University of South Florida
School of Information
Assistant Professor

Open Until Filled

 

The University of South Florida, School of Information is inviting applications to join our faculty in the area of data science. This position is at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure track), and we encourage recent PhDs and ABDs with a strong expectation of completing the dissertation by Aug, 2016 to apply. The successful candidate will join our faculty in a highly collegial environment that promotes collaboration amongst our school faculty and other members of the university community.

We seek colleagues who can deepen and extend our emerging strengths in data science and analytics. We see this as comprising a broad domain of skills in the areas of: computational social science; data mining; visualization; analytic approaches such as NLP, IR, machine learning and predictive analytics; tools and socio-technical process development for scientific and communities collaboration, data access and data retrieval; and other possible areas emphasizing analysis and representation of large scale data. Competitive applicants will demonstrate how their research interests both connect to and extend current faculty interests and program objectives. The ability to obtain research grants and other external funding will be considered a competitive advantage in our evaluations, as will evidence of teaching experience and a commitment to teaching excellence. A publishing record of impactful scholarship is expected.

The University of South Florida is a high-impact, global research university dedicated to student success, with over 240 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, specialty, and doctoral levels. USF is a Top 50 research university among both public and private institutions nationwide in total research expenditures, according to the National Science Foundation. Serving nearly 48,000 students, the USF System has an annual budget of $1.5 billion and an annual economic impact of $4.4 billion. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference.

The USF School of Information (SI) is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, which consists of 23 academic departments and a number of centers and institutes that are highly collaborative and interdisciplinary in nature. SI enjoys a strong tradition of educating information professionals in a variety of settings. Three degree programs are currently offered in the School: a M.A. in Library and Information Science, which has been continually accredited by the American Library Association since 1974; a new STEM-based MS in Intelligence Studies, which offers concentrations in Cyber Intelligence and Strategic Intelligence; and a B.S. in Information Studies that integrates a strong foundation in information science with information technology to emphasize how people interact with information and technology.

The following are the required and preferred qualifications of potential candidates:
Required:
• A Ph.D. in information science, data science, or a related discipline; or evidence of completion of the Ph.D. by August 2016.
• Evidence of expertise in applying data science and data analytics methods.

Preferred:
• Evidence of ability to contribute to service of the School and/or profession.
• A record of research in data science, including presentations, publications, and similar forms of scholarly engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to make use of innovative distance learning technologies to support their teaching.
• Ability to advise undergraduate and graduate students, and participate in shared governance.
• Evidence of ability to secure extramural research funding.

Review will begin immediately, with preference for applicants submitting by December 18, 2015. The review process will continue until the position is filled. Appointment is expected for Aug. 2016 (Fall 2016 semester). Applicants who wish to apply for this position should go to: http://www.usf.edu/administrative-services/human-resources/careers/browse-apply-for-job-openings.aspx and follow the links and instructions for applying for the faculty line (job # 9026). When applying, required elements include a cover letter, CV, and a list of the names and contact information for three references. Optional material may be included with a URL for online portfolio materials. Additional questions about this position should be directed to the search committee chair Dr. Steven Walczak, [email protected].

Conclusion of this search is subject to final budget approval. USF is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer, and is committed to diversity in hiring, complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and is a Public Records Agency. According to Florida Law, applications and meetings regarding them are open to the public. For ADA accommodations, please contact Dr. Walczak or Dina Castellon (813-974-3522) at least five working days prior to need.