"Temporary Assistant Professor (teaching-focussed) in Probability and Operations Research"

Job Description

Are you an enthusiastic mathematician working in probability and operations research, looking to share your expertise with the next generation and to expand your teaching experience, while also keeping some time for your own research? Then this short-term teaching-focussed Assistant Professor position is for you.

What you will do

A short-term vacancy has arisen in our Probability, Operations Research and Dynamics group for a teaching-focussed Assistant Professor concentrating on probability and operations research. The appointment consists of 0.8 fte teaching duties and 0.2 fte for personal research in mathematics and will last from 19 January 2026 to 31 July 2026 (with some possibility for negotiation).

In this post you are expected to:

• teach (in English) the course “Stochastische Besliskunde” (“Stochastic Operations Research”), consisting of one two-hour lecture per week together with associated exercise classes, preparation and administration;
• contribute to other courses in the area of probability and operations research;
• supervise one or more bachelor’s theses in your area of expertise;
• carry out your own independent research for approximately one day per week;
• contribute actively to the academic work of the Probability, Operations Research and Dynamics group.

Where you will work

The Mathematical Institute (MI) is one of the eight institutes within the Faculty of Science and has a strong international orientation. The institute's mission is to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge by developing and applying high-quality mathematics while offering a wide range of mathematical programs in a friendly and intellectually stimulating environment. We believe that mathematics is a fundamental part of human knowledge, and we take pride in our role as guardians of this rich scientific discipline. We are dedicated to expanding the frontiers of mathematical knowledge and applying our expertise to solve challenges in other sciences, society, and industry. Additionally, we actively promote mathematical literacy through various outreach activities.

The Mathematical Institute focuses on four key research themes: Algebra, Geometry, and Number Theory; Analysis and Dynamical Systems; Probability; and Statistics and Data Science. There is extensive collaboration between these themes. For more information about the Mathematical Institute, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/mathematics.

What you bring

In this team, we are looking for someone who can work independently. Every job is different, so in the beginning we will devote attention to your onboarding. This position is a good fit for you if you recognise yourself in the following:

• you have a solid background in probability, operations research or a related area;
• you hold a PhD in mathematics or a closely related discipline;
• you are equipped to teach classes in stochastic operations research, and to supervise bachelor’s students;
• you have or want to develop an independent research profile;
• you preferably have a good working knowledge of the Dutch language.

If you immediately recognise yourself in this profile, or if do you not quite meet all the requirements, but you believe that this is the right job for you, we look forward to your application!

What we offer

Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development. 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 period from 19 January 2026 to 31 July 2026, unless otherwise agreed. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• a salary between €4728 - €6433 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (Scale 11);
• 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. 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;
• a home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop.

For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

What we find important

Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research means inclusive education and research.

Want to apply or find out more?

If you want to apply straight away, click the application button.

Please ensure that you include the following documents:

• cover letter
• 1-page teaching statement
• curriculum vitae
• list of all publications
• names of two reference persons with affiliation and email address who may be contacted during the selection process.

If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact Dr. M.J. (Martin) Bright, at m.j.bright@math.leidenuniv.nl. You can apply until 20 November 2025.

To help us get to know each other better, we follow a number of steps in the application procedure. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG)) may be part of the selection procedure.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this.

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