Tenure-track Assistant and Associate Professorship positions in Data Science and Machine Learning at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (IMADA) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applicants for one or more positions in Computer Science on Assistant Professor (tenure-track) and/or Associate Professor levels with a focus on Data Science and Machine Learning.

The expected starting date is summer 2026 with room for flexibility.
Depending on the profile of the candidate the position can be at our established campus in Odense or at our developing new campus in Vejle.

What we are looking for
We are looking for new colleagues who can strengthen or add to our competences in the Data Science and Statisticssection and who can contribute to the departments strategic development in data science artificial intelligence and related topics. We are particularly but not exclusively interested in candidates with competence in data management and data mining machine learning large-scale optimization methods and natural language processing.

With a position in Campus Vejle the hired candidate will in addition to the Data Science and Statistics section also join the new SDU Centre for Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence in Campus Vejle.

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 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.

The Danish tenure-track employment
The Danish tenure-track employment is a focused assistant professorship with a guaranteed assessment foran open-ended position as an associate professor within the tenure-track assistant professors field of study.
Tenure-track assistant professsors are assessed based on their potential to reach the assessment criteria for an associate professorship during the tenure-track period. These criteria are mapped out in the hosting facultys policy on academic career and recruitment specifically theperformance indicatorson research teaching and academic citizenship.

Workplace description

The Data Science and Statistics section
The members of the Data Science and Statisticssection cover a wide range of data science topics. Central research interests are data mining and data visualization machine learning and artificial intelligence (deep learning natural language processing reinforcement learning multi-agent systems optimisation) statistics (extreme value theory time series functional data analysis multivariate analysis) and bioinformatics (biological networks multi-omics data). We are interested in both fundamental research and applications for example in digital humanities sciences and health.

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science(IMADA) is a thriving research hub at SDUs 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 Data Science and Statistics section include:

• Algorithms focusing on online and approximation algorithms graph and parameterized algorithms string algorithms data structures combinatorial optimization algorithmic cheminformatics differential privacy and cryptography.
• 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.

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 departments vibrant and collaborative environment is underpinned by its commitment to research excellence interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement.

Campus 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.

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 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. SDUs 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.

Curious
If you are interested in learning more about the position please contactArthur Zimek (Head of Section Data Science and Statistics)

Further information
If you experience technical problems please contact.

Application salary etc.
Appointment to the position will be in accordance with the salary agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check links for more information onsalary(only available in Danish)and taxation.

Applications will be assessed by an expert committee. When the expert committee issues its assessment the applicants will be sent the portion of the assessment pertaining to them personally.

The application must include:

• A curriculum vitae information on previous employment with start and end dates
• A full list of publications
• Copy of PhD diploma
• Copies of all publications on which the applicant wishes to be evaluated
• A brief survey of the applicants most important research results and research plans for the next three years
• A teaching portfolio(not applicable for the assistant professor position)

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.
Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

An interview may be included as a part of the overall assessment of the applicants qualifications.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link Apply now. Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDUbefore you apply.

Since not all members of the appointment committee are Danish-speaking it is recommended that your application is submitted in English.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.