"Assistant Professor - Applied Data Science"

Job Details

Job no: 551693
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: San José
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Faculty - Computer Science, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Position Rank and Title: Tenure-track Assistant Professor

School/Department Name: Applied Data Science

Compensation: Commensurate with qualifications, experience, and rank as established by the CSU Salary Schedule. Anticipated hiring academic year annual salary range: $110,000 - $120,000 annually.

Faculty employee benefits are very competitive for the higher education sector. See the CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details about the CSU’s excellent benefits package.

Target Start Date: August 5, 2026

Application Deadline: Review of applications to begin December 1st, 2025. The position remains open until filled.

Position Description

The Department of Applied Data Science at San José State University is pleased to announce a search for a Tenure-track Assistant Professor in Applied Data Science beginning in August 2026. We are seeking candidates with expertise in areas such as Embodied AI, robot perception and control, robotics software systems, and multi-modal learning or Cyber Intelligence with a focus on advanced Machine Learning and AI techniques such as Secure AI to contribute to our interdisciplinary applied data science curriculum. While all applications will be reviewed, priority will be given to candidates with expertise in the specified areas.

Successful applicants will be expected to teach courses in areas such as Embodied Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Systems, Cyber Intelligence, Agentic Cybersecurity with a focus on advanced Machine Learning and AI techniques such as Secure AI and applications of AI in cybersecurity. Candidates will also be encouraged to engage in collaborative research that addresses real-world challenges involving intelligent agents, autonomous systems, cyber intelligence, and advanced cyber machine learning across various industries and societal domains.

Established in 2018, the Department of Applied Data Science prepares students to meet the growing demand for interdisciplinary talent in designing and deploying intelligent, data-driven solutions. We provide a strong foundation in the principles, methods, and technologies of data science and AI, guided by input from leading AI professionals and Silicon Valley companies to ensure industry relevance. Our MS in Applied Data Intelligence program equips students with the skills to extract insights from real data and solve practical challenges in today’s rapidly evolving AI and data economy. Currently, more than 400 students are enrolled in this program, with continued plans for future growth. More than 150 Silicon Valley companies have hired our students for internships and permanent positions. We are expanding and building new degree programs in areas such as physical AI and cyber intelligence.

More information about the Department of Applied Data Science at San José State University can be found here. More information about the MS in Applied Data Intelligence program can be found here.

The Applied Data Science and San José State University value inclusive excellence and are committed to advancing equity through research, teaching, and service. We enroll nearly 40,000 students, many of whom are historically underserved; approximately 45% of our undergraduate students are first-generation college students and 38% are Pell Grant recipients. In addition, we are both a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). SJSU aspires to create holistic learning environments that facilitate both individual and collective transformation. We seek teacher-scholars who cultivate inclusive, empowering spaces for mutual learning, skill-building, and knowledge exchange for all students. Our commitment to lifelong learning supports meaningful connections among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader communities we serve.

We invite all applicants to include a Statement of Inclusive Excellence (or incorporate it into your cover letter) to share how your lived and professional experiences will contribute to the SJSU community—particularly in relation to student success and inclusive education. A guide to writing this statement can be found at SJSU Inclusive Excellence Statement Guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• An earned doctorate in computer science, data science, computer engineering or related fields by the start of appointment.
• Demonstrated potential for scholarly and professional achievement.
• Demonstrated potential for teaching and/or training effectiveness.
• Applicants should demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a socially and economically diverse student population as might have been gained in cross-cultural study, training, teaching, and other comparable experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Priority will be given to candidates who possess one or more of the following:

• Ability to teach courses in Embodied AI (e.g., multi-modal learning, real-time perception and control, sensor fusion, reinforcement learning, simulation environments) or Trustworthy and Secure AI (e.g., explainable AI, adversarial robustness, privacy-preserving techniques)
• The ability to teach courses to students with diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
• Industry experience in applied data science, AI, robotics, or related technologies, particularly with Silicon Valley companies or similar innovation ecosystems
• The potential to jointly develop applied research projects in emerging AI and data science fields with Silicon Valley companies.

Key Responsibilities

• The candidate will have teaching responsibilities in AI and applied technologies.
• The candidate will be actively engaged in scholarly activities, as evidenced by: conducting research, presenting professional papers, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and developing grants.
• The candidate will participate in shared governance, usually in department, college, and university committees and other service assignments.
• Faculty shall organize all their classes within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).
• The candidate must demonstrate awareness and experience in understanding the needs of a student population of great diversity – in age, abilities, cultural background, ethnicity, religion, economic background, primary language, sexual orientation, gender identity, and academic preparation – through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies, and advisement.

Other Duties

Note that all San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, some faculty duties may lead to designation as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). CSAs are required to complete Clery Act training and to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution.

Faculty employees must complete CSU employee training as assigned and required based on their role (e.g., Data Security, FERPA, Preventing Discrimination and Harassment, Title IX, Health and Safety). The President may recommend or require compliance with safety measures that decrease the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission or illness and allows the core mission and activities of the campus to continue.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• letter of interest
• curriculum vitae
• inclusive excellence statement (dedicated statement or addressed in letter of interest)
• statement of teaching interests/philosophy
• research plans
• contact information for three references

Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Simon Shim, Department Chair, at simon.shim@sjsu.edu.