Key Skills

Job Description

The Faculty of Science at Leiden University, through the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), invites applications for a position in Data Science for the Sciences at Assistant Professor (UD) level. LIACS seeks an Assistant Professor in data science to develop innovative methods, algorithms and applications that create impact beyond computer science through interdisciplinary research initiatives. The successful candidate will establish a strong research line by collaborating with researchers in other scientific fields (e.g., mathematics, chemistry, astronomy, physiology, or the social sciences) and with societal stakeholders including industry, government, healthcare, or non-profit organizations to address real-world challenges. We seek a computer or data scientist with a keen interest in one or more other scientific fields, preferably already with a (budding) track record in such fields. Candidates with an interest in more than one adjoining discipline are preferred. The candidate is explicitly requested to describe in the motivation letter the concrete area(s) of impact they wish to achieve with their data science research, and the specific branches of computer/data science they believe will address the interdisciplinary challenges. The successful candidate will contribute to educational programs at bachelor and master level, and supervise bachelor, master, and PhD students at the intersection of computational methods and other sciences. In addition, the candidate is expected to secure external research funding to build a research group offering a collaborative and supportive environment that values interdisciplinary research and impact on the adjoining sciences. What You Will Do Conduct independent research in computer science, with an emphasis on AI and data science applications that advance the state of the art in computer science and adjoining fields; Teach at Bachelor/Master level one course annually at LIACS and one course at another Leiden University institute, related to the candidate’s research expertise; Contribute to other relevant courses and educational activities across both institutes; Supervise BSc and MSc thesis students from computer science and other fields; Co-supervise PhD students in adjoining fields; Secure external funding for research projects, including EU framework programs (e.g., Horizon Europe) and the Dutch national research council NWO; Participate in institutional committees and contribute to academic activities within LIACS, the Science Faculty, Leiden University, and the broader international research community. Where you will work The Leiden Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. We are located in the heart of the Leiden Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s largest science parks, where academy and industry come together. The Faculty of Science includes institutes on computer science, mathematics, astronomy, chemistry, environmental studies, biology, physics and drug research. The faculty is home to more than 2,700 staff members and over 6,000 students enrolled in nine bachelor's and fifteen master's programs. We are located at the heart of the Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s largest science parks, where academia and industry come together. The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the computer science institute of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. Research at LIACS spans core areas of computer science, artificial intelligence, and data science, with strong emphasis on interdisciplinary applications. LIACS maintains a highly international and supportive research environment. Research groups work on fundamental questions in machine learning, optimization, computer vision, natural computing, and data science, while actively engaging with real-world challenges through collaborations with industry, government, and civil society. This interdisciplinary position offers a unique opportunity to combine methodological innovation in AI and data science with applications in other scientific fields, working across established scientific boundaries. The position provides access to advanced computational facilities at LIACS, including high-performance computing resources. What You Bring A PhD degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, or other scientific fields with a strong computational component; An academic, ambitious, creative, and open mindset, with demonstrated ability to work across disciplinary boundaries; A research agenda centered on questions that advance both data science or AI and one or more other scientific fields; Some experience in supervising PhD students; Experience in obtaining external research funding, including international grants (e.g., EU Horizon Europe, MSCA Networks, ERC) and evidence of strategic thinking about securing interdisciplinary funding in the future; Teaching experience, including supervision of student projects; International recognition in the field (e.g. through collaborations, invited talks, and other forms of peer recognition); Excellent proficiency in English. Fluency in Dutch or willingness to learn it is an advantage. What We Offer An employment contract for the duration of initially 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.This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities; A salary between € 5.932,= and € 7.573,= gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours, Payscale 12) ; A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP; Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel; Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week. Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme; If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands; A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop. What We Value LIACS and the University as a whole foster inclusive and dynamic research environments with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can contribute to our diverse academic communities. Diversity, equity, and inclusivity are central elements of the values and vision of both 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. Want to apply or find out more? Inquiries about this position can be directed to: Prof. Dr. Marcello Bonsangue, Scientific Director of LIACS (email [email protected]) or Dr. Arno Knobbe, Data Science cluster leader at LIACS (email [email protected]). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact [email protected] You can apply online via the blue button in the vacancy no later than December 11, 2026. Please ensure that you include the following documents: A cover letter (max. 1 page) outlining your motivation and how your research connects AI/data science and other scientific fields; A research statement describing your vision for data science for the sciences; A teaching statement outlining your approach to teaching across disciplinary boundaries and vision for courses in one or more fields; A full academic CV, including a working link to your public Google Scholar profile page, and a brief overview of funded projects; The names and contact information (email and affiliation) of at least three 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.

Core Responsibilities

Conduct independent research in AI and data science that advances computer science and adjoining scientific fields, while building interdisciplinary collaborations and securing external funding. Teach and contribute to courses, supervise students, co-supervise PhD candidates, and participate in institutional and academic activities.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a PhD in computer science, AI, data science, or another field with a strong computational component, and have a research agenda connecting data science or AI with other sciences. They should bring teaching and student-supervision experience, some PhD supervision experience, a record of external funding and international recognition, and excellent English proficiency.

Benefits

• Holiday Allowance
• End-Of-Year Bonus
• Pension Scheme
• Public Transport Commuting Reimbursement
• Flexible Working Hours
• Paid Leave
• Sabbatical Options
• Paid Parental Leave
• Sports Subscription Scheme
• Bicycle Scheme
• Hybrid Working
• Home-Working Allowance
• Laptop