Open Rank Faculty

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional training opportunities

Exclusive discounts and savings

Job summary

A leading academic institution in North Carolina seeks an Open Rank Faculty member for its School of Data Science and Society. The successful candidate will engage in interdisciplinary research, teach data science courses, and work collaboratively across disciplines. A PhD or MD with expertise in AI, machine learning, or data science is required. The position offers competitive benefits and aims to empower a diverse community of faculty and students.

Qualifications

• Expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or data science.
• Strong research record and evidence of interest in teaching.
• Ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary research.

Responsibilities

• Enhance research and innovation in data science fields.
• Conduct research on ethical implications in data science.
• Teach and supervise courses at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Skills

Artificial Intelligence

Machine Learning

Data Science

Data Security

Explainable AI

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Education

PhD and/or MD

Job description

Posting Information

• Department: School of Data Sci and Society - 397100
• Posting Open Date: 10/09/2025
• Application Deadline: 01/09/2026
• Open Until Filled: No
• Position Type: Permanent Faculty
• Working Title: Open Rank Faculty
• Appointment Type: Open Rank
• Vacancy ID: FAC0005689
• Full-time/Part-time: Full-Time Permanent
• Hours per week: 40
• FTE: 1
• Position Location: North Carolina, US
• Proposed Start Date: 07/01/2026

Position Information

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. 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 the Organizational Unit

In 2022, UNC Chapel Hill launched the School of Data Science and Society (SDSS), a new school devoted to data science teaching, research, scholarship, service, and creativity. The SDSS 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 SDSS is to empower a diverse community of faculty conducting research in the fundamentals and/or the applications of data science. The school 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 SDSS 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.

The core elements of SDSS include porous borders – leveraging our low‑walled collaborative Carolina culture to solve major societal problems. Interdisciplinary research clusters that cross disciplines and school boundaries are a vital element of the school. The School of Data Science and Society is focused on students and education – the emphasis is not just on data science majors but on all students becoming data literate. The school's culture has an open and transparent structure, governance, and business model.

Position 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 the rapidly evolving fields of 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. The initiative seeks to attract exceptional researchers working within or across the following SDSS 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.

The School of Data Science and Society is looking for experts excelling in AI methodologies, machine learning, data science, data security, explainable and interpretable AI, and computational analysis, with strong domain expertise in areas requiring data science applications including 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. UNC‑Chapel Hill's interdisciplinary approach to data science research will foster the development of innovative applications across various fields. Through collaboration among faculty, students, and external partners, the School of Data Science and Society aims to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and community groups, translating research discoveries into tangible societal benefits.

Consideration of applications will begin on October 1, 2025, and we will continue accepting applications until the position closes on January 9, 2026. The positions will be effective July 1, 2026.

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

Preferred 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. Expertise in areas such as brain, neural dynamics, imaging, data security, explainable and interpretable AI 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 Requirements

N/A

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.

Special Instructions

All faculty candidates must apply online and submit a cover letter and resume. The "other document" in the list of required documents to be submitted is a teaching statement and a research statement, combined in one document. Please enter contact information for at least four reference letter writers where indicated and they will receive an email with instructions for submitting letters of recommendation.

Consideration of applications will begin on October 15, 2025, and we will continue taking applications until the position closes on January 9, 2026. The positions will be effective July 1, 2026.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/307760

Department Contact Information

Contact Name & Title: Jay Aikat, Vice Dean

Contact Email: [e-mail]

Academic Personnel Office: (919)-962-1091 or [e-mail]

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.