Professor of Data Science

Data Science

It has been said that data will be to the 21st century what oil had been to the 20th. While scientific domains such as medicine, life sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities etc. struggle to work with the data they have access to, data scientists often lack the relevant knowledge on domains. Only few people are currently able to bridge this gap and address the relevant questions around what to measure, how to critically reflect on, how to collect, how to process, and how to make sense of data with the actual use cases. With new, interdisciplinary professorships combining data sciences with specific domain knowledge, IT:U seeks to engage deeply with data as the key driver of digital transformation, never losing sight of its rich context, meaning, and power in the real world.

To achieve this degree of interdisciplinary and transformational research, we welcome applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds that are connected to or relevant to data science.

Importantly, we aim to strengthen the diversity of perspectives within the data sciences which will recognize the plurality of our society. As such, we particularly encourage researchers with typically under-represented backgrounds to apply at IT:U, e.g., in terms of gender, (dis)ability, social environment, cultural or ethnic heritage, etc.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU

We welcome outstanding applicants with research and teaching experience who have demonstrated impact in innovative areas of Data Science and its intersection to other disciplines. The successful candidates will join a dynamic academic environment to lead research, foster collaboration, and contribute to teaching in fields critical to the future of data science.

Candidates can come from a wide range of academic backgrounds that are connected to or relevant for data science, data thinking, and the intersection between data science and other disciplines such as for example (this is a non-exhaustive list):

• Critical Data Studies — bridging technological expertise with the systematic study of social, cultural, and ethical implications of data driven socio-technical systems.

• Theoretical Foundations of Data Science — engaging with areas such as mathematics of data science, statistical learning, or specific topics like topological data analysis and causality.

• Data Science in Biological Systems — using data, computational methods, and mathematical models to study biological processes at various scales, in areas such as systems biology, microbiome ecology, single-cell genomics, and metagenomics. This includes potentially integrating experimental data and/or extensive databases and enabling advancements in both basic and applied biological research.

• Data Science in Health, Wellbeing, and Medicine — engaging with data science in areas such as Health Data Science or big data applications around health, wellbeing, and medicine.

• Data Science in Climate Change and Environmental Systems — using data to understand complex environmental systems and predict the effects of climate change such as flooding and storms.

• Data Science in Human Mobility — using data science to better understand human mobility and reinterpret the ways in which human beings move around urban and rural areas.

• Data Platforms & Infrastructures — designing, integrating, evaluating, and improving data sharing infrastructures within organizations, across organizations (platform economy), national, European, and global settings.

OUR OFFER

• Competitive salaries starting from €85.000 (tenure track) and €100.000 (tenured professor) per year as base payment. Overpayment is envisaged according to experience.
• Fully funded PhD students and PostDoc positions
• Full integration into Austria´s robust public health system, boasting outstanding clinical facilities and comprehensive healthcare coverage for you and your family.
• Dual career support or dual hiring if applicable
• Relocation services incl. paid temporary housing for the first 6 months (relocation to the Greater area of Linz, Austria, is expected)
• Relocation tax allowance of 30% on income from scientific activities is possible for a period of 5 years (requirements must be examined)
• Perks and benefits like free public transportation (e.g. KlimaTicket).

Welcome services: As part of our commitment to supporting the well-being of our employees, we will assist you in securing appropriate facilities such as day nurseries, kindergartens, playgroups, and schools for the seamless integration of your family into our community.

At IT:U, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to gender equality, creating an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities for growth and success. Additionally, we embrace individuals with diverse abilities and provide a supportive and accessible workplace for people of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities.

PLEASE APPLY

Applications must include

• cover letter and motivation for application (1-2 pages)
• curriculum vitae including a list of publications
• three referees – names and addresses of three or more individuals who are willing to provide a letter of recommendation for you. Please note: We will only contact these referees if you make the shortlist and are invited to the hearings.
• research statement describing your future research program and especially illustrating your interdisciplinary approaches (2-3 pages)
• teaching & mentoring statement with a specific focus on how you envision to teach within projects (2-3 pages)

DEADLINE: Friday, February 28th, 2025

Review of applications will commence immediately after

INTERVIEWS for the positions will be held in person starting with May 2025. Candidates are asked to be available during this timeframe. The exact date will be communicated as soon as the shortlist has been finalized (first half of April 2025).

Target start date: October 1st, 2025.

If you have questions or require support, feel free to contact [email protected].