Assistant Professor - Data Science

Inside Higher Ed; Valdosta (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Valdosta, Georgia, is seeking an Assistant Professor in Data Science. This tenure-track position involves teaching undergraduate courses, contributing to curriculum development, and conducting research. Candidates should hold a terminal degree in a related field and demonstrate strong teaching and research skills. The selected individual will join a collaborative faculty environment and will be expected to maintain scholarly productivity. This role offers a supportive academic community focused on excellence.

Qualifications

• Must have a terminal degree in data science or a related field.
• Significant background in Data Science and related fields required.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and research.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in Data Science and related fields.
• Design and develop new undergraduate courses.
• Conduct an active research agenda resulting in peer-reviewed publications.
• Provide service to the department, college, university, and regional business community.

Skills

Data Science

Physics

Atmospheric Physics

Teaching Excellence

Research Productivity

Education

Terminal degree in Data Science, Physics, or related field

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Professor – Data Science

Location: Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA

Employment Type: Regular, Full‑Time

Job ID: 290197

About Us

Valdosta State University (VSU) is a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia. It is a welcoming, aware, and vibrant community founded on and dedicated to serving our communities' rich and diverse heritages. Through excellence in teaching, basic and applied research, and service, VSU provides rigorous programs and opportunities that enrich our students, our university, and our region. The VSU mission includes a student mission, university mission, and regional mission. The university is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity, and citizenship. As members of this community and proud Blazers, we strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University, as stated in the Blazer Creed and reflected in our commitment to the University System of Georgia's Core Values.

Blazer Creed

Valdosta State University is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The university is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity, and citizenship. As members of this community, and proud Blazers, we will strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University.

Job Summary

Based on the recent Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (H-1B), VSU will not be sponsoring any new H-1B visa petitions until further notice. The Department of Data Science seeks applicants for a tenure‑track faculty position beginning August 1, 2026. The selected candidate will be responsible for teaching courses in Data Science, Physics, Atmospheric Physics, and related fields, maintaining scholarly productivity, and participating in service at the department, college, and university levels.

The Department of Data Science consists of 14 full‑time faculty, including 9 tenured members, in a range of research areas such as applied mathematics, statistics, data science, astronomy, and physics. It offers a BS in Data Science with concentrations in Business Analytics, Supply Chain & Logistics, Computational Science & Engineering, and is developing additional concentrations. Faculty routinely mentor undergraduate research and are encouraged to collaborate across the campus.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will teach a 4/4 course load during the academic year, contribute to the design and development of new undergraduate physics and atmospheric physics courses supporting Data Science concentrations, conduct an active research agenda that results in peer‑reviewed publications, and provide service to the department, college, university, and regional business community.

Typical Allocation of Duties

Teaching and Scholarship – 80%
Teaching classes and conducting or presenting research in the employee’s discipline.

Service – 20%
Participation in departmental, college, and university service.

Required Qualifications

• Terminal degree at the time of appointment in data science, physics, atmospheric physics, or a related applied field.
• Significant background in Data Science and related fields.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, as well as scholarship.

Preferred Qualifications

• A record of effective teaching appropriate to the applicant's career stage.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative setting.
• A record of mentoring students.

Proposed Salary

Commensurate with experience.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia’s core values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do, and each member of the community is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards.

Application Materials

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Cover Letter.
• Statement of teaching philosophy.
• Statement of current and future research.
• Unofficial transcripts.
• List of three professional references including phone number and email address.

Conditions of Employment

• Professional references with current contact information.
• Documentation of academic credentials.
• Employment history.

Employment Is Contingent Upon

• Successful completion of a background check investigation, including a criminal background check.
• Reference checks.

Additional Employment Conditions

• Satisfactory credit check.
• Successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report.
• Pre‑employment drug testing.
• Confirmation of credentials.

Training Requirements

• New employee orientation.
• VSU’s Annual Compliance Training, including USG Ethics Policy; Conflict of Interest/Outside Activities Policy; Drug Free Workplace; Sexual Misconduct and Title IX; Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA); Motor Vehicle Policy; Workers Compensation (new hires); Georgia Open Records Act (new hires).
• USG Cybersecurity Training (required twice yearly).
• Job‑specific training such as FMLA and Worker's Compensation, Budget Manager training, Purchasing Training (ePro & PCard), and Defensive Driving.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. Discrimination is not tolerated on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.

Background Check

Standard background check procedures will be conducted.

Accommodations

If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings, apply for a job on this site, or participate in the search process as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact Catherine Wills in the Office of Human Resources at [e-mail].