"Assistant Professor of Data Science"

Pepperdine University’s Seaver College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, located in Malibu, California, invites applications for a tenure-track appointment as an Assistant Professor or Associate Professor of Data Science beginning August 1, 2026. Applicants who have completed a Ph.D. in machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, applied statistics, or closely related discipline by August 2026 are desired; however, candidates with post-doctoral experience are preferred. Well-qualified candidates will be able to contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of the Pepperdine experience through their teaching, scholarship, and interacting with undergraduates.

Seaver College places the total development of students at the heart of its educational strategy and seeks scholar-educators who demonstrate exceptional interest and effectiveness in teaching, a commitment to establishing a productive research program, and desire to mentor undergraduate students in both teaching and research. Candidates should have the background and ability to teach a broad range of undergraduate level courses in data science and specific teaching/research experience in at least one focus area such as biomedical data science, machine learning, computer vision, image processing, robotics, or natural language processing. Candidates should also have an active and promising scholarly program. Successful candidates will demonstrate an active commitment to the Christian mission and values of the University and the mission of Seaver College.

The salary for this appointment will range from $90,174 to $96,257 and reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this faculty appointment. Actual salary may vary based on the qualifications and experience of the applicant, as well as market conditions. In addition to salary, Pepperdine offers a robust suite of employee benefits.

Applicants should submit: 1) a cover letter, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) a statement indicating how the candidate will support the Christian mission of the University, including their current involvement in a community of faith, 4) transcripts of all graduate work (unofficial copies are acceptable during the application process; however, official transcripts will be required for selected applicants), and 5) names and contact information for three references (these should be the same individuals who will provide a Confidential Letter of Recommendation or Evaluation if the candidate proceeds with interviews).

Click Apply at the top or bottom of this page to apply now or visit Pepperdine University Careers for additional information.

Application review will begin on December 1, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds. Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

Any inquiries about this position should be sent to:

Dr. Fabien Scalzo, Associate Professor of Computer Science (fabien.scalzo@pepperdine.edu)

Natural Science Division
Seaver College, Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263