Assistant Professor of Data Science – Oberlin College

Founded in 1833, Oberlin is a private four-year, highly selective national liberal arts college near Cleveland, Ohio and is also home to an outstanding Conservatory of Music. Together, the two divisions enroll approximately 2900 students. Oberlin College was the first college in the US to make interracial education and co-education central to its mission. The College continues to view a diverse, equitable and inclusive educational environment as essential to the excellence of its academic program. Among liberal arts colleges, Oberlin is a national leader in successfully placing graduates into PhD programs.

The Data Science Program supports a new multidisciplinary Data Science major at Oberlin College that combines foundational knowledge in Data Science, Statistics, and Computer Science with interdisciplinary real-world applications within the natural and social sciences. The program also supports a minor in Statistical Modeling and an integrative concentration (i.e., minor-equivalent coursework + real-world experience) in Data Science. The candidate will be required to teach essentials of epidemiology to support Oberlin’s multidisciplinary Global Health curriculum. Our students are enthusiastic and actively engaged in their education. The Oberlin Data Science Program is dedicated to making Data Science accessible to all students, emphasizing the use of active learning and other evidence-based pedagogies. Faculty members teach at all levels of the curriculum and are active in original research that provides opportunities for undergraduate participation. Research areas of faculty in the Data Science Program include machine learning, decision-making under uncertainty, spatial analysis, and Bayesian hierarchical modeling with applications in transportation, urban planning, environmental science, public health, and computational social science.

The incumbent will teach the standard teaching load (4.5 courses per year) at all levels of undergraduate education in the general area of Data Science, Statistics, and Epidemiology. We are especially seeking candidates with expertise in epidemiology and its intersections with network analysis, time-series analysis, or modeling.

The incumbent will also be expected to engage in sustained scholarly, peer-reviewed research and/or other creative work appropriate to the position and participate in the full range of faculty responsibilities, including academic advising, mentoring undergraduate research and service on committees.

Among the qualifications required for appointment is the Ph.D. degree (in hand or expected by first semester of academic year 2025-26) in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Data Science, or related disciplines. Candidates must demonstrate interestand potential excellence in undergraduate teaching. Successful teaching experience at the college level is desirable. Oberlin College is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. The incumbent will bring understanding of or experience working with underrepresented and diverse academic populations. Oberlin is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the excellence and diversity of the academic community through their research, teaching, and service. Oberlin recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran’s status, and/or other protected status as required by applicable law.

Within the range established for this position, salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a competitive benefits package.

A complete application will be comprised of: 1) a Cover Letter describing your teaching, scholarship, mentorship, and service, detailing any connections to supporting an inclusive learning environment; 2) a Curriculum Vitae; 3) an unofficial graduate transcript; 4) a statement (or statements) on your teaching philosophy and expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion; 5) a research statement that includes how you will support undergraduate research and, if applicable, how you might incorporate undergraduate students into your research program; and 6) Letters of Reference from three recommenders.* All application materials must be submitted electronically through Oberlin College and Conservatory’s online application process at: https://jobs.oberlin.edu/

Review of applications will begin on November 8, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Completed applications received by the November 8th deadline will be guaranteed full consideration.

Questions about the position can be addressed to: aeck@oberlin.edu or Adam Eck, Chair of Data Science, at 440-775-8095.