Teaser Text

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), part of the Faculty of Science at Leiden University, is seeking candidates for two Lecturer positions (0.6-1.0 FTE). These are teaching positions appointed at the “Docent 4” level, or for lecturers with significant qualifications and a track record, at the “Docent 3” level. Ideal candidates hold or are close to obtaining a PhD in computer science, AI, or a closely related field. Candidates with substantial academic teaching experience in the field, even without a PhD, are also invited to apply.

The successful candidates will be primarily assigned to bachelor-level courses, with teaching duties tailored to each candidate’s profile, preferences, and expertise. Depending on experience, this may involve leading courses independently or co-teaching in collaboration with a professor. All courses are supported by a number of teaching assistants, depending on the class size. Involvement in thesis supervision is also possible.  Courses can typically be taught in English, but proficiency in Dutch will be an advantage because of our Dutch language bachelor programs Informatica and Cyber Security and Cyber Crime (in The Hague). Other relevant programs offered at LIACS include the  bachelor Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, master Computer science and the Cyber Security minor. 

For these programs, we are particularly looking for candidates with experience or expertise in one or more of the following areas: Introduction to Programming, Introduction to Computer Systems, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, and Data Science.
We ask candidates to reflect on their teaching experience in these areas in their motivation letter.

LIACS has a friendly and collaborative culture, where new colleagues quickly feel at home and supported by fellow staff in teaching duties. This culture extends to teacher/student contacts, making for a collaborative atmosphere where research and education can blossom. Our culture is very diverse, inclusive, and highly international. 

What you will do

• Teaching (independently and/or as a co-teacher) courses in the topics mentioned above
• Supervising bachelor students
• Serving as a proactive member of the institute’s teaching staff
• Contributing to improving the curriculum design and the innovation of education in general

Where you will work

The Leiden Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline.

The research and education programs carried out at the Faculty of Science are diverse, ranging from artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of one of Europe’s biggest bio-science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in the core areas of Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, and Data Science, and in the interdisciplinary areas of Business, Creative Intelligence, and Bioinformatics. We are a highly international place to do research, committed to excellence in a supportive and inclusive environment. We value fun, inclusivity, openness, and teamwork, ensuring that excellence and enjoyment go hand in hand. 

What you bring

• PhD degree* in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field
• Interest or experience in cyber security, programming, systems or data science
• Inherent interest in teaching at a computer science institute, in an academic setting
• Proficiency in English and preferably also in Dutch
• Team spirit and collaborative attitude
• Preferably experience with managing digital learning environments 
• Willing to explore an academic career in teaching

*Candidates close to obtaining a PhD or candidates with a relevant MSc degree and proven academic teaching experience are also invited to apply.

What we offer

You can count on an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research. The University's challenging and international work environment is located just steps away from Leiden’s lively city centre or the bustling city centre of The Hague. We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organise through Healthy University.

We also offer:

• An employment contract for the duration of one year, after a positive evaluation of the progress of the research and personal compatibility, the appointment can be extended further to a permanent one. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• A salary between € 3.546,- until € 5.538,- gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (pay scale 10);
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop.

What we find important

Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community that enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality teaching and research are inclusive.

Want to apply or find out more?

Enquiries about these two job openings can be made to Dr. Frank Takes, director of education of LIACS, email f.w.takes@liacs.leidenuniv.nl. If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl.

Please submit your application no later than February 15, 2026, via the blue button in the application system. Please ensure that you attach the following additional documents:

• Short cover letter (ca. one page) detailing your motivation to apply for this position, including a description of which types of courses you would be comfortable teaching.
  (The committee prefers honestly written and concise letters over vague and hollow AI-generated letters.)
• (Academic) CV that in particular covers and highlights your teaching experience at an academic level and/or in a computer science setting.
• Names and contact details of two persons who can be contacted for reference, and who have agreed to be contacted beforehand. (There is no need to send letters.)

We aim to have the first interviews in February and reach a decision in March. The earliest possible starting date is June 1, 2026.