Description

The Virginia Tech Academy of Data Science (ADS) (https://data.science.vt.edu) invites applications for two Professor of Practice faculty positions at the rank of associate or full professor, depending on credentials and experience, to begin during the Fall 2026 semester (classes begin August 24, the specific starting date is negotiable).

The Academy of Data Science at Virginia Tech brings together researchers from across the University and beyond for transdisciplinary collaborations and initiatives in data science. The Academy strives for excellence in both data science education and research, and the successful candidates will have the opportunity to further develop its educational programs and participate in its projects. The Academy of Data Science offers the following degree programs, a MS in Data Science, a BS in Computational Modeling and Data Analytics (CMDA), and a Data and Decisions minor. The Academy of Data Science provides a collegial environment and values interdisciplinary collaboration, intellectual exchange, and variety in scholarly approaches to instruction and research.

Requirements for these full-time, 12-month positions include: a doctoral or master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or other closely related field; a demonstrated and sustained record of achievement in the practice of data analytics or computational science in business, government, nonprofit, academic and/or research settings; and experience in leadership or management roles in such settings. Additionally, candidates should have a demonstrated record of instruction, mentoring, and communication in the relevant fields. Experience teaching advanced concepts in undergraduate, graduate, and/or professional courses will be favorably considered.

The successful candidates will play a central role in the development and delivery of the Academy’s degree programs: the Master of Science in Data Science (MS) and the undergraduate (BS) degree in Computational Modeling and Data Analysis (CMDA). In addition, the successful candidates will serve on committees in or on behalf of the Academy of Data Science and the College of Science and help with organizational tasks.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing overall programmatic content and concentrations for the Academy’s degree programs informed by experience in the settings described above and in consultation with organizational leaders.
• Developing new courses in data analytics, data-driven applications, industrial applications, and communications in technical settings.
• Teaching courses in either of the degree programs depending on demand as determined by the Director of the Academy.
• Workload consisting of 35% to 50% instruction; 40% to 55% course development, experiential learning development and support, outreach, or collaborative research; and 10% service.
• Effective engagement with external organizations in the private sector and with government agencies resulting in the definition and execution of student capstone projects for the MS and CMDA programs.
• Mentoring students in support of their capstone project activities in the MS and CMDA programs.
• Developing and nurturing relationships outside of academia that can result in internship and job placement activities for our students and partnership opportunities for the Academy as a whole.
• Advising and mentoring students in the Academy’s degree programs.
• Supporting other faculty who are seeking external funding opportunities that align with the objective of establishing Virginia Tech as a leader and innovator in the application of Data Science in support of scientific research and other application areas.
• Cooperating with the College of Science Advancement team in fostering external relationships that promote philanthropic support of the College and identify opportunities for new partnerships with the Academy.
• Maintaining knowledge of other programs and future industry needs to advise the Academy of Data Science Director and College of Science Dean on new opportunities and directions that ensure that the Virginia Tech programs are innovative and of high value.
   

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Applicants must have a strong background in data analytical/mathematical/statistical methods and/or computational science.
• The successful candidates will have demonstrated a sustained record of achievement solving interdisciplinary problems in a business, government, or academic setting.
• Leadership experience in this context is required.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build, nurture, and maintain relationships with external stakeholders is essential.
• Applicants must possess a PhD or Master’s level degree in statistics, computer science, applied mathematics, or a related field as applied to data science.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to candidates who possess substantial experience in business and/or government.
• Experience working in or with a variety of industries, organizations, and/or disciplines is strongly desired.
• Experience teaching graduate, undergraduate, and/or professional students, and mentoring student projects or research experiences, will receive favorable consideration. It is also preferred that candidates have a doctorate degree in data science or a closely related field.