Professor of the Practice

PeopleAdmin, Inc.; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 130,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional training opportunities

Job summary

UNC-Chapel Hill's Division of Data Science and Society at SDIS invites applications for a full-time Professor of the Practice in data science. The role provides academic leadership for the online MADS and residential MS in Data Science, overseeing the capstone experience and serving as instructor of record for capstone projects.

Responsibilities include vetting capstone projects, teaching a range of DATA courses, serving on the MADS Admissions Committee, and collaborating on curricular

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in data science, statistics, computer science, or related field (or master's with substantial practice).
• Strong record of graduate teaching and mentoring in online settings.
• Experience managing client-facing, project-based courses.

Responsibilities

• Orchestrate the delivery of the graduate capstone course with external clients.
• Teach DATA courses in the MADS program, including capstone experiences.
• Serve on the Admissions Committee for MADS and assist in admissions decisions.
• Collaborate on curricular improvements to ensure quality standards.
• Oversee curriculum quality and participate in on-campus immersion planning.
• Engage with diverse stakeholders and support program growth.

Skills

Graduate-level teaching

Mentoring

Client-facing practice

Education

Ph.D. in data science

Master's with substantial practice

Job description

Position Summary

The Division of Data Science and Society ( DSS ) at UNC -Chapel Hill’s School of Data and Information Sciences ( SDIS ) is excited to announce a full-time Professor of the Practice position in data science. This position provides academic leadership for the culminating capstone experience in the school’s graduate data science programs – the online Master of Applied Data Science ( MADS ) and the residential Master of Science in Data Science (MS) – and serves as the faculty lead for MADS . The successful candidate will orchestrate the delivery of the graduate capstone course, serve as instructor of record for the MADS capstone, and teach additional DATA courses in the MADS program as program needs require. Primary responsibilities include:

• Orchestrate the delivery of the graduate capstone course by vetting projects in conjunction with the school’s Office of Cross-Sector Partnership, overseeing and grading student work, and communicating with the external clients of capstone projects.
• Teach a wide range of the DATA courses offered in the MADS program, including the culminating capstone experience, in coordination with other teaching faculty.
• Serve on the Admissions Committee for MADS , reviewing candidates who meet program qualifications and making admission decisions.
• Collaborate with school staff on curricular improvements to ensure the online program management vendor delivers services that meet university academic standards.
• Oversee continuous quality improvement of the curriculum by reviewing instructor and student feedback and implementing changes.
• Take an active role in planning and carrying out the optional on-campus immersion held during the summer.
• Participate in virtual student recruitment sessions four times a year.

Professors of the practice at SDIS bring deep professional and pedagogical expertise into the classroom and play a central role in connecting students with real-world practice. Working closely with teaching faculty, program staff, the Office of Cross-Sector Partnership, and the school’s external partners, the Professor of the Practice will ensure that data science master’s students complete a rigorous, client-facing capstone experience that translates classroom learning into professional practice. We invite you to join the DSS faculty and be part of this mission.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

The applicants must have a Ph.D. in data science, statistics, computer science, or a related field, or a master’s degree in a related field accompanied by substantial professional experience in the practice of data science.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Preferred applicants will have a strong record of teaching and mentoring at the graduate level, evidence of excellence in developing and delivering data science courses, and an aptitude for working collaboratively across disciplines. Teaching experience in formal online settings is a plus. Experience managing client-facing, project-based courses and communicating with external partners is preferred. Additionally, candidates must be able to engage with students, researchers, professionals, and stakeholders from diverse disciplines. A record of professional practice in data science is strongly preferred.

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.

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.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• Other Document

Position Details

• Department: Data Sci and Society - 371210
• Posting Open Date: 09/08/2026
• Application Deadline: 10/30/2026
• Open Until Filled: No
• Position Type: Permanent Faculty
• Working Title: Professor of the Practice
• Appointment Type: Fixed Term Faculty
• Vacancy ID: FAC0006080
• 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

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.

Supplemental Questions

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