MacGillavry Fellowship, Tenure Track position for women in Logic and Computation

The Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC) invites applications from excellent female researchers in the field of Logic and Computation for a MacGillavry Fellowship connected to a tenure track assistant professorship at the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam (UvA). The position is planned on a tenure-track starting at assistant professor level, but for exceptionally qualified candidates, other arrangements at associate professor level can be negotiated.

ILLC participates in the recruitment programme at the Faculty of Science for top level female talent. This programme is named after the ground breaking crystallographer Carolina MacGillavry, an alumna of the University of Amsterdam. The MacGillavry Fellowships at the Faculty of Science are offered to women who excel in their discipline, who possess leadership potential and aspire to a career as a professor at the University of Amsterdam.

The ILLC is a research institute at the UvA in which researchers from the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Humanities collaborate in an interdisciplinary context. ILLC hosts a leading research programme in Logic and Computation (LoCo) which strives to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of information and the processes of reasoning and interaction. In the tradition of Brouwer, Heyting and Beth, this broad aim leads to the investigation of foundational issues in mathematics and computer science. At one end of the spectrum we cover classical areas of mathematical logic and the foundations of mathematics, such as model theory, category theory, algebraic logic, and set theory. In theoretical computer science, we investigate fundamental problems in algorithmics and computational complexity, but also venture into new fields such as quantum computing and coalgebra. In AI, we contribute to the fields of multi-agent systems and knowledge representation. At the interface with other disciplines, including formal epistemology, economic theory, and cognitive science, we study the dynamics of interaction in groups of agents and problems of social choice. Transcending this diversity of research areas is a shared reliance on formal tools, including modal logic, game theory, and complexity theory.

We are looking for an excellent female researcher in the field of Logic and Computation. We are particularly interested in candidates who have a strong expertise in the design and use of formal methods in areas that relate to Mathematics or Computer Science, including AI. We welcome work in traditional areas as well as innovative research venturing into new themes. Preference will be given to excellence in research that has on the one hand a very clear connection to the research portfolio of the Logic and Computation group while it also has the potential to diversify it. The Institute's research is broader than that of the 'Logic and Computation' group, and while we expect the successful candidate to work within that group, we also expect the ability and willingness to interact with researchers from other parts of the ILLC's interdisciplinary environment.

The position will come with an ILLC start-up package consisting of:

• a 4-year PhD position in the area of expertise of the selected candidate;
• outstanding scientific guidance and regular  monitoring of progress by a mentor;
• a package of coaching and training opportunities tailored to help women progress in their academic careers in science;
• possibilities for a flexible work schedule including working from home;
• help in finding appropriate housing;
• reimbursement package for relocation;
• made-to-measure Dutch language course.

Job description

Based on performance indicators agreed on at the start of the appointment, the tenure track position will lead to a tenured position as associate professor in a period of maximally 5 years. The performance indicators will be tailored appropriately to the experience of the successful applicant. For tenure track candidates we have the following expectations, taking into account the general research:teaching = 60:40 ratio applicable at the ILLC:

• develop an independent line of research in logic and computation, resulting in contributions published at leading international venues;
• collaborate with members of the logic and computation research group on research topics of mutual interest and/or the supervision of BSc/MSc/PhD students;
• teach and develop courses in logic and computation for relevant undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that ILLC is involved in. Relevant BSc programmes are the BSc Mathematics and BSc AI and include introductory and advanced mathematical logic courses, as well as courses in AI. Relevant MSc programmes are the MSc Logic and MSc AI;
• supervise Bachelor's and Master's students;
• build-up and coordinate a research-team and supervise PhD candidates;
• initiate and contribute to proposals for raising substantial external funding;
• contribute to research valorization and outreach activities;
• contribute to management tasks in education and research at the institute.

Requirements

Applicants have the following qualifications:

• relevant PhD degree in Science (e.g. in Logic, Mathematics, Computer Science, AI);
• at least two years of postdoctoral research experience;
• experience in research and excellent research skills, evidenced by a track record of publications in renowned international conferences and journals;
• a strong background, experience and expertise of research in the area of Logic and Computation with a record that connects to the current research profile of the Logic and Computation research group but also has the potential to diversify it;
• a record of contributed talks at top workshops/conferences;
• teaching experience and excellent teaching skills at university level evidenced by an educational portfolio (incl. teaching evaluations) OR ability to develop strong teaching skills demonstrated by proven didactic abilities and supervision skills;
• interest to teach at various levels and in various programmes, e.g. BSc Mathematics, BSc/MSc Artificial Intelligence, MSc Logic;
• ability to initiate and contribute to proposals for raising external funding;
• team spirit and a strong affinity with the ILLC’s multidisciplinary environment;
• excellent communication and social skills and ability to develop the management skills required for general academic administration, organization and coordination tasks;
• experience of work in different institutes/universities/industry, preferably in different countries;
• an excellent command of English and willingness to learn the Dutch language. The candidate is expected to attain a basic level of Dutch within two years, while a higher level is required for promotion to a higher academic position.

Further information

For questions, please contact:

• Prof. Sonja Smets, scientific director of the ILLC.

Appointment

The successful candidate will be offered a tenure track agreement for five years and a temporary appointment that lasts one year longer. After a positive assessment of the criteria of the tenure track agreement, a permanent appointment as associate professor will be offered. For exceptionally qualified applicants who have the necessary qualifications, including an exceptionally strong research record, evidence of academic leadership as well as substantial funding acquisition, other arrangements on associate professorship-level can be negotiated.

Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) and appointment at assistant professor level, the gross monthly starting salary will range from €3,475 to €5,405 depending on expertise and previous experience (salary scale 11 – 12). For associate professor level, the figures range from €4,815 to €6,438 gross per month (salary scale 13 – 14). The salary will be increased by 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the 30% ruling, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The UvA offers a very attractive pension scheme.

The starting date of the appointment is September 2018.

Job application

The Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam aims to stimulate increased diversity in its research institutes. Because of the severe underrepresentation of women among the academic staff at the ILLC within the Faculty of Science, this vacancy is specifically designed to recruit female talent.

Applications may only be submitted by electronic mail to application-science@uva.nl. Please quote ‘MacGillavry Fellowship in Logic and Computation, vacancy 17-656' in the subject line.

Please include the following material grouped in one single PDF attachment:

• letter of interest discussing in some detail your past and ongoing research, future research plans and your vision on teaching (max 3 pages);
• curriculum vitae, including a list of publications and teaching and supervision experience; highlight and provide URLs for 2 publications that are representative of your work;
• names, affiliations, and email addresses of three academic referees who can provide details about your academic profile in relation to the advertised position.

Applications must be received at the latest on 19 March 2018. Interviews will be held in the period between 16 and 26 April 2018. #LI-DNP