"Department Chair and Assistant Professor of Computer Science"

Job Details

Position Purpose: The College of Health and Sciences at Aurora University invites applications for a full-time Department Chair and Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Computer Science. The successful candidate will oversee and lead our undergraduate and graduate computer science programs as well as our undergraduate cybersecurity program, ensuring curriculum excellence and program growth. The ideal candidate will demonstrate outstanding classroom teaching and strong leadership to expand enrollment and position our computer science and cybersecurity programs as premier destinations for students seeking cutting-edge education in computing fields. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of technology education while making a lasting impact on student lives and career trajectories.

This position is a 12-month academic appointment beginning in the fall of 2026.

Core Competencies:

1. Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former, and current students, clients, suppliers, and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.
2. Upholds the Mission Statement: Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and examined lives. Our singular goal is to empower our students to achieve lasting personal and professional success.
3. Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.
4. Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned, including voluntary participation in university committees, activities, and events.

Essential Job Functions:

The successful candidate will primarily teach undergraduate courses with the opportunity to teach graduate courses that span a variety of areas in computer science, as well as engage in professional activity and service projects that will strengthen the university community. Ideally, the candidate will be able to teach the following courses, including but not limited to introduction to programming, data structures and algorithms, object-oriented design and development, database design and implementation, and programming languages. This candidate will also oversee student internship experiences.

The successful candidate will work well in a highly collaborative departmental environment. The chair leads the department, setting a vision and direction for its future. This involves strategic planning, resource allocation, and ensuring the department operates effectively. A key responsibility is mentoring and evaluating faculty members, fostering their professional growth, and ensuring high-quality teaching. The successful candidate will play a primary role in computer science and cybersecurity curriculum development, ensuring the department’s programs are relevant, meet the needs of students and industry, and provide pathways for transfer students. This includes overseeing assessment planning and reporting.

The successful candidate will cultivate and maintain relationships with other academic units, external organizations, and the broader community. This includes meeting with prospective students and their families. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Faculty typically teach three courses per semester and have opportunities for service and professional growth, and development.

Essential Job Requirements:

Education: Applicants must have an earned a terminal degree in the field, or possess a master’s degree with extensive work experience. Doctorly prepared candidates are preferred, and ABD candidates will be considered as well. Current certifications related to the field are encouraged, as well as prior teaching experience.

Experience: Industry experience and teaching experience preferred. Ability to work with and mentor students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Skills: Demonstrate commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment. Demonstrated effective written, oral communication, and/or presentation skills. Commitment to staying current in the field.

Physical Requirements: Ability to interact with individuals, either in person or via technology. Ability to be physically present in class and during office hours.

Application Instructions: Applicants should submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Applicants should include their teaching philosophy and inclusivity statement in the cover letter. Applicants will be asked for references in the final stages of the search process. Full consideration will be given to applications received by January 15th, 2026. Applications received after that date may be considered until positions are filled. It is anticipated that the appointment will begin on August 17, 2026.