Full Professor on Software in Evolving Systems and Processes

Introduction

Are you fascinated by how we can let software work in and adapt to evolving systems and processes? And how can we design for such evolving systems? We are looking for a full professor on Software in Evolving Systems and Processes with a focus on impact activities.

Job Description

This position will be part of the Software Engineering & Technology (SET) cluster in the domain of Computer Science with special attention to impact activities. Impact is defined here as solving societal problems that do require some form of innovation before the problem can be solved. Thus, impact is defined broadly: it is about the combination and integration of innovation and implementation.

The focus of our new professor is to bring disciplinary innovation and implementation science together. In this role it is expected that you fit within the cluster SET (research area and personally) and that you also connect and support JADS activities. JADS serves as a joint impact center on data science and AI related disciplines of Tilburg University and Eindhoven University of Technology.

The SET cluster

The SET cluster at TU/e is focused on software development in a broad sense. Today, software is a critical enabling technology, playing a role in almost all our activities. The amount of software produced, for instance, in the high-tech industry is proliferating, and the demands for high software quality must be met more. The key concerns that SET focuses on are:

1. How can we develop more high-quality software in less time?
2. How can the quality of software be guaranteed?
3. How do we deal with the vast amount of existing software?

Overall, the teaching of SET is focused on all aspects of software development, from introductory Bachelor programming courses to advanced Master courses. These include project management, software engineering skills, software evolution, using Domain Specific Languages, and applying Data Science techniques to software engineering projects.

Research within SET

The objective of the Software Engineering and Technology group is to develop methods and tools for time- and cost-efficient evolution of high-quality software systems: from inception, through development and maintenance, to phase-out.

The SET cluster researches the following topics:

• Theory, methods and tools for model-driven software engineering
• Software evolution and maintenance
• Human and social aspects of software engineering

Profile Software in Evolving Systems and Processes

Research on forces and mechanisms for flexible software and the planning of software renewal. The goal is to design flexible, robust software that can be improved while systems and processes continue to work.

Innovative methods for designing software and for use inside software, such as service-orientation, data analytics, and AI methods.

Research within Software in Evolving Systems and Processes

The transition toward digitalization represents a complex challenge for many organizations. Change is often considered the only constant factor in systems and processes. Successful software systems are, therefore, those that work in and can be adapted to the ever-changing requirements of the environment. How can we design such evolving systems and processes?

Software must be continually adapted, or else it becomes progressively less satisfactory in use. As software changes, its complexity increases and becomes more difficult to evolve unless work is done to maintain or reduce the complexity of either the domain or its relationship with the overarching system(s).

Research topics include requirements evolution, architecture reconstruction, service orientation and process management, customization, compliance requirements, process analytics, evolution of tests, refactoring and reengineering, verification of software changes, and migration of legacy software systems.

Applications include:

• updating legacy software, used in for example banks and the government,
• applying methods for building AI models into software systems,
• complex software systems that function in business environments characterized by a high degree of dynamics,
• software management of business processes in networked enterprises.

Key responsibilities of the position are:

• Develop internationally leading research in the research area described above and actively publish in internationally high-impact journals
• Initiate, acquire and coordinate (multidisciplinary) research projects through external funding.
• Strengthen connections and collaborations with other researchers and research programs within the department, TU/e, the Netherlands, and abroad.
• Lead and/or contribute to the development of EngD’s, Master's, Professional Education teaching programs, create new educational material, and teach lectures/tutorials.
• Supervise and mentor BSc, MSc, PE, EngD and PhD students during their projects and internships with the goal of empowering the next generation of engineers.
• Perform managerial and administrative tasks for SET, the Computer Science domain, and the department M&CS.
• Contribute to the success of JADS by initiating, by participating or leading new internal and external collaborations and projects.
• Actively stimulate impact and valorization of research in industry and society.
• Lead and contribute to (the initiation of) multidisciplinary applied research projects by attracting diverse and external funding.
• Develop applied research, connect with fundamental research and connect with other disciplines to make significant contributions to society through high-impact projects.

Job Requirements

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in computer/information science, or a comparable domain.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• Ability to supervise and teach, demonstrated by experience in supervision/ teaching. Informed vision on teaching and learning within your own discipline.
• Strong cooperation skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Effective communication and leadership skills, including coaching and mentoring of students and staff, leading a project or chairing a group.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and priority on societal valorization and impact.
• Having and communicating a compelling vision for innovation.
• Balancing creativity with strategic execution.
• Fostering a culture of inclusion, understanding, and collaboration.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale H2 or H1 (min. €7,202 max. €12,584).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• A dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.
• A Development Track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor. If you have a more senior profile, a tailor-made career proposal will be considered.
• High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and partner career support.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

With over 110 (assistant, associate and full) professors, almost 300 PhD and EngD students, about 1500 Bachelor students and 1000 Master students, the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS) is the largest department of the TU/e. By performing top-level fundamental and applied research, and maintaining strong ties with industry, M&CS aims to contribute to science and innovation in and beyond the region.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager prof. dr. Joost N. Kok, j.n.kok@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Hella Ploegmakers, Team Lead Talent Attraction, h.a.m.ploegmakers@tue.nl or +31 643559625.

Curious to hear more about what it is like as a professor at TU/e? Please watch the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• Description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages).
• Statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages).

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.