Background
The Faculty of Engineering Technology at Hasselt University is looking for a professor in Cyber-Physical Intelligence with expertise in embedded systems, cyber-physical systems, and AI-driven engineering. You will strengthen both teaching within the Engineering Technology program and research in the Digital Future Lab, where multidisciplinary research is a key focus.
You will be working in the Faculty of Engineering Technology at Hasselt University, a university on a human scale with a strong focus on collaboration, inclusivity, and personal growth. You will be embedded in the Digital Future Lab (DFL), an interdisciplinary research center that excels in human-centered digital innovation, future-oriented engineering solutions, and real-life impact.
DFL brings together researchers with expertise in areas such as computer science, (explainable) AI, human-machine and human-AI interaction, visual computing, XR, digital fabrication, security, and digital transformation. In this interdisciplinary ecosystem, you will strengthen existing lines of research by introducing a new dimension centred on embedded intelligence and cyber-physical systems. You will work closely with colleagues inside and outside DFL who are active in domains such as software engineering, machine learning, electronics, and automation, and contribute to a research environment where collaboration, experimentation, creativity, and impact are central.
Education task
You will take on teaching assignments within the joint bachelor's and master's programs in engineering technology at Hasselt University and KU Leuven on the Diepenbeek Campus. You will teach and coordinate courses within your area of expertise, familiarizing students with the development of intelligent and embedded systems, edge computing, and data-driven decision-making, with the aim of training engineers who can thoughtfully combine software and hardware into reliable, secure, and future-oriented cyber-physical applications.
You will develop new educational initiatives in line with technological and scientific developments, actively contribute to curriculum renewal, and supervise bachelor's and master's theses. You will employ an activating teaching approach with intensive guidance, constructive feedback, and close interaction with students, in line with the educational vision of Hasselt University and our program.
Research mission
You will develop an internationally competitive research program on cyber-physical intelligence, focusing on AI-driven engineering and embedded systems. You will combine fundamental and applied research, working on topics such as scalable embedded systems, energy-efficient AI models, reliable and secure control mechanisms, sensor-actuator architectures, and hardware-software co-design.
You will secure external research funding, supervise doctoral students, and actively collaborate with national and international academic partners, companies, and societal stakeholders. You will contribute to scientific breakthroughs and stimulate applications in areas such as smart manufacturing, automation, robotics, intelligent instrumentation, and digital twins. You will strengthen the Digital Future Lab and position UHasselt as a reference in cyber-physical intelligence, with an eye for valorization, industrial collaboration, spin-offs, and societal impact.
Profile
- You have a PhD in engineering or science (computer science) or an equivalent relevant field, with demonstrable expertise within the research domain of this position.
- You have expertise in embedded software engineering and edge computing, with a clear link to AI integration in cyber-physical applications. You can translate (algorithmic) concepts related to topics such as machine learning, real-time inference, and adaptive control into robust, energy-efficient, and secure processes, architectures, and implementations.
- You have experience in developing cyber-physical systems in complex, dynamic, or industrial environments. You have insight into hardware-software co-design, sensor-actuator architectures, digital signal processing, and industrial communication protocols and can integrate these into AI-driven systems.
- You have a strong vision of the role of AI in industrial digitization, such as smart manufacturing, robotics, digital twins, and related domains in which cyber-physical systems are key technologies.
- You have a solid scientific track record with publications in leading journals, contributions to conferences, and participation in or leadership of (interdisciplinary) research projects. You are able to develop an innovative line of research within an international context and secure external funding.
- You are an inspiring mentor who derives energy from coaching and supervising master's and doctoral students, and actively contribute to their academic development. You can develop sustainable partnerships with companies, governments, and social actors, with a focus on valorization, service provision, and knowledge exchange.
- You preferably have teaching experience in an academic context, strong didactic skills, and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and in a structured way. You emphasize active teaching methods and are able to inspire students.
- You thrive in a collegial, interdisciplinary environment. You work proactively, in an organized and goal-oriented manner, can set priorities, and combine teaching, research, and service tasks in a balanced manner.
- You communicate fluently both in English and in Dutch. Dutch is the administrative language of Hasselt University. This implies that at the time of your appointment or within 5 years after your appointment as a member of the tenured academic staff, you must be able to demonstrate that your knowledge of Dutch is at least at CEFR level B2. If this is not yet the case at the time of your appointment, we offer you language lessons as support. You have a maximum of 5 years to achieve the required level.
- When taking up a teaching assignment as coordinating lecturer or co-lecturer, you must always be able to demonstrate mastery of the language of instruction of the program component at CEFR level C1. Prior to this, Hasselt University can also support you in acquiring the required language skills.
Offer
We offer either a full-time position at the rank of Assistant Professor, on a temporary contract under the tenure track system for a period of five years. This period culminates in an immediate, permanent appointment at the rank of Associate Professor, provided the university assesses the performance of the person concerned favorably based on predefined and published criteria.
Alternatively, we offer a full-time appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor or higher, leading to a permanent appointment. In the case of a first appointment as a ZAP member, the university may proceed to a temporary appointment for a maximum period of three years. This period culminates in a permanent appointment if the university assesses performance of the person concerned favorably.
Selection procedure
You can only apply online up to and including 16 March 2026.
The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file, an introductory interview, a in-depth interview (with assignment) and an assessment center.
Further information
Prof. dr. Nick MICHIELS, [contact details available in the full listing], [contact details available in the full listing]
Prof. dr. ir. Ronald THOELEN, [contact details available in the full listing], [contact details available in the full listing]
For questions about the selection procedure, please email [contact details available in the full listing].
