Scientific Software Engineer

Department of Computer Science at Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen is looking for a Special Consultant as Scientific Software Engineer to work full time on an externally funded research project with 2 universities and 3 industry partners. The position will begin 1 March 2026 and run for 3 years.

About the research project
You will be hired as a Scientific Software Engineer working on the Predictive and Prescriptive Process Analytics for Industry 4.0 (P³AI₄) research project. In the project we aim to research and develop a neuro-symbolic approach towards predictive and prescriptive maintenance, applying lessons learned in the field of process mining. The project is a collaboration between two universities, and three industrial partners. For more information regarding the project, please see: innovationsfonden.dk/da/news-article/ai-skal-forudsige-og-forklare-behov.

About us
You will be a member of the Process Modelling and Intelligence (PMI) research group. Research at the PMI group is founded in formal methods and business process management technologies, with applications to processes in all their forms, including but not limited to, business, development, and physical processes. Notable contributions by members of the group include the Dynamic Condition Response (DCR) Graphs process notation and seminal work on declarative and hybrid process discovery. More recently there has been a growing focus on topics of explainable, transparent, and accountable AI.  

The group is a part of the Software, Data, People & Society (SDPS) Section and the Department of Computer Science (DIKU). For more information regarding the section and department please visit SDPS and Department of Computer Science.

Tasks
As Scientific Software Engineer your responsibilities will evolve throughout the project. Initially you will work closely with researchers at the universities to develop research-based prototype tools. From these you will engineer a production-ready open-source toolset focussing primarily on the algorithmic aspects of predictive and prescriptive analytics. Finally, you will assist the industrial partners in the integration of the tools within their own tools and systems. Your day-to-day supervisor will be Tijs Slaats, associate professor in Software Engineering at UCPH and the principal investigator of the project. Where relevant you may at times be assisted by part-time research assistants.

Your profile
The ideal candidate for the position is a skilled software engineer with an interest in research, who has experience with some of the key topics of the project, e.g. neuro-symbolic AI, process mining, and / or predictive maintenance.

You will be evaluated against the following criteria:

• Significant experience in software development and engineering - You will be expected to take on development tasks that combine a high technical complexity (e.g. the implementation of research-based algorithms), the engineering of software-systems, and the integration of your solutions in the large-scale systems in use at the industry partners. Ideally, you would be able to participate in architectural discussions and contribute with your own technical perspective as a developer. Broad experience with various programming languages is preferred.
• Significant experience working in a research environment: - We are seeking candidates with a PhD degree in Computer Science or substantial experience—i.e. long-term full-time positions—in software development within research-driven environments.
• Ability to work independently - You’ll meet regularly with the principal investigator, who will guide the overall direction of your work. While you can rely on a strong team for technical challenges, you’re expected to take initiative, seek help when needed, and work independently without daily supervision.
• Ability to work collaboratively with both academic and industrial partners - You’ll work with partners on data retrieval, software integration, and testing. While you won’t be expected to manage these collaborations independently, prior experience in cross-sector and collaborative environments will strengthen your profile.
• Experience with topics of relevance to the project - Candidates will be evaluated according to their experience in topics of relevance to the project, these include but are not limited to: predictive and prescriptive maintenance, recommender and decision-support systems, (neuro-symbolic) AI and ML, explainable AI, process modelling and mining, information retrieval, visual analytics, and data mining.
• Language requirements - You must be able to communicate fluently in English. Language proficiency documentation is not required. However, if your cover letter was written with the help of generative AI, providing other language credentials is recommended.

We strongly encourage anyone interested in the position to apply, regardless of their personal background.  Within our research group we aim to offer a diverse and highly inclusive working environment. Gender, ethnicity, or other personal factors that have no bearing on your professional capacity will not be considered as part of the evaluation. In addition, both the Department of Computer Science and the University of Copenhagen support a significant number of initiatives to foster an inclusive working environment. For more information please visit Diversity and inclusion at DIKU and Diversity at UCPH. 

We offer:

• A unique opportunity to work in a research-driven environment developing cutting-edge software and algorithms, with influence over technical decisions including programming languages and technologies.
• Hands-on experience with novel technologies in AI, predictive maintenance, and process mining, contributing from early-stage development and shaping your professional profile.
• Close collaboration with academic and industrial partners, expanding your network in both sectors.
• A three-year, project-funded contract. While extension cannot be guaranteed, we are committed to open-source tool development and intend to pursue continued funding for similar roles.
• Flexible start date and working hours (within a full-time schedule), with the option to work from home when responsibilities allow.
• Opportunities to expand your role if desired—for example, by contributing to architectural design or academic publishing.
• The chance to build a public profile through contributions to open-source software and potential co-authorship on research papers.

Important note regarding building an academic career profile
We do not advise applying for this position if your main drive is to build an academic career towards a faculty position (i.e. an assistant/associate professorship). Your main responsibility will be software development, therefore opportunities to build an individual research profile will be limited. While we expect that, if desired by the candidate, there will be many opportunities to co-author publications, they are unlikely to be as first author.

Your application:
Your application should be written in English and include the following:

• Your full CV.
• Your full list of publications (if relevant).
• Relevant diplomas. (E.g. academic degrees in Computer Science.)
• A cover letter consisting of two sections; one page summarizing your relevant experience based on the "Your Profile" criteria, and one page outlining your motivation, interests, any specific goals (e.g. publication opportunities, preferred technologies), and how you envision your role and personal development throughout the project.
• Please clearly indicate any parts of your application created using generative AI. Responsible use is allowed if disclosed. If AI was used extensively, include a brief statement on your ability to communicate in English independently.

Terms of salary and employment
Employment and salary are made in accordance with the Circular on the Collective Agreement concerning academics in the state sector concluded between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 3 years. The starting date is 1 March 2026 or soon after. Employment will be as special consultant or senior consultant. The salary is based on seniority. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible. The working hours are 37 hours per week on average. The working hours are flexible.

Further questions for the position
Any questions about the position may be directed to Tijs Slaats (slaats@di.ku.dk or tijs-ku-jobs@protonmail.com). Please note that because of the Christmas vacation period, questions sent after 18 December may not be answered in time for the application deadline.

Your application
If you find the job interesting, please send an electronic application with attachment via Jobportalen (click on the link "Apply Now" at the bottom of the post) no later than 4 January 2026.

Interviews are expected to take place in the middle of January. The final decision is expected to be made in the end of January.

The University of Copenhagen seeks to reflect society and encourages applications irrespective of personal background.