Open Rank Faculty

Inside Higher Ed; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in higher education is seeking an Open Rank Faculty member for the School of Data Science and Society at UNC-Chapel Hill. This full-time position requires expertise in AI methodologies, data science, and strong domain knowledge in various fields. Candidates should have a PhD and/or MD and a proven research record. Responsibilities include teaching and supervising courses, as well as engaging in interdisciplinary research initiatives. The position starts on July 1, 2026, with applications accepted until January 9, 2026.

Qualifications

• PhD and/or MD with expertise in AI/machine learning, data science, or computer science.
• Strong research record and ability to teach at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Expertise in brain, neural dynamics, imaging, data security, explainable AI.
• Ability to engage with diverse disciplines.
• Ability to obtain external funding.

Responsibilities

• Enhance research and innovation in various domains.
• Teach and supervise courses.
• Engage in interdisciplinary research.

Skills

Expertise in AI methodologies

Machine learning

Data science

Data security

Explainable AI

Computational analysis

External funding

Education

PhD and/or MD in relevant field

Job description

Open Rank Faculty

Join to apply for the Open Rank Faculty role at Inside Higher Ed.

Be a Tar Heel! 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.

Position Details

• ID: FAC0005689
• Department: School of Data Science and Society
• Position Type: Permanent Faculty (Open Rank)
• Full‑Time/Part‑Time: Full‑Time Permanent
• Hours Per Week: 40
• FTE: 1
• Location: North Carolina, US
• Posting Open Date: 10/09/2025
• Application Deadline: 01/09/2026
• Open Until Filled: No
• Proposed Start Date: 07/01/2026

Job Summary

The School of Data Science and Society (SDSS) at UNC‑Chapel Hill is excited to announce the fourth year of a strategic open‑rank tenure‑track faculty hiring initiative. This initiative aims to enhance research and innovation in imaging, cancer, data science foundations, physical and biological sciences, environmental science, data science policy and law, social sciences, and the societal impact of data science. All faculty ranks will be considered.

We are seeking experts excelling in AI methodologies, machine learning, data science, data security, explainable and interpretable AI, and computational analysis, with strong domain expertise in areas such as brain, neural dynamics, and imaging. Researchers focusing on the ethical implications of data science—including data privacy, algorithmic bias, informed consent, and AI model transparency—are also encouraged to apply.

Research Pillars

• Data: Techniques for collecting, storing, disseminating, and translating data into actionable insights.
• Algorithms and Models: 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.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

The applicants must have a PhD and/or MD with expertise in artificial intelligence/machine learning, data science, computer science, statistics, or a field that applies AI or data science techniques.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

• Strong research record with evidence of interest in developing, teaching, and supervising courses at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Aptitude for working collaboratively in interdisciplinary research.
• Expertise in areas such as brain, neural dynamics, imaging, data security, explainable and interpretable AI.
• Ability to engage with researchers, professionals, and stakeholders from diverse disciplines.
• Record of, or potential to secure, external funding to support research projects.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

N/A

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. The position will report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.

Application Instructions

All faculty candidates must apply online and submit a cover letter and resume. The required documents include a teaching statement and a research statement combined in one document. Provide contact information for at least four reference letter writers; they will receive an email with instructions for submitting letters of recommendation.

Consideration of applications will begin on October 15, 2025, and will continue until the position closes on January 9, 2026. Selected candidates will start on July 1, 2026.