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

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. Read more about 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 (see below).

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. 

Further details

As an employee at Umeå University, you are offered a wide variety of benefits that promote a good work- life balance, read more about benefits here.

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:

1. 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
2. Copies of relevant university degrees and diplomas
3. Copies of five research publications relevant to the position, numbered according to the publication list
4. Attachments to a pedagogical portfolio (see p. 3.5 in Umu Application form).

See instructions for what to include in the application, as well as how to describe scientific and educational activities (pdf)

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.