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Position Summary:

The School of Computing and Information Sciences (SCIS) at Willamette University is seeking a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Data Science to join our faculty beginning in August 2024.

A Ph.D. in Statistics, Economics, Computer Science, Information Science, Data Science, or closely related field is required. Candidates with a Ph.D. in the natural or social sciences with strong quantitative skills will also be considered.

The successful candidate will teach core areas across all SCIS degree programs, with an emphasis in Data Science. Applicants should be comfortable teaching the Introduction to Data Science series, which covers topics such as the foundations of data ethics, data visualization, data science workflow, exploratory data analysis, descriptive statistics, and statistical inference. Other desired traits include the ability to teach statistical modeling, linear algebra, probability course(s), and other electives in support of the soon-to-be launched undergraduate statistics program. A research focus in spatial statistics, time series analysis, Bayesian statistics, sports analytics, economics, or biostatistics is a plus.

Full time faculty teach a 3-2 load and we prefer individuals who can leverage their research agenda to facilitate collaboration and bring innovative pedagogical methods into undergraduate and graduate teaching. In addition to teaching and research, a strong commitment to service is also required.

Willamette University has two campuses in Salem, Oregon and Portland, Oregon, and serves approximately 2,000 undergraduates and 800 graduate students. Willamette University is fast becoming the leading provider of computing and data science education among private universities in the Pacific Northwest. In particular, Willamette’s recent merger with the Pacific Northwest College of Art offers unique opportunities to explore the intersection of data and design. Our graduate program in data science is the only one of its kind in the region, and our undergraduate programs in computer science and data science are some of the fastest growing degrees at the university. Candidates may be required to teach on both campuses.

SCIS currently has eight full-time faculty members and serves three primary programs of study - the undergraduate major in Computer Science, the undergraduate major in Data Science, and the Masters in Data Science. By Fall 2024, we will additionally launch a professional Masters in Computer Science. SCIS currently serves approximately 150 undergraduate majors and 50 students in its professional degree program.

Candidates will need to upload the following documents separately as part of your online application in the “Resume/CV” section:

• A cover letter describing your qualifications, interest in this position, and vision for engaging students in the classroom and beyond

• A complete curriculum vitae

• A research statement

• A teaching statement or portfolio

• A statement (500 word maximum) describing ways you can contribute to the university’s mission of promoting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus, both in and out of the classroom

• The names and contact information for three professional references.

Additional materials may be requested after initial stages of this search.

Questions should be directed to the chair of the search committee, Dean Jameson Watts (jwatts@willamette.edu). For a quick response, please type “SCIS Position” in the email subject line.

Review of applications will begin October 1, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

All University positions require that candidates submit to a criminal conviction record check prior to hire. Conviction does not automatically preclude candidates from being hired. Nature of conviction will be considered relative to the duties of the position.

About Willamette

Willamette is a small, selective private university committed to providing students with a well-rounded liberal arts education. Willamette believes that a diverse, inclusive community is essential to achieving academic excellence. Accordingly, we seek candidates who not only have the potential to become outstanding teachers and scholars, but whose work also furthers equity and inclusion, and who will bring to campus varied experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. Willamette University enrolls a substantial number of low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students of color. Over the past two years, 24% of our students were first-generation, 24% were Pell-eligible; and 33% identified as African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, or of two or more ethnic backgrounds.