Assistant Professor in Data-Intensive Systems

Develop the next generation of data-intensive infrastructure that powers science and society at TU Delft. Combine fundamental systems research with real technological impact while educating talented, globally minded students. Work in a vibrant, international academic community where cutting-edge research and a family-friendly environment grow side by side.

Check also our vacancy for Assistant Professor in Computer Science

Job description

Are you inspired by shaping the next generation of digital infrastructure and making a lasting impact through technology? The Data-Intensive Systems (DIS) group at TU Delft is looking for a collaborative and forward-thinking Assistant Professor to join our team and mission: To model, design, implement, and analyze data-intensive systems and applications. Inspired by real-world problems, our work focuses on fundamental scientific contributions. We welcome people who enjoy building meaningful systems and advancing knowledge in ways that truly matter.

You will develop and lead an independent research line in data-intensive systems, with a strong focus on any of the following subjects: scalable data management, systems for machine learning, distributed and parallel systems, or cloud-based systems. We are especially interested in researchers who build working systems and evaluate them rigorously, advancing how data is stored, processed, and trusted at scale. Your work can span operating systems, large-scale infrastructure, data platforms, or emerging architectures that enable next-generation digital services.

You will teach and inspire students in our BSc and MSc Computer Science programmes. Possible teaching areas include distributed systems, databases, operating systems, cloud computing, and information and data management. You will supervise thesis projects and mentor PhD candidates, working with highly motivated, international students who rank among Europe’s top technical talent.

You will contribute to a collaborative and ambitious academic environment within the Data-Intensive Systems group and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. Here, research is driven by depth, technical excellence, and long-term impact. You will have the academic freedom to shape your research agenda, build a team, and pursue competitive funding from national and international programmes and industry partners.

Your work will help design the digital infrastructure of the future, systems that redefine how organisations manage and use data. TU Delft supports your growth through strong research facilities, a structured leadership development package, global collaboration opportunities, and a culture that values meaningful impact, academic independence, and sustainable work-life balance in an international, family-friendly environment.

Job requirements

• You hold a PhD in Computer Science or a closely related discipline.
• You demonstrate research excellence through publications in top-tier data management venues (e.g., SIGMOD, VLDB, CIDR, ICDE, and EDBT) or leading systems venues (e.g., OSDI, NSDI, EuroSys, DSN, PODC, etc.)
• You have a systems-building mindset with experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating large-scale data-intensive systems or cloud platforms, and enjoy turning ideas into working solutions.
• You are motivated to teach core computer science courses and support the growth of BSc, MSc, and PhD students.
• You have the vision and initiative to secure external research funding (e.g., NWO, ERC, Horizon Europe, etc.) and to develop a sustainable, impactful research group.
• You communicate clearly in English and actively contribute to a diverse, inclusive, and supportive academic community.

Conditions of employment

This position is offered as an Academic Career Track position (0.8 – 1.0 FTE). During the Academic Career Track, we expect you to grow towards an Associate Professor position within a maximum of eight years, for which a position will be available. With other Academic Career Track colleagues, you will participate in the Academic Career Track Development programme, where you are offered ample opportunities to develop yourself in the areas of Education, Research, Societal Impact & Innovation, and Leadership & Organisation. You will regularly discuss your development and results with senior staff based on a personalized development plan and performance criteria agreed upon at the start of your Academic Career Track. You will start with a temporary contract that will be converted to a permanent contract no later than 12 -18 months after a positive evaluation, based on continuous confidence in your development potential and fit in the organisation.

Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. We expect you to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years if you have less than five years of teaching experience. This is provided by the TU Delft UTQ programme as part of the Academic Career Track Development programme.

TU Delft sets high standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. The TU Delft offers training to improve English competency.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged and you can work partly from home.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 10 May 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV: including a detailed list of your publications (including a selection of your top 5 publications and a reason of why you chose those ones) as well as key initiatives and contributions in other areas such as communication, (personal) leadership, teaching, entrepreneurship, and societal impact.
• Motivation letter (aim for one to a maximum of two pages): We value personally written, authentic letters. Please explain your interest in joining this specific section within TU Delft at this stage of your career, and how you connect with our values, mission, and leadership style.
• Statement on research: Your research vision should include a brief overview of your current research and a more extensive description of the future research you aim to pursue in our department as part of your appointment. It should primarily be written from the heart, reflecting your intrinsic motivation for an academic career within your chosen direction. What drives and inspires you in your research work? In addition, it should provide an intellectual reflection on how your research vision aligns with this position and, where possible, how it connects with other research lines in our department. Visit our section page to get an idea of our current people and research: Data-Intensive Systems - TU Delft. The research statement may be as short as one page, but no longer than three pages.
• Statement on education: Your teaching vision should outline the topics or course programmes you feel confident teaching and can bring to life with that magic touch of contagious enthusiasm. We are also interested in your perspective on teaching and supervision, both in classroom settings and when working with individual students or small groups. Please visit our website to check the courses currently covered by the existing team: Data-Intensive Systems - TU Delft. The education statement is typically up to one page.

You can address your application to Asterios Katsifodimos.