Job location: Worcester

Employment Type: Full-time
Posted data: 2021-02-02
Req: R0001211
JOB TITLE

Teaching Professor

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Data Science

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Looking for faculty colleagues who engage deeply in both research and teaching within a curriculum that embraces student projects and independent learning? Consider joining WPI where we seek faculty that can contribute to a diverse and inclusive community.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Data Science program, an interdisciplinary program that includes faculty in Computer Science, Mathematical Sciences, the Robert A. Foisie School of Business, and other units, is actively seeking applicants for one or more full-time (and part-time) teaching professor positions for the fall of 2021 to strengthen this strategic area.

The department is interested in applicants with teaching and project advising expertise in all areas of Data Science at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Both online and in-person teaching is likely. Project advising from junior-year projects involving the interaction of society and technology, senior-year projects in the major, and graduate student projects make the WPI Data Science Program a rewarding environment. The position may also include some administrative work for our program. Appointments may be for multiple years and are renewable.

Candidates should preferably have a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mathematical Sciences, Statistics, or a closely related field, and the potential for excellence in teaching and research. Depending on background, appointments may be as a Teaching Professor or Instructor. Applicants with professional experience are also encouraged to apply and may be appointed as a Professor of Practice.

The successful candidate will teach and advise projects at the undergraduate and graduate levels as well as be a contributing member of a collegial interdisciplinary program with 16 full-time faculty members working on interdisciplinary data science research related to real-world grand challenge problems with societal impact. Areas of interest in Data Science at WPI include machine learning, deep learning, large-scale data management, statistical learning, compressed sensing, big data analytics, signal processing, visualization, optimization, natural language processing, and artificial intelligence, with applications spanning broadly social computing, cyber-physical systems, digital health, social media, fake news, material sciences, cyber-security, chemical engineering, to urban computing. Industrial or research experience would be a plus so to expose students to real-world big data problems and case studies and to be versed in the best practices in industry and other organizations.

The Data Science program has undergone major growth since its inception in 2014 supported by a cluster hire of eight full-time faculty in Data Science and closely related disciplines. The signature Data Science program offers on-campus degree programs at all levels, including BS, MS, and one of the first interdisciplinary Ph.D. degrees in Data Science in the nation. Since, 2018, a fully online professional MS degree in Data Science is also available. Construction is underway of a new state-of-the-art building, which will be the home of Data Science and other interdisciplinary programs. Occupancy in the new building is expected in spring 2022.

WPI's reputation as a rigorous and innovative university rests on the shoulders of its faculty. A highly selective, private technological university and one of the nation's first, WPI believes that when great minds work together, great advances follow. At WPI the boundaries to multidisciplinary collaboration are low. Faculty members, students, and other partners work together on the real-world projects and purposeful research that are hallmarks of the WPI experience. We are most proud of a recent No. 1 ranking for "faculty who best combine research and teaching." (Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Ed, 2016). Located one hour west of Boston, the university's campus is in Worcester, Massachusetts, a thriving 21-st century college city recognized as a growing hub of scientific and technological innovation. The UMass Medical Center, a large number of technology companies, and many colleges and universities are located in the immediate area making it ideal for two-career families.

Questions about the hiring process should be sent to gr-ds-recruiting@wpi.edu.

Candidates should include a teaching statement with project advising experience, curriculum vitae and contact information for at least three references.

Review of applications will begin effective immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We are seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity and collaboration, inclusion, problem solving and change making.