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

2 Assistant Professors in Generative AI and Human-centered AI

The Faculty of Science, Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), is seeking candidates for two Assistant Professors (0.8-1.0 FTE), one in generative AI and another in Human-centered AI. We seek to appoint an expert in the research area of Generative AI with focus on software systems and engineering (code generation, bug detection and repair, refactoring, and optimization but also at a larger scale such as architecture reconstruction and impact analysis for changes), prompt engineering (for content creation and data analysis), or diffusion models (for transforming the creation of high-fidelity data, such as images and simulations). Additionally, we seek to appoint an expert in Human-centered AI with focus on the designing of AI systems that prioritize human needs, usability, and collaboration, and/or on the involvement of humans in the training and refining processes (interactive machine learning).

Expectations

• Conduct independent research in your field.
• 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 Artificial Intelligence or Computer Science.
• 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 candidates already working in the areas of generative AI, human-centered AI, or interactive machine learning, and who have a strong research track record that connects to areas such as software engineering, prompt engineering, computational creativity, and content generation. You will be embedded in one of the research groups at LIACS depending on the area of your expertise 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 € 5.929,- 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

Enquiries about these two job openings 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 contact jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl.

Application

Please submit your application online no later than Sept 30, 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).