Assistant Professor In Process Mining of Variable Processes

Introduction

Are you fascinated by understanding how complex, highly variable processes behave in the real world? Are you eager to develop new methods that push the boundaries of process mining research?

Process mining research focuses on analyzing abstract objects—often referred to as cases—as they move through a system. These objects generate events, which typically serve as the primary carriers of data. The Process Analytics Group is seeking an Assistant Professor who is passionate about advancing the state of the art in process mining, with a particular emphasis on highly variable processes.

Your research may involve topics such as anomaly detection during process execution (e.g., identifying concept drift), simulation of highly variable processes, optimization of variable workflows, and many related challenges.

Job Description

In the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, the Process Analytics group distinguishes itself by its fundamental, evidence-based focus on modelling, understanding, analyzing, and improving processes. Essentially, every time two or more activities are performed to reach a certain goal, fundamental principles of processes apply. Processes take place on the level of individual actors, groups of actors, entire organizations, and networks of organizations. Models of processes help in understanding these processes and by analyzing data showing what happened, when, in which context as recorded by various systems, we aim to get insights into these processes and we develop the tools and techniques to obtain these insights. In this context, it is inevitable that you will encounter data from human actors and as such, questions arise on how to deal with this data in a responsible manner. We are therefore looking to strengthen our team in this direction.

The process analytics group is a social group which consists of professors, lecturers, support staff and several PhD students and postdocs. The group is chaired by prof.dr.ir. Boudewijn van Dongen and dr. Dirk Fahland and it is well-known for its work in process mining, the study of data originating from processes.

Research

In processes, objects cannot modify themselves, e.g. an insurance claim cannot make decisions by itself. Instead, humans make decisions in processes. In highly variable processes, these decisions are typically made with high levels or autonomy for the human, e.g. a student can decide which courses to take in which order, a customer can decide which products to buy in a visit to the store and a delivery van driver can decide which route to take between deliveries.

While autonomy in human decision making leads to high variability in processes, an organization needs to optimize their business for these processes, e.g. a school needs to offer a curriculum that is studyable, a store needs to offer products they think the customer wants and the delivery company needs to offer the best route given current traffic conditions. This is where process mining on variable processes comes in, allowing researchers to study behavior, outcomes, and changes of variable processes over time.

As our new team member, you should look forward to actively contributing to the research and education in the group with a specific focus on process mining in highly variable processes. You are expected to develop theoretically-grounded results which have clear practical implications and you are expected to raise enthusiasm for the research field under groups of students from Bachelor to PhD level.

We expect candidates to contribute to the methodologies used and developed within the group and to take up a proactive role in strengthening the relations with (inter)national partners, for example through the research institute on AI research EAISI.

Education

Together the diverse team is responsible for several courses at both Bachelor and Master level as well as for the coordination of several Master programs in Data Science. Furthermore, the group leads both educational innovations such as challenge-based learning as well as academic innovations in the process mining field.

We are looking for a researcher who is driven by fundamental questions that emerge from real‑world challenges. You are motivated to see your ideas make a tangible impact, and your curiosity extends beyond publishing the next paper toward contributing to today’s broader societal issues.

We are also looking for a lecturer who enjoys teaching at both Bachelor and Master level — from engaging larger groups in plenary sessions to guiding individual students or small project teams. In this role, you will serve as a role model for PhD candidates within the group.

Job Requirements

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in process mining research, or a comparable domain and preferably post doc experience.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• You have experience with process modelling—using, for example, Petri nets or BPMN—and possess a solid understanding of fundamental concepts in process analytics. Because the role involves supervising students in external graduation projects, you also have a genuine interest in societal challenges related to these processes.
• Motivated to teach, contribute to teaching processes, and to develop excellent teaching skills.
• Strong cooperation skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Effective communication and leadership skills, including coaching and mentoring of students and staff, leading a project or chairing a group.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 11 (min. € 4728 - € 6433). 
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• A dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.
• A Development Track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor. If you have a more senior profile, a tailor-made career proposal will be considered.
• High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and partner career support.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager Boudewijn van Dongen, [email protected].

Visit our website for more information about the application process. Annette van Kamp-Rustenburg, Senior Recruiter, [email protected].

Curious to hear more about what it is like as a professor at TU/e? Please watch the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• Description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages).
• Statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages).

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application and will review all submissions only after the vacancy has closed.

Please note 

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.