About this role
The Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS) and the Software Engineering units of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) seek an outstanding candidate to fill a tenure track Fellow (Assistant Professor level) position in the field of Software Engineering. The candidate is expected to start on January 1, 2027 , or as soon as possible thereafter. The application deadline is September 15, 2026, at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST) We are looking for a researcher with clear potential for research excellence who thrives in and is inspired by interdisciplinary collaboration. The ideal candidate will be expected to contribute to high-quality research in their field while embracing DIAS’s mission of curiosity-driven inquiry and interdisciplinary dialogue. The successful candidate should have a strong and promising research profile, with potential for attracting external research funding, and a demonstrated ability to work across disciplines. The candidate will be attached to both the Department and DIAS and should be prepared to engage in multiple and diverse research environments at SDU. Who are we looking for We seek a researcher with expertise in the field of Software Engineering, who is eager to develop their research career within the DIAS framework. The candidate should aim to bridge Software Engineering with the research areas of Quantum Computing and/or Artificial Intelligence. The ideal candidate should demonstrate: A commitment to engaging in boundary-crossing interdisciplinary research and dialogue. A strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, contributing to research that bridges multiple fields. Strong interest in driving internationally competitive research activities at the highest level of ambition. Engagement in various forms of research dissemination, including interdisciplinary research and dialogue. Qualifications Successful applicants must: Hold a PhD or similar qualifications within relevant fields of software engineering or computer science. Exhibit curiosity-driven research excellence, thinking beyond traditional boundaries. Be fluent in English. Show potential for attracting external research funding. Experience in applying for external funding and a strong international network, are considered comparative advantages. Have research publications that demonstrate their excellence and broad thinking. The Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS) DIAS at SDU is a hub for interdisciplinary excellence at and beyond the frontier of knowledge, bringing together outstanding researchers from various disciplines to foster groundbreaking interdisciplinary research and bold innovation. DIAS nurtures a collaborative and curiosity-driven environment, encouraging scholars to think outside the box and challenge conventional boundaries. The institute values open-minded exploration and an ambitious yet collegial atmosphere with a strong sense of community. Researchers affiliated with DIAS are expected to contribute actively to DIAS activities, and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations across faculties and departments, both nationally and internationally. The Software Engineering units at the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute is an internationally recognized institute, which has maintained a leading position in robotics for more than three decades. The department is the 2nd largest department at SDU, with more than 230 staff members and 1500 students. The institute has over the last decades expanded its activities in software engineering including building several strong research centres at the SDU campuses in Odense , Vejle and Sønderborg . Thereby, the institute today covers a wide range of areas in robotics, software, AI, and applied informatics. Additional information For further information about being a professor at DIAS, please contact DIAS director Sten Rynning at +45 6550 2193 or via email at [email protected] . For more questions about the position please contact LEGO® Chair and Professor Mikkel Baun Kjærgaard, [email protected] , +45 2197 2447. Application, salary, and employment terms The candidate will be attached to the Software Engineering units at the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute in Vejle and Odense (based on final negotiations) and is also expected to participate DIAS activities and interdisciplinary cooperation in Odense regularly. The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state with the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for tenure track assistant professor as described herein. Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”. Further information on salary and taxation. The tenure track programme the Faculty of Engineering is aimed at the most talented scholars who have established a high level in their current research and other professional work, and those who possess exceptional potential to achieve the highest international level within their research area. Candidates enter at the assistant professor level (for up to 6 years) and, upon successful completion, will be promoted to a permanent position associate professor, subject to a positive assessment by an expert committee. Indicators of relevant scholarly merits include documented independent scholarly output, ground-breaking publications, achievement of excellence grants, and international research network. Teaching obligations will be reduced compared to a standard professorship at SDU, allowing more time for research and leadership activities. To qualify for the position, you must have obtained a PhD or similar degree by the applica