Assistant Professor (tenure-track) and Associate Professor (tenured) Positions in Formal Methods

The Centre for Formal Methods and Future Computing (FORM) at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Southern Denmark (SDU, Campus Odense or Vejle) invites applications for both tenure-track Assistant Professors and Associate Professors in Computer Science, with emphasis on formal methods and theorem proving.

The targeted starting period is September 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

About FORM
FORM is a new initiative, created with the ambition to lead the formalisation of key areas of computing in a universal repository of knowledge and tools verified by proof assistants. Our vision is to unlock the combined potential of humans and artificial intelligence (AI) for the rapid and reliable construction of digital systems, guided by rigorous mathematical foundations. Our current main instrument to pursue this ambition is the Computer Science Library (CSlib) in the Lean programming technology. CSlib is a global effort carried out in collaboration with world-leading stakeholders, and FORM is a key founding player in CSlib’s steering and technical leadership.

Who we are looking for
We are looking for new colleagues who can strengthen our competences in formal methods and collaborate with us on ambitious formalisation projects.

An ideal candidate:

• holds a PhD degree in computer science, or a PhD degree in mathematics, or equivalent;
• has a research track record at a high international level, reflecting the academic age of the applicant;
• has experience in attracting and managing externally funded projects;
• can teach and advise students at all levels.

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Danish is not a requirement: more English than Danish is used when teaching in computer science, and more than half of the faculty members in computer science haveinternational backgrounds. Successful applicants will be offered Danish courses by the university.

For the tenure-track assistant professor positions, applications from promising early-career talents are highly encouraged. The Danish tenure-track employment is a focused assistant professorship with a guaranteed assessment for a position as tenured associate professor: before the end of the sixth year of employment and contingent on a positive academic assessment, the assistant professor will transit into a permanent (tenured) position as associate professor. A tenure-track assistant professor can request assessment for tenure earlier. If this assessment is negative, the assistant professor can request a second assessment within the final six months of employment. 

Questions? Curious to learn more about the position and environment? Please feel free to reach out to Professor and FORM Director Fabrizio Montesi (fmontesi@imada.sdu.dk) for more information.

Hosting environment
FORM is embedded in the Section of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Programming Languages (ACP), an elite cluster of research groups that fosters collaboration, research excellence, and quality education. FORM and ACP offer ample opportunities for collaboration, personal growth, and mentoring for starting independent research groups. The section’s current research covers a wide range of areas and topics that include symbolic AI and formal methods (logic, theorem provers, type systems, categories, etc.), concurrent programming languages (choreographic programming, session types, etc.), distributed computing (cloud computing, microservices, etc.), Dev(Sec)Ops, software engineering (software product lines), human factors in security and privacy, post-quantum and embedded cryptography, and quantum programming languages.

The section is part of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, and other research sections at the department are 

• Algorithms
• Computational Science
• Data Science and Statistics 
• Geometry, Topology and Algebra
• Learning Experience Design

Our department offers an inclusive and international working environment with state-of-the-art facilities and strong traditions for collaboration across research groups, departments and faculties, and with other organisations like educational institutions, municipalities, and companies. The degrees offered by the department include BSc and MSc degrees in Computer Science, a BSc degree in Artificial Intelligence, and an MSc degree in Data Science. More information about the department can be found at https://imada.sdu.dk/.

The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) was founded in 1966 and now has more than 27.000 students, almost 20% of whom are from abroad. It has 3,800+ employees, and 115 different study programs in the fields of the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, and engineering. Its main campus is located in Odense and is complemented by modern campuses in Kolding, Esbjerg, Sønderborg and, most recently, Vejle. Each campus contributes to SDU’s strong regional presence and close collaboration with businesses, public institutions, and local communities.

Discover more about SDU’s newest addition, the Vejle campus, at www.sdu.dk/en/vejle.

Application, salary etc.
Appointment to the position will be in accordance with the salary agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check our International Staff Office’s website for more information on, e.g., salary and taxation.

The targeted starting date is 1 May 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
The application including the required attachments must be in English.

The application must include the following:

• A cover letter (max 2 pages) stating which position(s) the applicant is applying for. The cover letter must present the applicant’s research topics and interests and how these relate to the topics of the call.
• Curriculum vitae (max 3 pages) including (if available) ORCID and a link to the applicant’s page on DBLP.
• A brief overview (max 1 page) of the applicant’s most important publications (max 5), including a short description of the significance of each.
• A brief research plan (max 2 pages) for the next three years.
• A full list of publications.
• Teaching portfolio (optional for Assistant Professor applications).
• Certificates/diplomas (PhD degree or equivalent).

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. 
Shortlisted applicants will be assessed by an assessment committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the faculty. As part of the overall assessment, the applicant may be called for interview.

Please note that applicants for tenure-track assistant professorships are also assessed based on their potential to reach the assessment criteria for an associate professorship during the tenure-track period. These criteria are mapped out in the faculty’s policy on academic career and recruitment, specifically the performance indicators on research, teaching, and academic citizenship.

Please note that applicants are expected to have completed their PhD.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Appointment to the position will be in accordance with the salary agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and taxation.

Applications will be assessed by an expert committee. When the expert committee issues its assessment, the applicants will be sent the portion of the assessment pertaining to them personally.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

An interview may be included as a part of the overall assessment of the applicant’s qualifications.
In your application, please indicate which of the two positions you are primarily interested in.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply now". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

Since not all members of the appointment committee are Danish-speaking, it is recommended that your application is submitted in English.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Further information  for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.