Assistant (tenure-track) and Associate Professor positions in Algorithms at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, SDU Vejle

The new campus in Vejle of the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is set to become an international IT research and educational environment. The campus will consist of two research centres aiming to be world-class research environments in computer science, artificial intelligence, interactive technology, and software engineering. SDU Vejle is a collaboration between the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute at SDU. The campus will be based on the philosophy of these well-established research environments where curiosity, creativity, and innovation thrive. SDU Vejle will welcome its first students in 2026. By 2032, we aim for the Vejle campus to host over 1200 Danish and international students, employ more than 90 academic staff members, and annually graduate 300 skilled and highly sought-after IT students. Learn more about the new campus in Vejle here.

The preferred starting date is August 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

What we are looking for
Hired candidates will join the Algorithms Section and the new SDU Centre for Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence in Campus Vejle. More information about these environments and the hosting department and faculty is given in the next sections.

We encourage applications from researchers that can complement or strengthen the competences of the section. We are seeking candidates with a strong research record within efficient algorithms, broadly understood as spanning from algorithms engineering to complexity theory. Examples of interesting research areas include, but are not limited to, approximation algorithms, combinatorial optimization, cryptology, data structures, fine-grained complexity, and algorithmic research bridging to ML/AI.

SDU Centre for Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
The aim of the centre is to be an interdisciplinary hub covering a wide range of core topics in computer science and artificial intelligence. Its academic focus is to conduct cutting-edge research on different dimensions of digital technology, ranging from the more technical (machine learning, cloud technology, hardware design) to the more theoretical (algorithms, programming languages, symbolic AI), but also including topics at the intersection of technology and society (cybersecurity, explainable AI, machine ethics). By promoting the interaction between theory and experiment and in close collaboration with local business and industry, the research environment in the centre will be a key enabler and a cornerstone in the digital development of the local and national society.

The vision of the centre is to:

• Create scientific breakthroughs and knowledge within the centre’s academic focus
• Educate highly sought-after computer scientists and AI specialists
• Establish valuable collaborations with local, national, and international industry

The mission of the centre is to:

• Educate talented and highly competent computer scientists and AI specialists that not only meet the needs of industry but also enrich and enhance society.
• Provide access for the communities surrounding the centre to the newest and most advanced knowledge and technologies available globally within the centre’s academic focus.
• Closely collaborate with industry on innovation, research, development, testing and deployment of new software and hardware-based technologies.
• Contribute to a human-centred digital transition, focusing on integrating digital and intelligent technologies into life and work while prioritizing the needs, experiences, and well-being of people.

What we offer
Researchers at the SDU Centre for Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at SDU Vejle will:

• Help establish and be part of a world-class research centre, driving innovation and attracting international talent. 
• Contribute to the design and implementation of new international BSc and MSc programmes in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, teaching and mentoring the next generation of technology leaders. 
• Contribute to a harmonious workplace environment that is conducive to productivity, promotes creativity, and rewards and recognizes individuals and group achievement.
• Develop partnerships with the dynamic industrial ecosystem in Vejle and the Triangle Region Denmark, translating research into real-world solutions.
• Foster strategic collaboration initiatives within SDU to drive interdisciplinary projects. 

What we expect
Successful candidates will have to fulfil the following key selection criteria:

Research:

• A promising research track record within the area of this call.

Successful candidates to the associate professorship positions should also have: 

• An international research profile with a distinguished research record within the area of this call.
• Proven ability to attract third-party funding.

Demonstrated success in building and leading dynamic research teams and a strong track record of developing and executing research and innovation will be a plus.

Teaching:

• Some teaching and supervision experience on BSc and MSc levels.

Successful candidates to the associate professorship positions should also have: 

• Extensive teaching and supervision experience across BSc and MSc levels.

The capacity for innovative design, coordination and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate subjects and create opportunities for students to be exposed to valuable industry experiences will be a plus as will experience of industry-engaged research within the area of the centre.

The tenure-track assistant professorship positions

• For the tenure-track assistant professor positions, applications from promising early-career talents are highly encouraged. The Danish tenure-track employment is a focused assistant professorship with a guaranteed assessment for a position as tenured associate professor: before the end of the sixth year of employment and contingent on a positive academic assessment, the assistant professor will transit into a permanent (tenured) position as associate professor. A tenure-track assistant professor can request assessment for tenure earlier. If this assessment is negative, the assistant professor can request a second assessment within the final six months of employment. More information about the process can be found in the tenure track procedure at the University of Southern Denmark.

Workplace description

The Algorithms Section 
The Algorithms Section represents several directions within algorithms, while consisting of a group of people sharing common values and research traditions. The group fosters collaboration, excellence in research, and quality in education. We offer ample opportunities for collaboration, personal growth, and mentoring for starting independent research groups. The section is broadly interested in the design, analysis, and application of algorithms and has major impact in online and approximation algorithms, graph and parameterized algorithms, and algorithmic cheminformatics. Other strongly represented topics include data structures, string algorithms, digital privacy and cryptology, and combinatorial optimization in general. We encourage interested candidates to explore the section’s website at https://algorithms.sdu.dk/ for more information.

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (IMADA) is a thriving research hub at SDU’s main campus in Odense, with approximately 800 students and 200 staff, of which more than 60 are assistant, associate and full professors. Our research sections, in addition to the Algorithms section, include:

• Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Programming Languages, focusing on choreographic programming, distributed computing (cloud, edge, IoT, microservices), Dev(Sec)Ops, information security, formal methods (concurrency theory, theorem proving, type systems, etc.), logic and knowledge representation, optimisation, and post-quantum and embedded cryptography.
• Data Science and Statistics, focusing on data science (data mining, data visualization, digital humanities), machine learning and artificial intelligence (deep learning, natural language processing, reinforcement learning, multi-agent systems, MLOps, operations research), statistics (extreme value theory, Bayesian inference, multivariate analysis), and bioinformatics (biological networks, multi-omics data)

We also offer: 

• World-class facilities: Access to state-of-the-art local High-Performance Computing through CPU and GPU clusters at the SDU eScience Centre, as well as to national and European systems.
• Strong industry links: Collaborations with local, national, and international industries, fostering impactful research and innovation.

In addition to the research sections mentioned above, the research environment at the department covers a wide area of topics in pure and applied mathematics and mathematical and IT didactics. Our department’s vibrant and collaborative environment is underpinned by its commitment to research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science is a leading hub for research and innovation, proudly hosting numerous prestigious ERC projects. It attracts and supports talented researchers who contribute to new knowledge and solutions for global challenges. With a focus on scientific excellence, the faculty fosters an inspiring environment for both established and emerging researchers passionate about making a difference.

The faculty is committed to academic excellence and student-centered learning. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, it promotes cutting-edge research addressing global issues. Modern facilities and state-of-the-art laboratories offer hands-on learning experiences. Strong industry ties ensure graduates are well-prepared for the job market. A supportive and inclusive environment encourages personal and academic growth. SDU’s focus on sustainability and social responsibility enhances its reputation as a forward-thinking institution. With an international outlook and diverse community, it strives to be a top choice for students worldwide.

The University of Southern Denmark (SDU)
At the University of Southern Denmark, we break boundaries and shape the future amidst significant challenges like climate change, demographic shifts, pandemics, cyber threats, and a changing global economy. We believe world-class research, education, and partnerships are essential for solutions, as major societal issues are complex and multifaceted. To create lasting, positive change, we must apply new, interdisciplinary knowledge. Upholding academic freedom is crucial for our staff and students to innovate and share discoveries.

Application deadline: 24 March 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time 
Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk