University of Connecticut, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Position ID:UConn-CLAS-495090 [#18357, 495090]
Position Title: Assistant Research Professor, Data Science
Position Type:Non tenure-track faculty
Position Location:Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States [map] sort by distance
Subject Area: Data Science
Appl Deadline: finished (2021/03/24, finished 2022/03/30)
Position Description:    

*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

INTRODUCTION

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 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 (see https://stamforddatascience.com). 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), 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 integrate tightly with 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 position emphasizes research and application—no teaching is required—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).

Suitable areas of research include, but are not limited to: 

Statistics and Big Data analytics, Bioinformatics, Economics, Geosciences, Geospatial sciences, Psychology, Sociology or  related fields.

As the largest and most academically diverse college at the University of Connecticut, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is fundamental to the success of the University and its students, faculty, staff, and other constituents. The College provides critical ideas, infrastructure, and employment for the State of Connecticut, and its impacts have global significance. Through critical research and inquiry, creative education and mentorship, and ethical social engagement, we generate the foundational, collaborative environment that empowers all members of the UConn community to discover their agency and do meaningful work in the world. The College houses 25 academic departments; 13 interdisciplinary centers, institutes, and programs and 7 service and outreach units that support 52 undergraduate majors, 65 undergraduate minors and 53 graduate programs.

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

  • Ph.D. in Data Sciences or core academic discipline with data science emphasis
  • The ability to secure independent funding
  • Evidence for high quality publication potential in data science
  • The ability to build a successful and lasting independent research program on foundational topics in data science
  • The desire and ability to work in a collaborative and dynamic environmental with a diverse team evidenced through prior projects
  • Superior written and oral communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Prior industry or entrepreneurial experiences/collaborations
  • Prior involvement in securing research funding (from government sources, private foundations, or industry partnerships)
  • A publication record demonstrating skills in computing and statistical methods and algorithms in a domain of choice
  • Evidence of serving as a mentor to students and/or as an advisor to businesses, or organizations
  • Experience with technology commercialization (such as, but not limited to securing patents, startup formation, etc.)
  • Desire to be a part of an experimental cohort of energetic and ambitious data science research faculty who come from different disciplines, but together can contribute to substantive paradigm shifts
  • An existing professional social media presence

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 9-month, renewable non-tenure track appointment for Assistant Research Professor in Data Science. Anticipated three-year term which is extendable contingent on meeting funding milestones. Successful candidates should preferably begin work on or before August 23, 2021. The position will be fully funded for the first 1.5 years. Successful candidates 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/), an attractive start-up package to provide a research runway, and minimal non-research responsibilities. The salary will be commensurate with experience and includes the ability to further supplement annual salary with up to 3-months of external funding.  In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment at the University of Connecticut is contingent upon the successful candidate’s compliance with the University’s Mandatory Workforce COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.  This Policy states that all workforce members are required to have or obtain a Covid-19 vaccination as a term and condition of employment at UConn, unless an exemption or deferral has been approved. 

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/18357 and submit the following application materials:

  • A cover letter,
  • Curriculum vitae,
  • Research statement (covering past and anticipated future research);
  • Statement on entrepreneurship/innovation/industry partnership activities;
  • Entrepreneurship and innovation statement (including entrepreneurship/innovation/industry partnership/collaboration activities);
  • Commitment to diversity statement;
  • Contact information for three (3) letters of reference.

Review of candidates will begin February 15, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled. For further information, contact the Assistant Research Professor, Data Science search committee via email to mackenzie.murphy@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 the 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.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
email address
 
University of Connecticut
Employment Services
9 Walters Avenue
Unit 5075
Storrs, CT 06269