Position Description

The Digital and Computational Studies (DCS) Program at Bates College invites applications for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor to begin employment July 2026.  Apply by 31 March 2026 to guarantee full consideration, however, we will continue accepting applications until the position is filled.  Candidates with demonstrated success in teaching and/or supporting marginalized, first generation, and historically underrepresented students are especially encouraged to apply.   The teaching load is 5 courses per academic year, either as a 2-3 across two semesters, or as a 2-2-1 across two semesters and the Bates Short Term.

Required qualifications:  Candidates should have completed their Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field (e.g., Digital Humanities, Applied Mathematics, Computational Neuroscience, Computational Social Science) by 01 July 2026.  Candidates should address their ability and interest in teaching introductory information and data literacy courses in R (DCS 105), an introductory programming courses in Python (e.g. DCS 109D), and other additional upper level applied computing and/or data science courses within the broader DCS curriculum based on their area(s) of expertise. Candidates should provide evidence of their interest in interdisciplinary teaching; critical science and technology studies; teaching undergraduate students; and supporting a diversity of students in data science, computer science, and related disciplines with a range of prior programming experience (including none). 

About DCS at Bates:  Digital & Computational Studies (DCS) is an interdisciplinary program that seeks to build bridges between core elements of computer science, data science, and digital studies, connecting to the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and other existing interdisciplinary programs on campus. DCS teaches students to design, build, and analyze digital & computational tools and algorithms, while also developing the ability to critique those same tools and algorithms. Bates DCS faculty are prepared to support candidates as they develop courses designed for an interdisciplinary program.

About Visiting Appointments at Bates: The position carries a standard five-course annual teaching load. The primary responsibility of the Visiting Professor is excellence in undergraduate teaching and student engagement. Responsibilities are limited in scope and focus on teaching and mentoring students during the term of the appointment. Advising and student supervision responsibilities, if applicable, will be limited and aligned with the temporary nature of the position. Visiting assistant professors are not assigned ongoing administrative or committee responsibilities unless negotiated with the Dean of Faculty or the Associate Deans of Faculty. They are expected to attend faculty meetings and departmental meetings related to teaching, and to engage collegially in the academic life of the department.

Resources at Bates:  Bates provides opportunities for professional travel funding and structured mentoring programs for faculty .  Additionally, Bates is home to the Digital Media Studios , a facility providing equipment and expertise for a wide range of audio and visual media, as well as the Viz Lab , which includes Extended Reality studios and 3D printing. 

Applications should include the following:

●   A cover letter stating your qualifications, both scholarly and pedagogical, for this position as well as your interest in teaching at a small liberal arts college such as Bates College.

●   A teaching statement which addresses your preparation to teach introductory data-focused programming courses (in R and Python) and other areas of applied computing. Given the wide range of backgrounds and experiences of Bates students, we seek candidates who are committed to helping all students succeed through inclusive and evidence-based approaches to teaching and learning. As part of the application, candidates should integrate a discussion of their approaches to inclusive learning into their teaching statement. These statements may include examples of pedagogical strategies, prior experience, or professional preparation that inform their work with diverse learners.

● A current C.V.

We encourage applications from individuals from historically marginalized groups and from those who may have followed non-traditional pathways to higher education due to societal, economic, or academic circumstances. The search committee will request letters of recommendation from three referees for short-listed candidates. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and verification of degree.

About Bates College: Bates College is a residential liberal arts college in Lewiston, Maine—a diverse and growing community located approximately 45 minutes from the state’s largest city, 2½ hours north of Boston, and 4½ hours south of Montreal. Bates values faculty scholarship, creative work, and pedagogical innovation as central to its academic mission. While visiting faculty appointments are primarily teaching-focused, the College recognizes that scholarly and creative activity may remain an important part of a faculty member’s professional identity. Institutional resources supporting scholarship and teaching are available in ways appropriate to the scope and duration of the appointment. Community-engaged learning and study abroad are broadly encouraged and supported, and pedagogical development and innovation are supported through the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning. Educational access and racial justice are central to Bates’ history and mission and our faculty-led initiatives reflect this commitment.