INTRODUCTION

The Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) Department at the University of Connecticut (UConn) seeks applications for a non-tenure track Assistant Research Professor position with expertise in Data Science. The position has a preferred start date of August 23, 2021 and is based in Stamford, Connecticut. Stamford and its surrounding region has among the highest density of data science/analytics jobs and companies in the United States.

The University of Connecticut, with additional funding from the state, is embarking on a unique and innovative multi-year data science initiative in Stamford. The initiative itself is comprised of three primary components: 1) the establishment of a data science technology incubator built as an extension of UConn’s technology incubation program (TIP) program the largest and most successful tech incubator in Connecticut (https://innovation.uconn.edu/), 2) the creation of the Stamford Startup Studio, a yearlong entrepreneurial co-op experience for extremely motivated and talented undergraduates, and 3) a cluster hire of five cutting-edge data science faculty researchers spanning four colleges/schools at UConn. The components of the initiative will work closely together - students and startups alongside top data science researchers - thus building a foundation to support both the mission of the institution and the continued economic development of the State. The present job ad deals specifically with the data science research faculty hire in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. The position emphasizes research and is situated in a newly updated Class A office building across the street from the UConn Stamford campus (co-located with UConn’s data science incubator).

The Department of Computer Science & Engineering harbors a rich environment of instruction and research, offering three rigorous degrees (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.) in the computing sciences and a world-class research enterprise. Additional information about the department can be found at http://www.cse.uconn.edu/.

A city of approximately 130,000, Stamford is Connecticut’s 2nd largest and fastest growing city.  Located directly on the New York City - Boston corridor, Stamford is only a 45 minute train ride to Manhattan’s Grand Central Station.  Stamford is home to approximately one third of the Fortune 1000 companies located in Connecticut, and the Stamford metropolitan statistical area has the highest per capita density of Fortune 500 companies in the nation.  The city boasts over 150 restaurants, 40 parks/recreational areas, a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, excellent schools, and is consistently ranked among the safest cities in the country.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field
2. The ability to secure independent funding
3. Potential to produce high quality publications
4. Prior industry or entrepreneurial experiences or collaborations
5. The ability to build a successful and lasting independent research program
6. The desire and ability to work in a collaborative and dynamic environment with a diverse team evidenced through prior projects
7. Superior written and oral communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Prior involvement in securing research funding (either from government sources or industry partnerships)
2. Evidence of serving as a mentor to students or as an advisor to businesses
3. Experience with technology commercialization (securing patents, startup formation, etc.)
4. High quality publication record in data science or related fields
5. Desire to be a part of a unique cohort of energetic and ambitious data science research faculty who come from different disciplines, but together can contribute to substantive paradigm shifts
6. Demonstrated experience working effectively in a diverse environment

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 9-month, annually renewable non-tenure track appointment for Assistant Research Professor in Data Science. It is preferred that the successful candidate begins work on or before August 23, 2021. The position will be fully funded for the first 1.5 years. The successful candidate will be expected to secure 50% of their salary from external sources for the following 1.5 years and 100% thereafter. The position includes full benefits (https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-benefits-overview/), a start-up package to provide a research runway, and minimal non-research responsibilities. The salary will be commensurate with experience, with the ability to further supplement annual salary with 3-months of external funding. Employment is conditional upon the timely completion of an approved I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification Form).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/18069 and submit the following application materials:

• A cover letter,
• Curriculum vitae,
• Research and scholarship statement (innovative concepts that will form the basis of academic career, experience in proposal development, mentorship of graduate students, etc.);
• Entrepreneurship and innovation statement (including entrepreneurship/innovation/industry partnership/collaboration activities);
• Commitment to diversity statement (including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction and research and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, etc.);
• Sample journal articles or books
• Three (3) letters of reference.

Evaluation of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information regarding the Department of Computer Science & Engineering please visit the department website at http://www.cse.uconn.edu/.

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject to budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.