Open Rank - Assistant or Associate Professor

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for an open rank, 9-month tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in the Division of Information and Library Science (SDIS). The focus is on applying automated methods in libraries, archives, and museums, with emphasis on cultural heritage and memory institutions.

The role combines design craft with critical reflection. The successful candidate will advance understanding of automated methods grounded in cultural heritage

Qualifications

• PhD in information and library science or closely related field.
• Promising research record in applying automated/algorithmic methods to cultural heritage and memory institutions.
• Commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain an active research agenda applying automated methods in cultural heritage and memory institutions.
• Teach courses on ethical design and implementation of automated systems across undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students on applied research and interdisciplinary projects.
• Publish scholarly work or develop tools with wide adoption in the field.
• Seek external funding to support innovative research.
• Engage in service activities within the division, school, and wider academic community.

Skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Teaching and mentoring

Automated methods in cultural heritage

Ethical design principles

Research publication

Data science knowledge

Education

PhD in information and library science

PhD in data science

Job description

Position Information

A 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 Unit

The School of Data and Information Sciences (SDIS) was founded in 2026 by joining the School of Information and Library Science (1931) and the School of Data Science and Society (2022). SDIS brings together longstanding excellence in information and library science with leadership in data science, including computational and statistical methods and societal applications.

Home to a top ranked library and information science program, SDIS is recognized for strong teaching, research and service and is the home to the Carolina Health Informatics Program (CHIP) and the Center for Information, Technology and Public Life (CITAP). The school teaches and trains undergraduate and graduate students in information science and library science, data science, and health informatics, as well as offering certificates for adult learners.

SDIS conducts research and scholarship across the data and information life cycle, with an emphasis on human‑centric, ethical and applied approaches. Committed to data, information and AI literacy for all Tar Heels, SDIS faculty are tackling our communities' most pressing needs and our world's most intractable challenges.

Position Summary

The Division of Information and Library Science (DILS) in UNC-Chapel Hill's School of Data and Information Sciences (SDIS) invites applications for an open rank 9 month tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor position focused on the application of automated methods in cultural heritage and memory institutions broadly understood: libraries, archives, or museums, but also centers for data curation, research data management, or digital humanities. We seek a scholar-practitioner who can combine the craft work of design with the reflexive work of critique.

The successful candidate's research will advance the understanding and use of automated methods while being deeply grounded in an understanding of cultural heritage and memory institutions and their values.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain an active research agenda focused on the critical technical application of automated methods in cultural heritage and memory institutions, including but not limited to topics such as: designing benchmarks that reflect the missions and values of these institutions, investigating the use of open and ethically trained generative models, modeling data for both human and automated use, or grounding agentic workflows in trusted metadata infrastructures.
• Teach courses on topics related to the ethical design and implementation of automated systems, contributing to the core curricular requirements of both undergraduate and graduate degree programs at DILS. These would include technical courses as well as courses that critically examine the relations between automated methods and cultural heritage and memory institutions.
• Mentor and advise graduate and undergraduate students, guiding them in applied research and interdisciplinary projects.
• Publish scholarly publications in high-quality, peer-reviewed venues and/or produce tools that prove their worth through wide adoption.
• Seek external funding to support innovative research.
• Engage in service activities within the division, the school, and the broader academic community.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• A PhD (or equivalent degree) in information and library science, data science, computer science, or a closely related discipline.
• A promising record of research productivity in the application of automated and algorithmic methods in cultural heritage and memory institutions, as demonstrated by publications, presentations, or adopted tools.
• A commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring, with experience or demonstrated potential to teach both undergraduate and graduate courses, including contributions to the core curriculum.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Experience with interdisciplinary research and collaboration, particularly with librarians, archivists, curators, or critical scholars of the sociotechnical implications of automated systems.
• Expertise in one or more specific areas of automated system design and evaluation.
• A passion for libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural heritage and memory institutions, and a vision for centering these institutions in the public discourse about automated systems.
• A strong interest in contributing to the division's mission to train the next generation of leaders for cultural heritage and memory institutions.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

This 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.

Position Details

• Department: Info and Library Science - 371110
• Posting Open Date: 10/09/2026
• Application Deadline: 11/16/2026
• Open Until Filled: No
• Position Type: Permanent Faculty
• Working Title: Open Rank - Assistant or Associate Professor
• Appointment Type: Open Rank
• Vacancy ID: FAC0006159
• 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

Department Contact Information

• Lynn Farrar, HR Consultant
• [e-mail]

Academic Personnel Office Contact Information

If 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]. Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status. If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The 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.

Additional Information

For additional information about this position, please contact the chair of the search committee, Dr. Ryan Shaw at [e-mail]. Additional information about the School of Data and Information Sciences (SDIS) can be obtained at our website at https://sdis.unc.edu/.