Open Rank - Fixed Term - (Assistant/Associate/Full) Teaching Professor

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Division of Data Science and Society (DSS) in the School of Data and Information Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for 9- or 12-month, fixed-term, open-rank Teaching Professor in Data Science with a focus on AI, including ethical and societal implications.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses and contribute to curriculum expansion, including the AI minor launched in Fall 2026, while advising students and collaborating across

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience teaching at the college or university level.
• Knowledge of AI/ML concepts including supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement, generative AI.
• Experience applying AI tools to research, writing, data analysis, or coding.
• Ability to advise and mentor undergraduate students.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines in an interdisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate data science and AI courses and develop new courses.
• Contribute to expansion of data science and AI curriculum.
• Identify emerging topics and design accessible courses.
• Advise and mentor a growing undergraduate student population.

Skills

Teaching at college/university level

AI and ML concepts

Experience applying AI tools

Mentoring undergraduate students

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD or terminal degree in data science/computer science/IS/statistics

Job description

Posting Information

Department: Data Sci and Society - 371210

Posting Open Date: 10/09/2026

Application Deadline: 11/16/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Position Type: Permanent Faculty

Working Title: Open Rank - Fixed Term - (Assistant/Associate/Full) Teaching Professor

Appointment Type: Fixed Term Faculty

Vacancy ID: FAC0006155

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: 10/08/2026

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 Organizational Unit

In 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.

The core elements of SDIS include porous borders: leveraging our low walled collaborative Carolina culture to solve major societal problems. Interdisciplinary research clusters that cross Division and School boundaries are a vital element of our Scholarly community. The School of Data and Information Sciences 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 Division of Data Science and Society (DSS) in the School of Data and Information Sciences (SDIS) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for 9- or 12-month, fixed-term, open-rank (Assistant/Associate/Full) Teaching Professor in Data Science, with a focus on artificial intelligence, including the ethical, practical, and societal applications of AI tools. The position is to provide high-quality undergraduate instruction in data science and artificial intelligence while contributing to the continued development and expansion of the School's data science and AI curriculum.

The successful candidate will teach courses such as DATA 117, DATA 317, and DATA 110 and will have opportunities to develop and teach new courses and learning experiences in AI and related areas. The position will contribute to the School's ongoing expansion of data science and AI education by identifying emerging topics and instructional needs, developing innovative and accessible courses, and supporting curricular initiatives, including the AI minor launched in Fall 2026.

The successful candidate will collaborate across disciplines to ensure that course offerings reflect evolving AI methods, technologies, applications, ethical considerations, and societal implications.

We especially seek candidates with expertise or experience in:

• Understanding how AI systems operate, including supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, generative AI, and related approaches.


• Ethical, legal, and societal considerations in data science and artificial intelligence, including data privacy, regulation, responsible AI, and responsible data use.


• Making AI accessible to students with diverse technical backgrounds through engaging and inclusive undergraduate teaching.


• Creating hands-on learning experiences that apply AI to research, writing, data analysis, creative work, coding, and other academic and professional activities.


• Teaching introductory data science or AI courses, particularly courses serving undergraduate and first-year students.


• Advising and mentoring a growing undergraduate student population.

The standard instructional assignment is three courses per semester for 9-month appointments (six courses annually) and four courses per semester for 12-month appointments (eight courses annually).

This is a permanent fixed-term faculty position with an initial three-year appointment, subject to reappointment, and a pathway for advancement in rank.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

A PhD or equivalent terminal degree in data science, computer science, information science, statistics, a social science, humanities discipline, or another substantive field relevant to the mission and academic programs of the Division of Data Science and Society.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Demonstrated experience teaching at the college or university level, with experience in data science, artificial intelligence, or a related field.


• Knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts, including supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, generative AI, and related methods.


• Experience applying AI tools to research, writing, data analysis, creative work, coding, or other academic and professional contexts.


• Demonstrated ability to advise and mentor undergraduate students.


• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and colleagues across disciplines in an interdisciplinary academic environment.

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.

Department Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title: Lynn Farrar, HR Consultant

Department Contact Telephone or Email: [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.