Open Rank Professor of Data Science, Tenured or Tenure-Track

The University of Virginia's School of Data Science seeks multiple Open Rank Professors (tenured/tenure-track) to enhance research and educational programs in data science. Candidates should hold a PhD and demonstrate expertise in areas like machine learning, data ethics, and health data science. The role involves developing research programs, teaching, and mentoring students. The position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and requires a commitment to the University's mission.
The School of Data Science at the University of Virginia (UVA) is assembling a diverse and world-class faculty with broad expertise in data science to foster and advance our research agenda and educational programs. We are searching to fill multiple open rank tenured or tenure-track professorships in data science. At the School of Data Science, tenured and tenure-track faculty develop internationally recognized research programs, successfully compete for external research funding, instruct classes (in-person and online), and advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students. We seek candidates with an innovative spirit who have strong skills in data science research, pedagogy, and advising. Faculty will have the unique opportunity to shape the culture and direction of both a new discipline and a new school. Our curriculum is organized around the data science domains (listed below), and ideal applicants can teach in one or more of these domains.
• Data Systems (e.g., high-performance computing, continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) of data science tools, cloud architectures, federated learning, data sharing)
• Data Design (e.g., visualization, human-computer interaction, communication)
• Data Ethics, Critical Data Studies & Policy (e.g., representativeness, privacy, ethics of algorithmic construction, interpretability)
• Machine Learning and Analytics (e.g., predictive modeling, algorithm development, statistical methods, graph theory)

The school is open to all areas of research and scholarship in data science. Presently, the school is especially looking to grow in the following areas.
• Generative AI, large language models, and trustworthy AI
• Health data science (e.g., neuroscience, biomedicine, and genetics/genomics)
• Data security and democracy (e.g., ethics, social justice, and the impact of data on society)
• Sports Data Science and human development (e.g., human movement, computer vision, and analytics)
• Data science in education (e.g., AI in the classroom, data-driven educational strategies, data-centric teaching methods)

When applying, candidates should detail their research expertise and interests, their instructional experience, preferred teaching domain, and other scholarly interests.

Qualifications

Candidates must have earned, or be on track to earn, a PhD in Data Science or a related field (e.g., STEM, social science, or humanities degree with a data science focus) by August 2025 or appointment start date. Candidates with backgrounds and experiences that are underrepresented in data science are especially encouraged to apply. A commitment to advancing the University's mission is essential for all candidates (https://provost.virginia.edu/faculty-handbook/mission-statement-university-virginia).

Candidates for senior ranks (associate and full with tenure) must have a demonstrated record of excellence in research, teaching, and advising, in data science and/or closely related fields, and must have established a national/international reputation for contribution to the field in methodology, application, and impact. Candidates for assistant rank (tenure-track) must demonstrate the potential for excellence in methodological development and scientific impact in data science or a related field and have prior experience in educational-related activities. Rank will be commensurate with academic and industry experience. Appointments are available on 9-month contracts.

Application Instructions

Complete an application online and attach:
• A current Curriculum Vitae or Resume.
• A Cover Letter that addresses your experience and qualifications for this position and your interest in data science.
• A teaching statement that describes your teaching and mentoring experiences, and how they align with the UVA’s mission statement(https://provost.virginia.edu/faculty-handbook/mission-statement-university-virginia). This statement should focus on your past or planned educational activities and how you see data science education evolving over the next decade (1-3 pages).
• A research statement that describes your past research endeavors and contributions, as well as your future research goals (1-3 pages).
• If available, reviews & course evaluations from up to 3 educational courses, seminars, and/or short courses.

Review of applicants will begin on or around November 22, 2024 and the positions will remain open until filled. For questions about the application process, please contact Jennifer Kirkham, Manager for Faculty Affairs at the School of Data Science, at sdsfacultyaffairs@virginia.edu. The selected candidate will be required to complete a background check at time of offer per University Policy.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

The University of Virginia offers confidential Dual Career Services to partners of incoming faculty candidates. To learn more, please visit dualcareer.virginia.edu