The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf is inviting applications for the position of a

*****Professorship for Machine Learning***** (open rank: W2 or W1 with tenure track to W2)

at the department of Computer Science to be filled as soon as possible.

We are seeking an individual with outstanding expertise in the field of Machine Learning, particularly in modern machine learning techniques (e.g. Large Language Models and Deep Learning architectures for Explainable AI, Agentic AI, Neuro-symbolic AI and Reinforcement Learning) with connections to Natural Language Processing, who will represent this expertise in both research and teaching.

The candidate should have proven expertise in the development of machine learning methods, and it is expected that he/she will contribute to collaborative projects. Active participation in the Heine Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (HeiCAD) is desirable.

Experience or --- for an initial appointment on W1 level --- a well-founded potential in acquiring competitive third-party funding and publications at leading conferences such as NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, AAAI, EMNLP, ACL, and/or leading scientific journals is expected. Furthermore, excellent didactic skills are required. Teaching responsibilities include courses in computer science (Bachelor and Master in Computer Science, Master in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science), including regular participation in basic courses. In addition, active involvement in teaching offerings for other disciplines (e.g., within the framework of „KI für alle“) and participation in university self-administration are expected.

For a direct appointment on W2 level a scientific performance equivalent to Habilitation, in particular high-level publications, success in acquiring third-party funding, and suitable experience in teaching in Computer Science or related programs is required.

Heinrich Heine University upholds the principle of “excellence through diversity.” It has signed the “Diversity Charter” and successfully participated in the Stifterverband‘s “Shaping Diversity” audit. It is certified as a family-friendly university and has received the European Union‘s HR Excellence in Research Award.

Applications from suitably qualified severely disabled persons or disabled persons regarded as being of equal status according to Book IX of the German Social Legal Code (SGB – Soziales Gesetzbuch) are encouraged.

At Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, appointments may also be part-time, provided there are no overriding administrative reasons in individual cases for requiring full-time employment. Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf offers a Dual Career Support and is a member of the Rhineland Dual Career Network (Dual Career Netzwerk Rheinland). www.dualcareer-rheinland.de provides further information.

For questions about the professorship, please contact Prof. Dr. P. Swoboda (paul.swoboda@hhu.de). For further assistance, contact berufungsportalmnf@hhu.de.

Please submit your application in digital form with the usual documents (letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, details of all academic publications, tabular list and proof of competitively acquiredthird-party funding (including scholarships), copies of academic certificates, research concept (max. 2 pages), teaching concept (max. 2 pages), course catalogue) in the HHU appointment portal at https://berufungsportal.hhu.de and complete the requested information as fully as possible.

Deadline for applications: 14.01.2026

Conditions for employment are, in addition to general administrative conditions in accordance with § 36 of the North Rhine-Westphalia University Act (Gesetz über die Hochschulen des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen), an aptitude for teaching, exceptional competence in research, and additional scientific achievements. Female candidates are encouraged to apply; they will be given preference in cases of equal aptitude, ability, and professional achievements unless there are exceptional reasons for choosing another applicant.