Professor of the Practice

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Exclusive campus perks and discounts

Professional training opportunities

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Professor of the Practice in data science to lead the capstone experience for the online Master of Applied Data Science and the residential MS in Data Science. The role includes teaching DATA courses, serving as instructor of record, and guiding capstone projects with external clients.

The successful candidate will partner with the Offices of Cross-Sector Partnership, admissions and program staff to maintain rigorous standards and student

Qualifications

• Graduate teaching experience at the graduate level.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver online data science courses.
• Experience managing client-facing, project-based courses and collaborating across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the graduate capstone course for online MADS and on-campus MS programs.
• Teach DATA courses in the MADS program and serve as instructor of record for capstone.
• Participate in Admissions decisions for MADS program and liaise with external partners.
• Collaborate with staff to improve curriculum and ensure vendor standards.
• Contribute to ongoing curriculum quality improvements and gather feedback.
• Plan and conduct optional on-campus immersion sessions and virtual recruitment events four times a year.
• Engage with diverse stakeholders including students, faculty, and external partners.

Skills

Graduate teaching experience

Online teaching experience

Client-facing project management

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in data science or related field

Master's degree + substantial professional experience

Job description

Job Details

• Department: Data Sci and Society - 371210
• Position Type: Permanent Faculty
• Appointment Type: Fixed Term Faculty
• 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: 01/01/2027
• Posting open date: 09/08/2026
• Application deadline: 10/12/2026

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

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) 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.

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 & 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.