Assistant Professor in Computing Science with a focus on machine learning - linked to IceLab’s [...]

Umeå Universitet; Umeå kommun; On-site; SEK 613,800 - 781,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic work environment

Support for research activities

Work-life balance benefits

Job summary

Umeå Universitet is seeking an Assistant Professor in Computing Science focused on machine learning, part of IceLab’s Center for modeling adaptive mechanisms in living systems under stress. This tenure-track role emphasizes both research, with 75% dedicated time, and teaching, including supervising students and developing courses in machine learning and AI.

Candidates should hold a PhD and demonstrate independent research experience, especially in machine learning. The position offers the chance to contribute to a dynamic environment that values collaboration across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Independent research experience in machine learning.
• Ability to supervise doctoral students and teach courses.
• Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver courses in machine learning and AI.
• Supervise doctoral students and contribute to research.
• Pursue external funding for research activities.

Skills

Machine learning

Pedagogical skills

Research funding acquisition

Collaboration with community

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Assistant Professor in Computing Science with a focus on machine learning - linked to IceLab’s Center for modeling adaptive mechanisms in living systems under stress

Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 41,500 students and about 4,600 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

IceLab and the Department of Computing Science

Umeå University's interdisciplinary research hub, IceLab (Integrated Science Lab, www.icelab.se), has been awarded a grant by the Swedish Research Council to establish a center of excellence: Center for modeling adaptive mechanisms in living systems under stress.

We are now opening a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in machine learning with employment at the Department of Computing Science. The position offers an opportunity to establish your research group and develop your independent line of research aligned with the Center’s theme. Join our supportive environment and work at the forefront of interdisciplinary science. We integrate mathematical modeling and data-driven science with diverse disciplines, including ecology, plant physiology, and molecular biology. We value diverse perspectives and collaborative approaches, and offer mentoring and dedicated support to help you build your independent research program. Your research will deepen our understanding of how living systems respond to environmental change and stress.

The position comes with a recruitment package. We invite interested candidates to apply by August 10, 2026 and join us at IceLab and the Department of Computing Science.

Duties

The tenure-track position offers six years to build a competitive research profile and group, with 75% research and 25% teaching or other meriting tasks. At the end of this period, you may apply for promotion to Associate Professor.

The successful candidate will develop pedagogical merits by supervising doctoral students and postdocs and by teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. Teaching will primarily focus on developing and delivering courses in machine learning and AI in collaboration with other faculty members, and on supervising degree projects. The successful candidate may also teach introductory courses in computer science. We expect the successful candidate to pursue external funding to support their research and contribute to the department and the broader academic community by participating in working groups and collaborating with the surrounding society.

Eligibility requirements

A person qualified for appointment as an Assistant professor is a person who has been awarded a PhD or has the corresponding research expertise. Primary consideration should be given to a person who has been awarded a PhD or achieved the equivalent expertise within seven years prior to the deadline for application for employment as an Assistant professor.

However, a person who has been awarded a PhD or achieved the equivalent expertise at an earlier date may also be considered if there are exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances are sick leave, parental leave or other similar circumstances.

The applicant must have experience in conducting independent research in machine learning.

Assessment criteria

The assessment criteria for appointment as an Assistant professor shall be the degree of such expertise required as a qualification for employment.

Thereafter the degree of pedagogical expertise as well as administrative and other experience of significance with regard to the employment’s research field and the employment tasks that may be included in the position.

Scientific expertise

Scientific expertise shall be demonstrated through independent scientific productivity. The criteria for assessment are:

• Breadth and depth of research – quality and extent
• Originality in research
• Productivity
• Contributions to the international research community
• Commissions of trust within the research community
• Ability to competitively obtain research funding
• Collaboration with the surrounding community

A high level of competence in machine learning for inference or prediction in complex dynamical systems is of particular importance. Research is expected to be directed toward adaptive mechanisms in living systems under stress within the Center's theme.

Previous experience in interdisciplinary work or with living systems is a strong advantage.

Pedagogical expertise

The criteria for evaluation of pedagogical expertise are:

• ability to plan, implement and evaluate teaching and an ability to supervise and examine students at every level of education
• ability to vary teaching methods and examination forms in relation to anticipated study results and the nature of the subject
• experience of collaboration with the surrounding society in planning and implementation of education
• participation in the development of learning environments, teaching aids and study resources
• a reflective approach to student learning and one’s own role as a teacher

Pedagogical expertise can be attained through education in university pedagogy, other education of relevance for teaching at the university level or documented and proven experience teaching at the university level.

Other assessment criteria

A general basis for assessment for all teaching categories is both good cooperative skills and the expertise and suitability in general required to complete the work duties satisfactorily.

The criteria for evaluation of administrative expertise are:

• Experiences of supervision (students, postgraduate students, postdoc)
• Participation in working groups or committees (department, faculty or university level)
• Experiences of collaboration outside the academy
• Experience of organizing research and educational activities

Assessment criteria and their weight

In the selection of candidates, the degree of research expertise shall be decisive. In addition, the degree of educational expertise as well as administrative and other competences of importance shall be taken into account with regard to the subject content of the employment and the duties to be included in the employment.

As an employee at Umeå University, you are offered a wide variety of benefits that promote a good work‑life balance.

The appointment is part of a larger strategic initiative focused on how living systems respond to environmental changes or external stress. The work will therefore primarily be carried out at IceLab, where the successful candidate will contribute to cross‑disciplinary collaborations and strengthen ties between IceLab and the Department of Computing Science by engaging with the department's existing research groups.

Application

When you apply, we ask you to answer questions in Varbi. These questions replace a cover letter from you. The application should preferably be written in English, and include the following items:

• CV/Application form. Carefully follow the required application template, especially if you use another word processing system. Submit your CV in the recruitment system as a pdf. The following information must be provided in the application form:
  • basic information (contact details, employment history and education)
  • an account of research experience (including a list of articles published and a brief research plan)
  • an account of pedagogical experience and activities
  • an account of experiences of developing and managing activities and staff
  • an account of experiences of interacting with the surrounding society and popularizing science
  • references, including contact details
• Copies of relevant university degrees and diplomas
• Copies of five research publications relevant to the position, numbered according to the publication list
• Attachments to a pedagogical portfolio (see p. 3.5 in Umu Application form).

Applications should be made via the e‑recruitment system Varbi and be received no later than 10 August 2026.

Applying for promotion to Associate professor

As assistant professor, upon request, can be promoted to Associate professor if he or she meets the requirements for employment as an Associate professor and upon review is determined to meet the qualifications for such employment according to the evaluation criteria that shall be applied for promotion to Associate professor. This promotion entails a permanent position as Associate professor.

The application for promotion shall be submitted six months before the fixed‑term appointment ends. If an Assistant professor after evaluation is not promoted, the fixed‑term appointment ends.

Established criteria for promotion can be found in the employment profile decided by the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology on 9 June 2026.

Umeå University strives to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.

Type of employment

Type of employment Temporary position

Contract type

Contract type Full time

First day of employment

First day of employment Upon agreement

Salary

Salary Monthly salary

Number of positions

Number of positions 1

Full‑time equivalent 100 %

City

County

Country

Country Sweden

Reference number

Reference number AN 2026/641

Contact

• Frank Drewes, Head of Department, 090-7869790, [e-mail]