Full professor in Computer Systems

Your function

The position is part of the Computer Systems and Security section, which was founded by Prof. Em. Andrew Tanenbaum in the 1970s and obtained a strong international reputation for its high impact on science and society. The section currently has five chairs:
High Performance Distributed Computing (this vacancy), System and Network Security (Herbert Bos), Hardware Security (Cristiano Giuffrida), Massivising Computer Systems (Alexandru Iosup), and Foundational and Experimental Security (Fabio Massacci).

We expect the candidate to establish a new group. The department offers at least one (Career Track) Assistant Professor and a PhD position for the new group, to be filled after the candidate has started.

We invite experienced researchers from all areas of computer systems to apply. Topics of interest include, but are certainly not limited to, high-performance computing systems and computer networking. The candidate is expected to have a strong technical background and a keen eye for applications, in areas such as databases and data analytics systems, embedded systems, edge computing, exascale computing, hardware accelerators, performance engineering, energy‑efficient computing, or machine learning.

Two postings – one appointment

Please note
: the research group Computer Systems has one position available and only one appointment will be made. To attract the best‑fitting candidate, we advertise this position through two separate postings at two academic levels (‘Associate Professor with a career track to Full Professor’, and ‘Full Professor’). Applicants are invited to apply to the level that best matches their current profile and will be assessed against the criteria of that level.

Applicants are requested to apply to one level only. The final selection decision and appointment level will be determined based on the published requirements and assessment criteria, and the assessment outcome.

• Setting up and leading a new research group in the area of computer systems.
• Developing a scientific research programme supported by external funding.
• Contributing at least to the Computer Science Bachelor and Master programmes, including the Computer Systems and Infrastructure MSc track. Many MSc classes in systems also attract students from AI, Computational Science, Computer Security, Bioinformatics, Business analytics, and others.
• This position places a strong emphasis on governance and leadership.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore, we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

• A PhD in Computer Science or a closely related field.
• An internationally recognised research profile with demonstrated impact and originality.
• A strong track record of successful, substantial external research funding (in a PI role).
• Leadership in international consortia, programmes, or scientific networks.
• A publication record that reflects a position as a thought leader in the field.
• A strong contribution to societal impact.

• Demonstrated excellent teaching skills in both Bachelor’s and Master’s courses, as well as in supervising student projects.
• A clear and inspiring vision for education, including curriculum development and innovation.
• Extensive experience in supervising PhD candidates, including multiple fully completed doctorates as (co-)supervisor.
• In possession of the University Teaching Qualification (BKO).

• Strategic leadership: contributing to the department’s long‑term direction, staffing strategy, appointments, and overall vision.
• A broad leadership role that extends beyond one’s own discipline, in line with VU policy, including fostering social safety, promoting inclusivity, supporting talent development and taking responsibility for healthy group dynamics.
• An inspiring group leader who enables staff to grow and build a cohesive research team.
• Representation of the department at a high level in national and international bodies.

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We…