Department Head and Professor of Computer Science

For 40 years, Webster Vienna Private University (WVPU) has provided its students with an internationally competitive, American-based liberal arts education in the heart of Europe. Accredited in both Austria and the United States, WVPU offers an individualized, student-centered American education within the framework of a European research university. As part of a global network of campuses based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, WVPU is dedicated to preparing its students for an increasingly globalized world through academic programs that cultivate critical thinking and intercultural understanding.

Webster Vienna Private University is committed to excellence in teaching and research. WVPU offers innovative programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level, awarding Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees. At the undergraduate level, the departments of Business and Management, International Relations, Media Communications and Psychology are complemented by the Center of Liberal Arts’ multidisciplinary curriculum in the human, social and natural sciences.

Currently, we are hiring to fill a position to build up and expand our newly created Computer Science department:

Department Head and Professor of Computer Science (f/m/d)
Full-time (40 hours/week)
Starting date: February 2025, initial contract limited for three (3) years, with the possibility of extension (to unlimited contract)

This professorship is meant to build up a Computer Science program and department at Webster Vienna Private University. 
The individual will assume the role of Department Head and thereby define the department’s research focus, infrastructure and personnel needs in conjunction with senior management.

The Professor of Computer Science is required to maintain and manifest a leading research profile appropriate to the EURAXESS standards of a Lead Researcher (R4).
We are seeking a candidate with demonstrated expertise in the areas of cybersecurity or artificial intelligence and, preferably, one where they intersect.

The details of all responsibilities are regulated in an annual performance agreement between the position holder and the rectorate.

Main responsibilities:

Department Head:

• Responsible for the scientific and administrative operations of the department:
  • Define and establish the research profile of the department:
  • Oversee the development and the delivery of the curriculum.
• Supervise and develop the department’s faculty and scientific support staff as well as programs;

Research:

• Produce an academic output appropriate to an R4 career stage;
• Submit a proposal for an ERC Advance Grant, FWF programs for Leading Researchers (R4) or comparable within the initial contract;
• Successful acquisition of external funding; and
• Maintain and maximize an international network. 

Academic Administration / Mentorship:

• Develop, implement and revise degree programs and their curricula;
• Define infrastructure and research budgets and plans in close cooperation with the Rectorate;
• Leadership role to define and build up the department; 
• Mentor Assistant and Associate professors in their career development;
• Integrate young academics (pre to postdoc level) in third-party funded research projects; and
• Supervise theses, including PhD (externally).

Teaching:

• Maintain a default teaching load. 

Other:

• Represent the department in university and related public events;
• Build up strong relationships with organizations to support student projects and career prospective. 

Your profile includes:

• PhD in Computer Science or closely related field;
• A habilitation or equivalent post-doctoral experience;
• Outstanding scientific reputation with internationally recognized peer-review publications and active conferences participations in the fields of cybersecurity and/or artificial intelligence in the last ten years (excluding career breaks);
• A distinguished track-record in acquiring and leading externally funded high-level research projects and grants as PI; and supervising young academic researchers including doctoral students;
• Demonstrated leadership responsibilities;
• Pedagogic and didactic ability and demonstrated success in university-level teaching;
• Active international network with academic and non-academic stakeholders; proven through successful cooperation with universities and/or research institutions;
• Interdisciplinary collaboration;
• Demonstrated social and gender competence; proven experience in the promotion of young researchers and the advancement of female colleagues; and Fluency in English, German desirable.

Your application:

When applying, please provide the following documents:

• Department vision, which may include: the development of the department’s research focus, infrastructure and personnel needs for the boot-strap phase and follow-on years, the development and introduction of additional specializations and emphasis of the BSc in Computer Science and a succeeding graduate program, etc. (max. 3 pages);
• Academic curriculum vitae including
  - education and training (please attach all required diplomas as indicated above);
  - positions held to date;
  - awards and honors;
  - complete list of acquired third-party funding including cooperation partners;
  - teaching and mentoring experience;
  - supervision experience (Master and PhD level);
• List of publications and conference;
  - complete and current publication list (e.g. ORCID link);
  - conference list, emphasizing invitations to conferences;
  - two key publications as electronic full text version with relevance to this position (PDF);
• Research statement;
  - research description and planned future research activities (max. 3 pages);
• Diversity and inclusion statement;
  - a statement describing your commitment to diversity and contribution to an inclusive professional environment; and
• Three referees who will provide letters of recommendation upon request.  

All applications must be sent online.
Deadline for applications: October 31, 2024

WVPU is an equal opportunity employer – we are committed to a non-discriminatory employment policy and a diverse and inclusive community. 
The University puts special emphasis on increasing the number of women among the faculty as well as in senior positions.
 
Our offer: 

• Possibility to build up, shape and contribute to the success of the Computer Science Department at WVPU;
• Long term employment perspective;
• Being part of a highly engaged team and international community;
• Research support services;
• Budgeted resources for research and infrastructure;
• Flexible working hours, home office, work-from-anywhere;
• Numerous employee benefits (Pension Fund, Training and Development Opportunities, Occupational Health, Social Events etc.):
  https://www.webster.ac.at/academics/missionandvalues/join-wvpu.php

Vienna has been rated 1st place of the most liveable cities in the “Global Liveability Index” – we provide modern facilities in a top location in Vienna’s 2nd district (Palais Wenkheim), next to the subway station

The minimum annual gross compensation for this position amounts to EUR 89.000,- (basis 40 hours/week). The final salary depends on experience and qualifications.
The annual Department Head stipend during the initial contract, amounts to gross EUR 10,000.-. 
The applicant must have the legal right to work in Austria.

If you have any questions regarding your application, please contact the HR department, Praterstrasse 23, A – 1020 Vienna.

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