"Director of MPCS Online, Senior Instructional Professor (SIP)"

Job Details

Position Description

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Chicago invites applications for the inaugural Director for the Online Masters Program in Computer Science (MPCS Online). This is a career-track position at the rank of Associate Senior Instructional Professor, or Senior Instructional Professor (SIP), depending on qualifications, and will hold a concurrent appointment as Director of MPCS Online.

The Masters Program in Computer Science (https://masters.cs.uchicago.edu) has been a highly successful in-person MS program for over 25 years, preparing students for careers in technology through rigorous foundations and in-demand applied skills. Building on this success, the department will launch a new online program in Autumn 2027, designed to deliver the same high-quality educational experience to remote students.

The Director of MPCS Online will play a central role in designing, launching, and leading this new program, with an anticipated start date ahead of the 2026–27 academic year. The Director of MPCS Online will report to the MPCS Director, and work closely with the MPCS leadership team, the Chair of the Computer Science Department and leadership in the Physical Sciences Division. This position provides a unique opportunity to design and build a new master’s program from its outset.

Depending on the rank, the appointment will be for a term of up to five years, renewable with the possibility for promotion. This is a career-track position with competitive salary and benefits. This position is benefits eligible. For information on benefits, please consult the University of Chicago Benefits Guide: https://mybenefits.nfp.com/UChicago/benefits-guide/.

This position is based in Chicago, IL and requires the employee to primarily work in-person on campus at the University of Chicago.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Development & Launch
  • Design the MPCS Online curriculum in collaboration with faculty and leadership
  • Recruit and hire instructional faculty for online delivery
  • Oversee the design and implementation of online courses, ensuring alignment with the in-person MPCS
• Leadership & Administration
  • Build administrative systems to support admissions, marketing, and student services
  • Work closely with the MPCS leadership team, Computer Department Chair and divisional leadership on strategic planning for growth of the MPCS Online program.
• Faculty & Student Support
  • Supervise, mentor, and evaluate online program instructors
  • Ensure high-quality learning experiences, content, and course structures
• Teaching
  • Typically teach one to two courses, and in some years three, in the MPCS in-person and/or online programs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A doctorate in Computer Science or a related field at the time of appointment or; A master's degree and 4 years of relevant professional experience.
• At least two years’ experience teaching in a college or university as an instructor of record
• Experience in management of academic programs, personnel, and/or budgets

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the management of an online education program.
• Experience in online teaching as an instructor.
• Professional experience in a computing-related industry.

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted online through the University of Chicago Jobs website: apply.interfolio.com/176571

Review of applications will begin on December 19, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.

The following materials are required:

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter, which must include a description of the applicant’s experience in managing academic programs, personnel, and/or budgets. It should also include teaching interests and what classes the applicant would be interested in teaching in the MPCS.
• Statement of teaching philosophy and curricular development experience.
• A list of three references, including name, title, employer/school and email address
• Sample syllabus for a class the applicant has taught before, or would be interested in teaching as part of the MPCS curriculum.
• Teaching evaluations from past teaching at the university level