Assistant Professor - Statistics (AI & Drug Discovery)

University of South Florida; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Florida in Tampa invites applications for a 9-month, full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor in Statistics/Data Science, focusing on AI methodologies for biomedical applications such as AI-enabled drug discovery. Start date August 7, 2027. Salary negotiable.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, build a vigorous, externally funded research program, and contribute to service and diversity initiatives.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree from an accredited institution in Statistics, Biostatistics, Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics, or other disciplines with strong background in theoretical statistics.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Statistics.
• Maintain a vigorous research program and seek external funding.
• Develop a record of service.

Education

Doctoral degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics or related field

Job description

Job Description

The Department of Mathematics & Statistics at the University of South Florida seeks to fill a 9-month, full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Statistics/Data Science on our Tampa campus with research interests in statistical methodology for Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovations on biomedical or pharmaceutical applications such as AI-enabled Drug Discovery and Development, starting August 7, 2027. Salary is negotiable.

Responsibilities

Applicants must demonstrate evidence of, or potential for, excellence both in research and teaching; previous teaching experience is preferred. The candidate hired to this position will be expected to teach effectively at both undergraduate and graduate levels in Statistics, to maintain a vigorous research program, to seek external research funding, and to develop a satisfactory record of service.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Doctoral degree from an accredited institution in Statistics, Biostatistics, Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics or other disciplines with strong background in theoretical statistics, with a demonstrated record of achievement in academic research, teaching, and service. Doctoral degree must be conferred by August 1, 2027. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Assistant Professor.

Preferred Qualifications

Doctoral degree from an accredited institution in Statistics, Biostatistics, Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics or other disciplines with strong background in theoretical statistics. Preference will be given to candidates who have strong theoretical foundation in Statistics and research experience in AI for drug discovery, evidenced by a strong record of research with publications in statistical or related journals. Interdisciplinary collaborative experience is strongly valued.

Conclusion

Conclusion of this search is subject to final budget approval. According to Florida Law, applications and meetings regarding them are open to the public. USF is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Institution. For disability accommodations, contact Denise L. Marks at (813-974-9747/[e-mail]), a minimum of five working days in advance.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF’s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.