least one course on Software Engineering at the bachelor level;
• Obtain the University Teaching Qualification (BKO) within 2 years;
• Supervise BSc and MSc students;
• (Co-)supervise PhD students;
• Secure external funding for research projects;
• Participate in institutional committees and contribute to academic activities within the institute, Leiden University, and the broader Dutch academic community;

Selection criteria

• PhD degree in Computer Science or similar field;
• An academic, creative, and open mindset;
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and in a supervisory role with students;
• Demonstrated research independence at the postdoctoral level or beyond, evidenced by a strong publication record; 
• Good to excellent proficiency in English is required;
• Experience in teaching and supervising students, preferably at the bachelor level and in programming or software engineering;
• Proficiency in C++ or Python programming;
• Willingness to start this position no later than mid-summer 2025;

Additional information:
Excellent candidates with a proven academic track record may be considered for an associate professor position. Applicants at this level should demonstrate:

• A strong record of supervising PhD students and leading a research group;
• Success in obtaining external research funding to finance the research group;
• Significant teaching experience, including course development and coordination;

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. For more information, see www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science  and www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at

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. For more information about LIACS, see http://www.cs.leiden.edu

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 € 4.537,- to € 6.209,- 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
LIACS fosters an inclusive and dynamic research environment with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can contribute to our diverse academic community. Diversity, equity, and Inclusivity are central elements of the values and vision of Leiden University, which 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 job opening can be made to Prof.dr. Marcello Bonsangue, scientific director of LIACS, email m.m.bonsangue@liacs.leidenuniv.nl.  If you have any questions about the procedure, please sent an email to: jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl. 

Application
Please submit your application online no later than March 27, 2025, via the blue button in our application system. Please ensure that you attach the following documents:

• A short cover letter of one page detailing your motivation to apply for the position;
• Your research statement;
• A full academic CV, including a link to your public Google Scholar profile page;
• The names and contact information (email and phone number) of at least two persons who can be contacted for reference (and who have agreed to be contacted). There is no need to submit the reference letters at this stage of the application;