Assistant Professor - Data Science

UNCW; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Data Science, starting Fall 2027. The candidate will develop an active research program, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, and help expand the data science curriculum while engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations across the university.

The department seeks a dynamic scholar who can mentor students, contribute to diversity and excellence, and collaborate with

Qualifications

• PhD in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or a closely related field.
• ABD candidates will be considered; PhD must be conferred by August 1, 2027.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain an active research program in data science or a closely related area.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses supporting the department’s data science, mathematics, and statistics programs.
• Contribute to the continued development of the data science curriculum; mentor students and collaborate across disciplines.

Skills

Teaching experience

Postdoctoral experience

Collaboration potential

External funding potential

Education

PhD in Mathematics

Job description

College/Department Information

College College of Science and Engineering - 323 College

Dept/School

Dept/School Mathematics & Statistics - 32361

Vacancy Number

16F-833

Position Number

5512

Location of Workplace

Main UNCW Campus

Brief Summary of Work for this Position

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics (http://www.uncw.edu/math) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Data Science, starting Fall 2027. We seek a dynamic scholar whose teaching and research will support our growing data science programs while enriching the broader mathematical community.

Position Summary

The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain an active research program in data science or a closely related area, teach undergraduate and graduate courses supporting the department’s data science, mathematics, and statistics programs, and contribute to the continued development of the data science curriculum. Areas of particular interest include mathematical foundations of data science, optimization, machine learning, large language models, and artificial intelligence. The successful candidate will also contribute to student research and mentoring and participate in interdisciplinary collaborations across the university.

The department offers undergraduate programs in mathematics and statistics, and graduate programs in mathematics, statistics and data science. We are committed to supporting new faculty through mentorship, professional development, and a collaborative academic environment. We especially welcome candidates whose research, teaching, and service will contribute to the diversity, equity, and excellence of our academic community.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• A PhD in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or a closely related field is required in order to be eligible for employment in this position.
• Please note: ABD candidates will be considered; however, the PhD must be conferred by August 1, 2027, to be eligible for employment.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Postdoctoral experience
• Demonstrated interest in undergraduate and graduate research
• Potential to collaborate with existing faculty on research
• Teaching experience
• Potential to secure external funding

Required Certifications or Licensure

No Required Certifications or Licensure

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

The department offers undergraduate programs in mathematics, statistics and data science, a certificate in actuarial science and graduate programs in mathematics and data science, as well as a post-baccalaureate certificate in statistics. The department and university are committed to assisting new faculty to succeed through continual faculty development and mentorship. The department is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their teaching and service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

College/School Information

The College of Science and Engineering offers a variety of programs leading to Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, as well as Doctor of Philosophy degrees in applied coastal and ocean sciences; pharmaceutical chemistry; integrative, comparative, and marine biology; and psychology degrees.

The college also offers combined bachelor’s/master’s degree programs in information technology/computer science and information systems, computer science/computer science and information systems, and B.S. in mathematics/M.S. in mathematics. To implement its academic programs, the college provides instruction and research opportunities in the natural and behavioral sciences, information technology, data science, computer science, mathematics, pre-engineering, and engineering. The eight academic departments in the college provide courses of study in each of these areas, in addition to interdepartmental programs in information technology, cybersecurity, and digital arts. A 2+2 in engineering; and 3+2 programs in computer science and electrical or computer engineering; and physics and electrical engineering, are also offered in the college. Post-baccalaureate certificate programs in environmental studies, applied statistics, and geographic information science are also available.

CSE students work with distinguished faculty and scientists, use cutting edge technology, and conduct impactful research. Faculty-directed research projects empower CSE students to apply what they learn inside the classroom and laboratory to real-world situations and prepares them for a variety of careers or advanced study.

University Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.

A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-B SN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s only bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.

The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

EEO Statement

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Position Type

Permanent

Job Posting Date

11/06/2026

Job Close Date

01/04/2027