Description
The Division of Social Sciences at the University of Chicago invites applications for Instructional Professors (IP) in the MA program in Computational Social Science (MACSS, macss.uchicago.edu). This is a full-time, career-track teaching position. The initial three-year appointment will begin in Academic Year 2025-2026 and is renewable with opportunity for promotion. Appointment at the rank of Assistant, Associate, and full Instructional Professor will be considered based on the candidate’s experience.
The Master of Arts in Computational Social Science (MACSS) is a two-year interdisciplinary MA program that trains students in the theory and methods of algorithmic, cutting-edge computational techniques—such as deep learning, AI, complex systems, and network science, broadly defined—to gain social scientific insights (in fields such as political science, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and history). Approximately 20% of our graduates go on for a PhD, while 80% seek research-oriented positions in industry, government, consulting, and a variety of think tanks.
In MACSS, IP have an annual teaching load of four courses, in addition to substantial mentoring and service responsibilities. The IP will annually teach four courses, including 2-3 in our MACSS curriculum and 1-2 computational social science electives, some of which may include introductory undergraduate courses for those new to computational social science. Our current course offerings are here: https://macss.uchicago.edu/programs-of-study/courses. We welcome candidates from the broad research and teaching areas of computational social science, computational psychology, computational neuroscience, information science, and data science. Potential areas of focus include but are not limited to sensing, machine learning, deep learning, digital experimentation, natural language processing, data science, statistics and data mining. We especially welcome applications from members of underrepresented groups in computing.
In addition, the IP will: advise a group MA students from matriculation through convocation and serve as the second reader on 7-9 MA theses; serve as the primary reader for an additional 2-3 MA theses each year; attend and participate in the weekly MACSS workshop; hold weekly office hours; hire and manage teaching assistants; contribute to program admissions, staff hiring, and student recruitment; attend staff meetings; support students in their applications to doctoral programs; and participate in occasional committee work. The position includes support for professional development.
Qualifications
Applicants must have a PhD in psychology, computer science, data science, information science, sociology, political science, neuroscience or a related discipline. The PhD must be in hand prior to the start date. Prior teaching experience is expected.
Application Instructions
The following materials must be submitted through Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/161862: (1) a cover letter, outlining the applicant’s prior training and research experience in their discipline, their prior teaching or mentoring experience, and their suggested course offerings; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) at least one course syllabus; (4) an article-length writing sample employing a computational research design; (5) course evaluations or other evidence of past experience in teaching or mentoring; (6) a teaching statement; and (7) the names and contact information for three recommenders.
Review of applications will begin on February 15th, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.
This position will be part of the Service Employees International Union.
The expected salary for this position is $88,000 – $93,000. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-1032 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.
