A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

In 2022, UNC Chapel Hill launched the School of Data Science and Society (SDSS), a new school devoted to data science teaching, research, scholarship, service, and creativity. The SDSS vision is to be a leader in shaping the field of data science through an interdisciplinary and rigorous grounding in theory and methods with a human centric approach to the entire data life cycle.

The mission of SDSS is to empower a diverse community of faculty conducting research in the fundamentals and/or the applications of data science. The school is training undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to be the next generation of data science leaders with the knowledge and skills to thrive in this data-driven world. The SDSS will serve the state, the nation, and the world through premier data science educational programs and innovative research directed to advancing the public good with human-centric and ethical applications.

The core elements of the SDSS include porous borders – leveraging our low-walled collaborative Carolina culture to solve major societal problems. Interdisciplinary research clusters that cross disciplines and school boundaries are a vital element of the school. The SDSS is focused on students and education – the emphasis is not just on data science majors but on all students becoming data literate. The school’s culture includes an open and transparent structure, governance, and business model.

The School of Data Science and Society (SDSS) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a Teaching Assistant Professor position to support its growing academic programs. We seek candidates with a doctoral degree in data science or a related field and a strong commitment to excellence in pedagogy for data science.

Given the interdisciplinary nature of the school and the broad interpretations of data science, we encourage applications from any substantive area that contributes to the mission, vision and values of SDSS. Candidates should also explain their methodologic expertise as it pertains to the domains of data science. (Please complete the supplemental questions as part of your application)

Applicants having prior experience teaching college-level introductory classes on foundations of data science are especially encouraged to apply. In addition to teaching, successful applicants will demonstrate the ability to advise and mentor the school’s growing undergraduate population.

This position will be expected to dedicate 70-80% of time to teaching data science courses, 0-10% on pedagogical research, and 20% of the effort in service to the School. This position will be encouraged to participate in prioritized research activities on pedagogical techniques and technologies, data science academic trends and topics, and contribute to the school’s efforts to expand its data science course offerings, including a new AI minor which is in development for launch in Fall 2026.

This position will be a 9-month appointment with the opportunity to teach in summer based on needs in the undergraduate program. The instructional load for this position will be 3 courses per semester for 6 courses taught each academic year. This is a permanent fixed-term position. The position will have an initial appointment of 3 years with the possibility of reappointment and a pathway for advancement in rank. The courses taught by the candidate may include a mix of introductory and advanced ones with a priority to cover the introductory level courses. Advanced courses will be selected from a range of thematic areas that match the faculty’s expertise. Teaching assistants will provide support to large-format courses through homework grading and tutorial sessions. Sample courses include DATA110: Introduction to Data Science, DATA 117: AI Unlocked for Curious Minds, DATA120: Ethics of AI and Societal Decision Making, DATA130: Critical Data Literacy, DATA 140: Introduction to Data Structures and Management, and DATA150: Communication for Data Scientists. Interest in the aforementioned data science courses is rapidly growing with engagement of students in a variety of disciplines including data science, business, economics, among others.

More information about the BS in Data Science curriculum can be found on our website. Additionally, we are also seeking faculty for capstone courses for master’s students in data science. This involves working with partners across campus, in industry, and in the community to source and manage projects for the capstone course. (See supplemental questions).

Ph.D. and previous teaching experience at an undergraduate and/or graduate level in Data Science or a related field.

- Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated teaching excellence at the university level and technical skills to support multiple courses offered by SDSS.
- Experience in curriculum design and pedagogical research is a plus.
- Experience guiding students in data science projects is a plus.
- Teaching and/or relevant research/industry experience.
- Experience as the instructor of record.
- Experience with students’ academic mentoring.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse campus communities.

N/A

All faculty candidates must apply online and submit a cover letter and resume. The “other document” in the list of required documents to be submitted is a teaching statement and a research statement, combined in one document. Please enter contact information for at least three reference letter writers where indicated and they will receive an email with instructions for submitting letters of recommendation.

Consideration of applications will begin on October 1, 2025, and we will continue accepting applications until the position closes on January 9, 2026.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.

Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status. 

If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.