"Assistant Professor, Computer Science"

The Computer Science Department at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning Fall 2026. We invite skilled teacher-scholars committed to inclusive, equity-minded teaching with a demonstrated record of scholarship to join our teaching-centered and research-active department, which is committed to undergraduate education. We are looking for a colleague with expertise broadly in cybersecurity or software engineering, though applicants with significant industry experience, expertise in another area of computer science, and a willingness to teach software engineering are also encouraged to apply.

We seek candidates with a demonstrated commitment to excellent undergraduate teaching that promotes welcoming and diverse learning environments. Immediate teaching responsibilities (i.e., within the first two years) would include courses in programming, data structures, computer organization, software development, or cybersecurity. There will also be opportunities to teach upper-division courses in the candidate’s area of interest and advise students in our senior design sequence. Since the Department offers a full range of computer science courses, there are other teaching possibilities, like networks, AI/machine learning, and programming language design and implementation, depending on the interest and expertise of the faculty member, along with the needs of the department.

The Department of Computer Science has nine full-time faculty members and around 200 majors. The Department offers an ABET-accredited B.S. degree in Computer Science, a B.A. degree in Computer Science, a B.S. degree in Data Science (established Fall 2024), a B.S. degree in Cybersecurity (starting in Fall 2025), and an M.S. degree in Data Science (starting in Fall 2025). The Department is also considering offering an M.S. degree in Cybersecurity. Faculty in our department often mentor undergraduate students in research experiences during the school year. Internal funding opportunities are also available to support undergraduate student-faculty research, both during the academic year as well as during summer sessions. In addition, Gonzaga’s Center for Teaching and Advising provides regular faculty development and education opportunities, including a New Faculty Learning Community program to help welcome and support new faculty throughout their first year at Gonzaga.

With a mission rooted in the Jesuit tradition, Gonzaga seeks to educate students to become compassionate leaders who engage with the world, seek justice, and contribute to the common good. As a campus community, we prioritize inclusive excellence and increasing campus diversity, particularly in supporting underrepresented students in higher education. The Department of Computer Science at Gonzaga University seeks candidates who align with this mission and requests applicants to address that alignment in their cover letter.

Gonzaga University is located on the banks of the Spokane River, a short walk from downtown Spokane. The University is minutes from two medical schools, offering rich opportunities for collaboration, and the tech centers of Seattle and San Francisco are easily reachable by short and frequent flights. Spokane is near the Selkirk Mountains of Eastern Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia. The city has walkable neighborhoods, abundant parks, a downtown shopping district, and plentiful urban amenities. With mountains, lakes, and rivers in every direction, Spokane is an ideal base for outdoor recreation.

Essential Functions: Teaching—Tenured/tenure-track faculty members teach nine computer science course credits each semester during the academic year in the areas of programming, data structures, computer organization, software development, or cybersecurity. There will also be opportunities to teach upper-division courses in the candidate’s area of interest. As part of our commitment to successful early careers, new faculty receive a 3-credit teaching reduction in each of their first two years. Summer teaching opportunities may be available but are neither required nor guaranteed. Scholarly/Creative Work—Tenured/Tenure-track faculty members are expected to (1) stay current with their fields; (2) conduct sustained research that leads to publication in peer-reviewed academic journals and conference papers; (3) actively participate in departmental and School of Engineering and Applied Science professional activities. Academic Citizenship & Professional Service—The successful candidate will be a member of the faculty of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, with full voting privileges in the University faculty assembly and the School. As such, the person who assumes this position is expected to be a contributing member to the Computer Science Department, School, and University. Regular attendance at all University, School and Departmental meetings is expected. In addition, serving on related Department, School and University committees is expected. Advising—After their first year at Gonzaga, all faculty members advise students with respect to curriculum and careers.

Minimum Qualifications: A Ph.D. in computer science, cybersecurity, software engineering, or related field, completed by July 15, 2026. Evidence of teaching as a TA or instructor, mentorship activities, and/or course development at the undergraduate level. Evidence of ongoing scholarly/research activity in cybersecurity, software engineering, or other computer science field related to applicant expertise. Demonstrated ability to effectively design and deliver technical content to undergraduate students in a way that promotes engagement and supports learning.

Preferred Qualifications: Evidence of engaging teaching practices that include introductory or advanced courses for computer science undergraduate students. Demonstrated ability to develop and teach new high-quality courses in one or more areas including cybersecurity or software engineering. Demonstrated ability to involve undergraduate students in research or advise undergraduate students in capstone or senior design projects. Postdoctoral research or relevant involvement working in the software industry.