As one of the largest and most dynamic academic communities in the Netherlands, the department Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS) brings together more than 140 scientific staff, over 250 PhD and EngD candidates, and more than 3000 students. We collaborate closely with leading industrial partners in the Brainport Eindhoven region and with universities across the globe—creating a uniquely fertile environment for both fundamental breakthroughs and applied innovation.
Do you have a passion for computer systems and explainable AI, especially for resource‑limited embedded systems? Are you driven to make intelligent networked (embedded) systems more reliable and trustworthy - and do you have track record in networked (embedded) system research needed to turn that ambition into impact? Then you may be exactly the candidate we are looking for.
You will join the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS). With over 140 (assistant, associate and full) professors, almost 250 PhD and EngD students, nearly 3000 students, M&CS is the largest department of the TU/e. By performing top-level fundamental and applied research, and maintaining strong ties with industry, M&CS aims to contribute to science and innovation in and beyond the region.
The Interconnected Resource-aware Intelligent Systems (IRIS) cluster within this department is looking for a full-time assistant professor, who will address the challenges related to the design, the development and the maintenance for the next generation of explainable, transparent, and trustworthy networked embedded systems.
Explainable networked (embedded) systems, such as autonomous vehicles, smart energy infrastructures, and industrial IoT platforms, increasingly make autonomous or semi-autonomous decisions. The ability to understand why a system behaves in a certain way becomes critical for safety, certification, debugging, and user acceptance. Explainability ensures that complex interactions between distributed components remain interpretable, enabling engineers to trace decisions, identify anomalies, control quality, and design systems that behave reliably even under uncertainty. As an assistant professor you will focus on advancing techniques that make embedded intelligence understandable, from communication protocols that preserve contextual information to algorithms capable of producing human-interpretable outputs. You will explore explainability across embedded network–software boundaries, ensuring that distributed components, sensing/actuation pipelines, and decision‑making algorithms remain transparent and traceable.
IRIS research is performed in the context of various application domains including automotive, smart industry, predictive maintenance, logistics, smart cities, health and wellbeing, and intelligent lighting. The industrial applications and collaborations inspire IRIS in its research and ensure that its research outcome remains as close as possible to real-world problems and has economic and societal impacts. In this role, we are specifically looking for a candidate who can bridge explainability techniques with networked and embedded systems, ensuring that insights remain grounded in real system behavior and constraints.
In this role, you will contribute to the ambition of the Beethoven program to educate top talent and strengthen research across the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
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Motivated researcher with a PhD in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, a strong publication record on the conjunction of explainable AI and networked (embedded) systems, and outstanding research achievements, complemented by indicators of international recognition such as invited talks and service on PC, TPC, and/or editorial boards.
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At least 2-3 years of academic work experience after obtaining PhD;
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Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected by publications in top venue;
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Demonstrated ability to bridge explainability methods with networked (embedded) systems.
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Motivated to teach, contribute to teaching processes, and develop excellent teaching skills;
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Strong cooperation skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team;
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Effective communication and leadership skills, including coaching and mentoring of students, and leading a project;
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Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English.
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:
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Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. For an Assistant Professor this is (scale 11) min. € 4,925 max. € 6,682 gross per month (on a full-time basis).
- A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
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A dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.
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A Development Track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor. If you have a more senior profile, a tailor-made career proposal will be considered.
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High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.
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An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
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Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
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Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
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A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) and partner career support.
On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.
Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact secretary of the IRIS cluster at [email protected] or +31 40 247 2973.
Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Annette van Kamp-Rustenburg, Senior Recruiter, [email protected] or +31 6 3936 6434.
Curious to hear more about what it is like as a professor at TU/e? Please watch the video.
Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.
We invite you to submit a complete application. The application should include a:
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Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position. You are required to explicitly describe how your previous research and qualification relates to the conjunction of explainable AI and networked (embedded) systems.
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Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
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Description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages).
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Statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages).
Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.
We look forward to receiving your application before September 15, 2026.
Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.
We look forward to receiving your application and will review it once the vacancy has closed.
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You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
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Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
Type of employment: temporary employment with possibility of permanent employment | Contract type: full time | Number of positions: 1 | Full-time equivalent: 1.0 FTE | City: Eindhoven | County: Noord-Brabant | Country: Netherlands | Reference number: 2026/204 | Published: 2026-03-24 | Last application date: 2026-09-15
