Tenure-Track Faculty in all areas related to Information Security (f/m/d) 2025/2026

CISPA is a world-leading research center that focuses on Information Security and Machine Learning at large. To expand and further strengthen our center, we are looking for

Tenure-Track Faculty in all areas related to Information Security (f/m/d)

All applicants are expected to grow a research team that pursues an internationally visible research agenda. To aid you in achieving this, CISPA provides institutional base funding for three full-time researcher positions and a generous budget for expenditures. Upon successful tenure evaluation, you will hold a position that is equivalent to an endowed full professorship at a top research university. We invite applications of candidates with excellent track records in all areas related to Information Security.

CISPA values diversity and is committed to equality. We provide special dual-career support. We explicitly encourage female and diverse researchers to apply.

The CISPA Tenure-Track in a nutshell

• Tenure-track of five years towards the equivalent of an Endowed Full Professorship
• Three fully funded full-time research staff positions for your entire tenure-track
• Generous budget for research expenses
• Low teaching load of only one course (of your choice) per semester
• World-renowned colleagues in (almost) all areas of Security and Machine Learning
• Young and dynamic environment, with an average faculty age below 40 years

What We Offer:

• Full-time gross base salary starting from approx. €6800/month according to the associate professor (W2) scale of the TVöD (German Federal Employment Agreement)
• Contractual benefits including 30 days of paid leave per year, pension scheme, paid parental leave, and monthly allowances for spouse and children
• Three fully funded full-time research staff positions as well as a generous budget for research expenditures
• Support for relocation, administrative tasks (e.g., visa and work permits) and organization of child care

What We Expect:

• To have an excellent track record in any research area related to Information Security
• To have graduated or are soon to be graduated with a doctoral degree
• To build and guide a research team that pursues an internationally visible research agenda
• To teach one (English-spoken) course or seminar (undergraduate or graduate) per semester in your area of expertise and interest

Working at CISPA:

• Full academic freedom
• Flat hierarchy
• Tenure-track mentoring program
• English-speaking working environment; a command of German is not required for a successful career at CISPA
• World-class research infrastructure and support
• Saarbrücken, a city with an international flair (e.g., an International School and a distinguished cuisine influenced by the proximity to the French border)
• Dual Career opportunities
• Free optional German courses

Application Process

All applications are due by November 18, 2025 23:59 AoE with interviews starting in January 2026.

Please submit the following documents:

• Cover letter (please outline how your research vision aligns with CISPA's goals and how your work can tie in with other CISPA faculty) and curriculum vitae.
• Research statement (up to 5 pages) outlining your vision for the tenure track.
• List of 3-5 proposed references including contact details and your relationship to them (ensure at least one is not a close collaborator/advisor).
• Optionally, a teaching and diversity statement.

For any questions regarding the application, please contact career@cispa.de

About the CISPA Tenure-Track Program

Our tenure-track program is similar to that of top US universities with respect to runtime and evaluation criteria. By default, our tenure-track includes an evaluation in the fifth year. In case of positive evaluation, you will be offered a permanent contract. In case of negative evaluation, to provide a soft landing your contract will be extended by one year. If you become a parent during your tenure-track, your contract and evaluation can (once) be extended by one year.

The tenure evaluation is in line with other top institutions. We will assess your research activities, your ability to build and lead a group of strong researchers, your ability to acquire third-party funding, as well as your contribution to the scientific community. Every tenure-track faculty is assigned a mentor, who regularly meets with you to help in reaching these goals. Via a mid-term evaluation, your promotion committee will provide feedback on how well you are on-track with regard to your tenure evaluation.