Open Rank - Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid leave

Health, life, and retirement plans

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for an Open Rank Professor in Data Science and Society. The position, housed in the Division within SDIS, focuses on AI/ML, data science foundations, and societal applications across multiple disciplines.

This is a full-time, permanent faculty role with a start date of July 1, 2027. We seek researchers who will contribute to interdisciplinary teaching, supervision, and external funding, advancing data science research and its

Qualifications

• The applicants must have a Ph.D. and/or MD with expertise in artificial intelligence/machine learning, computational social sciences, data science, computer science, statistics, applied mathematics, or a related field that applies AI and data science techniques.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research in data science foundations, societal impact, and applications across medical, social, physical, biological, and environmental sciences.
• Teach, supervise, and mentor undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in data science and related fields.
• Collaborate across interdisciplinary teams to translate research into societal benefits and engage with external partners.

Skills

Artificial intelligence

Machine learning

Data science

Computational social sciences

Statistics

Applied mathematics

Education

PhD or MD

Job description

Posting InformationPosting Information
Department Data Sci and Society - 371210
Posting Open Date 09/08/2026
Application Deadline 11/16/2026
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Faculty
Working Title Open Rank - Assistant/Associate/Full Professor
Appointment Type Open Rank
Vacancy ID FAC0006078
Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Permanent
Hours per week 40
FTE 1
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range Commensurate with Education and Experience
Proposed Start Date 07/01/2027
Position InformationA global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC -Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.Primary Purpose Of Organizational UnitIn July 2026, UNC Chapel Hill launched the Division of Data Science and Society within the School of Data and Information Sciences ( SDIS ), a division devoted to data science teaching, research, scholarship, service, and creativity. DSS’s vision is to be a leader in shaping the field of data science through an interdisciplinary and rigorous grounding in theory and methods with a human centric approach to the entire data life cycle.The mission of DSS is to empower a diverse community of faculty conducting research in the fundamentals and/or the applications of data science. The Division is training undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to be the next generation of data science leaders with the knowledge and skills to thrive in this data-driven world. The Division will serve the state, the nation, and the world through premier data science educational programs and innovative research directed to advancing the public good with human centric and ethical applications.Position SummaryThe Division of Data Science and Society ( DSS ) at UNC -Chapel Hill’s School of Data and Information Sciences ( SDIS ) is excited to announce the fifth year of a strategic open-rank tenure-track faculty hiring initiative. This initiative aims to enhance research and innovation in the rapidly evolving field of data science. We are looking for strong contributors to the areas of data science foundations, the societal impact of data science, and applications in the medical, social, physical, biological, and environmental sciences. This initiative seeks to attract exceptional researchers working within or across the following DSS research pillars:

• Data: Techniques for collecting, storing, disseminating, and translating data into actionable insights.
• Algorithms and Models: Mathematical, computational and statistical tools that empower researchers and stakeholders to discover, create, analyze, present, synthesize, and utilize data.
• Applications: Innovative and effective uses of data and models to advance interdisciplinary knowledge and address pressing social issues.
• Social Impact: Examination of unintended consequences and ethical questions arising from using data to tackle society’s most pressing challenges.

UNC -Chapel Hill’s interdisciplinary approach to data science research will foster the development of innovative foundational research and applications across various fields. Through collaboration among faculty, students, and external partners, the Division of Data Science and Society in SDIS aims to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and community groups, translating research discoveries into tangible societal benefits. We invite you to join the DSS faculty and be part of this mission.Minimum Education And Experience RequirementsThe applicants must have a Ph.D. and/or MD with expertise in artificial intelligence/machine learning, computational social sciences, data science, computer science, statistics, applied mathematics, or a related field that applies AI and data science techniques.Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And ExperiencePreferred applicants will have a strong research record, evidence of interest in developing, teaching, and supervising courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and an aptitude in working collaboratively in interdisciplinary research. Research with a focus on data science and its applications in addressing societal challenges is preferred. Additionally, candidates must be able to engage with researchers, professionals, and stakeholders from diverse disciplines. A record of or the potential to secure external funding to support research projects is strongly preferred.Special Physical/Mental RequirementsCampus Security Authority ResponsibilitiesThis position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.
Department Contact InformationDepartment Contact Name and TitleLynn Farrar, HR Consultant
Department Contact Telephone or [e-mail]
Academic Personnel Office Contact InformationIf you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to [e-mail].
Equal Opportunity Employer StatementThe University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.