professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
In July 2026, UNC Chapel Hill launched the Division of Data Science and Society within the School of Data and Information Sciences (SDIS), a division devoted to data science teaching, research, scholarship, service, and creativity. DSS's vision is to be a leader in shaping the field of data science through an interdisciplinary and rigorous grounding in theory and methods with a human centric approach to the entire data life cycle.
The mission of DSS is to empower a diverse community of faculty conducting research in the fundamentals and/or the applications of data science. The Division is training undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to be the next generation of data science leaders with the knowledge and skills to thrive in this data-driven world. The Division will serve the state, the nation, and the world through premier data science educational programs and innovative research directed to advancing the public good with human centric and ethical applications.
The core elements of SDIS include porous borders: leveraging our low walled collaborative Carolina culture to solve major societal problems. Interdisciplinary research clusters that cross Division and School boundaries are a vital element of our Scholarly community. The School of Data and Information Sciences is focused on students and education; the emphasis is not just on data science majors but on all students becoming data literate. The School's culture has an open and transparent structure, governance, and business model.
Position Summary
The Division of Data Science and Society (DSS) at UNC-Chapel Hill's School of Data and Information Sciences (SDIS) is excited to announce the fifth year of a strategic open-rank tenure-track faculty hiring initiative. This initiative aims to enhance research and innovation in the rapidly evolving field of data science. We are looking for strong contributors to the areas of data science foundations, the societal impact of data science, and applications in the medical, social, physical, biological, and environmental sciences. This initiative seeks to attract exceptional researchers working within or across the following DSS research pillars:
- Data: Techniques for collecting, storing, disseminating, and translating data into actionable insights.
- Algorithms and Models: Mathematical, computational and statistical tools that empower researchers and stakeholders to discover, create, analyze, present, synthesize, and utilize data.
- Applications: Innovative and effective uses of data and models to advance interdisciplinary knowledge and address pressing social issues.
- Social Impact: Examination of unintended consequences and ethical questions arising from using data to tackle society's most pressing challenges.
UNC-Chapel Hill's interdisciplinary approach to data science research will foster the development of innovative foundational research and applications across various fields. Through collaboration among faculty, students, and external partners, the Division of Data Science and Society in SDIS aims to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and community groups, translating research discoveries into tangible societal benefits. We invite you to join the DSS faculty and be part of this mission.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
The applicants must have a Ph.D. and/or MD with expertise in artificial intelligence/machine learning, computational social sciences, data science, computer science, statistics, applied mathematics, or a related field that applies AI and data science techniques.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Preferred applicants will have a strong research record, evidence of interest in developing, teaching, and supervising courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and an aptitude in working collaboratively in interdisciplinary research. Research with a focus on data science and its applications in addressing societal challenges is preferred. Additionally, candidates must be able to engage with researchers, professionals, and stakeholders from diverse disciplines. A record of or the potential to secure external funding to support research projects is strongly preferred.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.
Special Instructions
Visit https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/325068 to apply. Application materials must be submitted online and include a curriculum vitae/resume, cover letter. The "other document" in the list of required documents to be submitted is a teaching statement and a research statement, combined in one document.
Please arrange for four reference letter writers to submit letters where indicated. They will receive an email with instructions for submitting letters of recommendation. Please ensure that at least one of the four letters address your teaching experience and qualifications.
Organization
The nation's first public university is at the heart of what's next, preparing a diverse student body to become creators, explorers, innovators and leaders in North Carolina and throughout the world. Carolina's nationally recognized, innovative teaching, campus-wide spirit of inquiry and dedication to public service continue the legacy that began in 1795 when the University first opened its doors to students.
Here, in one of America's most beautiful college settings, we offer exceptional careers in richly diverse fields. Come explore what UNC-Chapel Hill has to offer you.
Undergraduate Enrollment: 19,117
Graduate/Professional Enrollment: 10,894
Total Student Enrollment: 30,011
Founded: 1789, as the first state university in the United States
Type of Institution: Public, four-year
Faculty: 3,000
Faculty/student ratio: 1/14
Location: UNC is located in the heart of Chapel Hill, the best college town in America! It's a friendly town of about 40,000 in the geographical center of North Carolina. Chapel Hill is at the western point of the Research Triangle, an area of about one million people, comprised of Chapel Hill, the cities of Durham and Raleigh, and the Research Triangle Park, home of many corporate offices and scientific research centers. Carolina is about 30 miles from the state capital, Raleigh, and 20 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
