Description

The Department of Government (GOV) and the Program in Statistical & Data Sciences (SDS) at Smith College invite applications for a joint, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor, to begin July 1, 2020. By time of appointment the applicant must have a Ph.D. in Political Science or a closely-related discipline (e.g., public policy) -- as well as advanced training in statistics, data science, or a closely-related field at the graduate level. Candidates specializing in American political institutions and public policy are preferred. Statistical and Data Science specializations might include, for example, the public policy implications of data storage and mining, machine learning and public health, modeling of voting behavior, surveillance and data privacy policy, or computer algorithms for law enforcement and sentencing.

The position has a teaching load of 2:2 -- i.e., four semester-long courses over the academic year -- and will have a joint teaching commitment to GOV and SDS, split evenly. In GOV, we anticipate that the person would teach introduction to public policy, introduction to American Government, and upper-level courses related to their area of expertise in which students analyze data. In SDS, the person would teach introductory statistics or data science, as well as intermediate and advanced-level courses in their area of interest, for example multiple regression, machine learning, data journalism, data visualization, data ethics, or text mining. Candidates from groups underrepresented in STEM or quantitative political science are encouraged to apply.

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is the largest women's college in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. The faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes. Tenure-track faculty members teach two courses each semester, mentor and advise undergraduates, and enjoy a generous sabbatical policy. Smith College offers opportunities to foster faculty success at every career stage, such as those listed here: https://www.smith.edu/about-smith/provost/faculty-development. The Five College Consortium -- comprising Smith, Amherst, Mount Holyoke and Hampshire Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst -- provides a rich intellectual and cultural life. Details about GOV and SDS may be found at https://www.smith.edu/gov/ and https://www.smith.edu/sds/.

Diversity and a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff, faculty, and administration are crucial to the mission and values of Smith College. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by all applicable laws and regulations. Women, historically underrepresented minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions

Submit application with a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests, a statement of teaching philosophy, an article- or chapter-length writing sample, and three confidential letters of recommendation. The research and teaching statements should address the candidate’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as their interest in working at a women’s college. Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2019.