Assistant/Associate Professor - Center for Applied Data Science & Analytics (Interdisciplinary Hire)

Howard University

Center for Applied Data Science and Analytics (CASDA)

Assistant/Associate Professor in the

Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, Environmental Studies or Technology

The Graduate School and College of Arts and Sciences invites applications for a transdisciplinary cluster hire that will focus on the four broad areas of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, Environmental Studies and Technology. Two applicants will be selected based on their demonstrated experience in online and in-person teaching and in their ability to engage in collaborative, cross-disciplinary work on important social justice issues related to race and technology. Top candidates will have a demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses; a demonstrated commitment to organizing successful public facing programming; a demonstrated interest in seeking funding that promotes the use of data science to effect meaningful, positive change; and an interest in supporting the mission of the Center for Applied Data Science and Analytics (CASDA). Howard is a metropolitan-based university that offers opportunities for community- and policy-engaged research opportunities.

Successful candidates are expected to develop vigorous, extramurally funded research programs in their areas of expertise, actively participate in teaching and curriculum development at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.  Evidence of interest and success in mentoring underrepresented students is highly desired.

Howard University, a culturally diverse, comprehensive, research intensive and historically Black private university, provides an educational experience of exceptional quality at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels to students of high academic standing and potential, with particular emphasis upon educational opportunities for Black students. Howard University is currently classified as an R2 research university with aspirations and actions underway to achieve R1 status in the next Carnegie classification cycle. It is a residential campus of approximately 13,000 students located in the heart of the nation’s capital, Washington, DC.

HUMANITIES, ARTS, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (HASS) & TECHNOLOGY

An appointment for this hire is proposed at the rank of Assistant Professor. Applicants must hold a doctorate in a humanities, arts, or social sciences field of study (including interdisciplinary studies) from an accredited institution. Desirable areas of research interests include, but are not limited to, issues related to surveillance, algorithmic accountability, machine and AI bias, tech equity, critical information studies, critical data studies, digital access, privacy and data governance, racial justice, digital humanities and big data.

RACE & DATA SCIENCE

An appointment for this hire is proposed at the rank Assistant Professor with at least two years of experience conducting research and publishing on race and technology in the areas of AI, machine learning, data bias, coding, data management, socio-technical systems, such as platforms and information systems, algorithms, programming or software practices, surveillance systems, methods and technologies that enable and/or reduce bias, inequity and harm. Applicants must hold a doctorate in Data Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Statistics, Math or a closely related field. Since the field is relatively new, applicants might also hold a PhD in a non-science field but have required expertise in the following: Data Science with Python, R, and data visualization with Tableau, Grafana, Chartist.js, or any related software.

POLICY, LAW & TECHNOLOGY

An appointment for this hire is proposed at the rank Assistant/Associate Professor with at least three years of experience conducting research and publishing in race and technology theories and concepts related to ethics, equity, and justice in information, privacy, surveillance, transparency, content moderation, platform power, trust, misinformation, public health, and/or human rights. Applicants must hold a doctorate in a field relevant to the areas of focus cited above or a juris doctorate that is complemented by teaching and research related to the areas. We are especially interested in candidates whose work transgresses disciplinary boundaries to enact social justice policies in communication or public health/health equity fields.

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND GEOSPATIAL ANALYST

An appointment for this hire is proposed at the rank Assistant/Associate Professor with at least three years of experience conducting research in, but not limited to, issues related to surveillance, algorithmic accountability, machine and AI bias, tech equity, critical information studies, digital humanities, and big data. Required expertise for the successful candidate includes: Data Science with Python and R, Arch GIS, Google Maps and Earth Pro, Google Charts, Tableau, Grafana, Chartist.js, and any other mapping and data visualization software. Applicants must hold a doctorate in a social sciences or humanities field relevant to environmental justice and/or geospatial sciences. We are especially interested in candidates whose work transgresses disciplinary boundaries to enact social justice policies.

Complete applications consist of a single PDF file containing the following:

1) Cover letter, considering the expectations listed above;

2) Current curriculum vita;

3) Two-page statement of research accomplishments, interests and future plans;

4) One-page statement of teaching experience and philosophy; and

5) Names and contact information for at least three references who will provide letters upon request from the search committee.

Completed applications should be addressed to the chair of the search committee submitted electronically to datascience@howard.edu with the email subject header “HUDS Race & Tech Cluster Hire.” Screening will begin immediately and end on January 27. The desired starting date is August 1, 2023.

Howard University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, religion, disability or protected veterans' status. Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities or veterans' status, Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX should be directed to the Office of Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-806-1280.