What are the responsibilities and job description for the Professor of the Practice position at University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill?
| Department | Data Sci and Society - 371210 |
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| Posting Open Date | 09/08/2026 |
| Application Deadline | 10/12/2026 |
| Open Until Filled | No |
| Position Type | Permanent Faculty |
| Working Title | Professor of the Practice |
| Appointment Type | Fixed Term Faculty |
| Vacancy ID | FAC0006080 |
| Full-time/Part-time | Full-Time Permanent |
| Hours per week | 40 |
| FTE | 1 |
| Position Location | North Carolina, US |
| Hiring Range | Commensurate with Education and Experience |
| Proposed Start Date | 01/01/2027 |
| Be a Tar Heel! | A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and 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. |
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| 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 a full-time Professor of the Practice position in data science. This position provides academic leadership for the culminating capstone experience in the school's graduate data science programs - the online Master of Applied Data Science (MADS) and the residential Master of Science in Data Science (MS) - and serves as the faculty lead for MADS. The successful candidate will orchestrate the delivery of the graduate capstone course, serve as instructor of record for the MADS capstone, and teach additional DATA courses in the MADS program as program needs require. Primary responsibilities include: *Orchestrate the delivery of the graduate capstone course by vetting projects in conjunction with the school's Office of Cross-Sector Partnership, overseeing and grading student work, and communicating with the external clients of capstone projects. Professors of the practice at SDIS bring deep professional and pedagogical expertise into the classroom and play a central role in connecting students with real-world practice. Working closely with teaching faculty, program staff, the Office of Cross-Sector Partnership, and the school's external partners, the Professor of the Practice will ensure that data science master's students complete a rigorous, client-facing capstone experience that translates classroom learning into professional practice. 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. in data science, statistics, computer science, or a related field, or a master's degree in a related field accompanied by substantial professional experience in the practice of data science. |
| Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience | Preferred applicants will have a strong record of teaching and mentoring at the graduate level, evidence of excellence in developing and delivering data science courses, and an aptitude for working collaboratively across disciplines. Teaching experience in formal online settings is a plus. Experience managing client-facing, project-based courses and communicating with external partners is preferred. Additionally, candidates must be able to engage with students, researchers, professionals, and stakeholders from diverse disciplines. A record of professional practice in data science is strongly preferred. |
| Special Physical/Mental Requirements | |
| 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/325070 to apply. All faculty candidates must apply online and submit a cover letter and resume. The "other document" in the list of required documents to be submitted is a teaching statement. 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. For full consideration, applications should be received by Monday, October 12, 2026. Anticipated starting date is January 1, 2027. |
| Quick Link | https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/325070 |
| Department Contact Name and Title | Lynn Farrar, HR Consultant |
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| Department Contact Telephone or Email | alstoncl@email.unc.edu |
| Academic Personnel Office Contact Information | If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu. Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status. If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact. |
| Equal Opportunity Employer Statement | The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. |
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.