Professor positions in Computer Science: Expression of Interest

Professor positions in Computer Science: Expression of Interest

The Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics of Ghent University (Belgium) is inviting expressions of interest for three permanent professor positions (all ranks) in computer science that will open between 2027 and 2029. We are particularly interested in recruiting high-level research profiles in Software Engineering or Algorithms & Complexity in the broad sense, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, programming languages, and quantum computing. Candidates applying for a European Research Council (ERC) or an FWO Odysseus programme grant with Ghent University as their host institution will be appointed as a professor upon successful award of the grant. Ghent University provides coaching and support for candidates in preparing ERC and FWO Odysseus grant proposals with Ghent University as a host institution.

As a Ghent University professor, you are expected to contribute to

• research by developing/defining research projects, attracting funding, and disseminating their results through top-level publications;

• teaching by contributing to bachelor- and master-level courses in computer science, with opportunities to develop advanced courses aligned with your research profile;

• management by serving on committees and boards of our university.

This call for expressions of interest is aimed at identifying scientists at the international level who want to join our department.

About the Position

The Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics is part of the Faculty of Sciences at Ghent University. We play a central role in the university's educational offerings in mathematics, computer science, and statistics, serving both our own study programmes and others across the university.

We are now preparing to expand our department with three professorships in the fields of Software Engineering or Algorithms & Complexity. We are looking for candidates who conduct (interdisciplinary) scientific research in computer science domains that complement our current scientific staff’s expertise. The successful candidates will also be able to provide teaching in the computer science programme. The positions focus exclusively on research in the fields of Software Engineering or Algorithms & Complexity in the broad sense, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing,  programming languages, and quantum computing.

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to establish and lead an independent research group. You will define research directions, mentor graduate students, seek external research funding to support your group's activities, and consolidate a strong network with other researchers within Ghent University and beyond. Ghent University’s HPC infrastructure can help support your scientific research.

All interested researchers are invited to express their interest before the end of May 2026. Submit a curriculum vitae and a list of publications via email to the head of department, Prof. Dr. Marnix Van Daele (marnix dot vandaele at ugent dot be). Female applications are especially welcomed. We guarantee that all correspondence and expressions of interest will be kept strictly confidential.

This call is for expressions of interest only. It is not a job vacancy advertisement. When the positions are opened (during the 2027-2029 period), these are requirements for application: you must hold a thesis-based doctorate and have at least two years of postdoctoral experience at the starting date of the position. The successful candidate must learn Dutch within five years of appointment. Ghent University provides language training and support to facilitate integration and teaching in Dutch.

About the Department

The Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics at the Faculty of Sciences is a leading academic unit. It consists of a group of highly qualified lecturers, researchers, and administrative staff. They work closely together to offer high-quality education to students and to carry out groundbreaking research in various areas of applied mathematics, computer science, and statistics. For an overview of the current research groups, visit winst.ugent.be. The department is located in a green area on Campus Sterre on the outskirts of the vibrant city of Ghent (Belgium). The campus is easily accessible by bike, public transport and car.

About Ghent University

Ghent University is one of the most important education and research institutions in the Low Countries. On a daily basis, over 9,000 staff members and 41,000 students implement its motto "Dare to Think". 

Ghent University's mission statement is characterised by qualitative education, internationally renowned research and a pluralistic social responsibility.

Ghent University conducts an equal opportunities policy and encourages everyone to apply. Ghent University also strives for a gender balance. Female applications are thus especially welcomed.