What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor in Data Science position at unm?
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of New Mexico invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Data Science, with a start date of August 2026. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or a closely related field by the appointment start date.
The successful candidate will develop a strong independent research program in one or more areas central to modern Data Science, such as: Optimization, Machine Learning, Statistical Learning, Applied Probability, Graph Theory and Network Science, or Computational Statistics, with opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration across UNM and with national laboratories such as Sandia National Laboratories.
The new faculty member will play a key role in developing and delivering core courses in the concentration, such as:
- Introduction to Data Science
- Probability and Statistics for Data Science
- Optimization and Algorithms
- Data Mining and Machine Learning
- Capstone in Data Science
This hire will also support course needs in Applied or Pure Mathematics and Statistics, strengthening the department’s capacity to serve diverse student populations and client departments (e.g., Sociology, Psychology, Biology, Economics, Political Science). By expanding our ability to deliver rigorous and modern mathematical training, this position will enhance job placement for our students and deepen interdepartmental and external partnerships.
This strategic hire is a cornerstone of our newly approved Data Science Concentration, which integrates departmental strengths across Statistics (e.g., applied and Bayesian methods), Pure Mathematics (e.g., topological data analysis), and Applied Mathematics (e.g., machine learning, scientific computing, uncertainty quantification). The hire will support this high-impact, interdisciplinary initiative, which positions our department as a campus leader in modern data-driven education and research.
A
complete application consists of:
• Cover letter (Applicants are encouraged to include 2–3 sentences on how their
teaching, research, or service may contribute to UNM’s mission to serve diverse
local and global communities.)
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement
• Teaching statement
• A minimum of four letters of recommendation, including at least one
addressing teaching experience
For more about the department, visit http://www.math.unm.edu.
Letters of recommendation may be sent to Amy Hathaway at ahathawa@unm.edu, or by mail to:
Search Committee – Data Science Position
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
MSC01 1115, 1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
For inquiries about the position, contact:
• Dr. Mohammad Motamed, Search Committee Chair: motamed@unm.edu
• Dr. Monika Nitsche, Department Chair: nitsche@unm.edu
• For technical or submission issues, contact Amy Hathaway: ahathawa@unm.edu
Institutional Context:
The University of New Mexico is a Carnegie R1 (Very High Research Activity) and federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. It is New Mexico’s flagship university and the premier research institution in the state.
Albuquerque has a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant scientific community, offering numerous opportunities for research collaboration and funding. UNM houses the Center for Advanced Research Computing, the Center for Quantum Information and Control, and the Center for High Technology Materials. It is also near Sandia National Laboratories, Kirtland Air Force Research Laboratory, and Los Alamos National Laboratory.
UNM is located on the traditional homelands of the Pueblo of Sandia. The original peoples of New Mexico – Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache – maintain deep connections to this land. Learn more about our campus, our city, and why UNM is a great place to work and live:
https://advance.unm.edu/why-unm/
https://advance.unm.edu/why-abq/
UNM is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
The Applicant is required to provide official certification of successful completion of all degree requirements prior to her/his initial employment with UNM.