The Division of Social Sciences at the University of Chicago invites applications for Instructional Professors (IP) in the MA program in Computational Social Science (MACSS, macss.uchicago.edu). This is a full-time, career-track teaching position. Appointments at the Assistant, Associate,, and Full rank will be considered with an initial term of at least three years, depending on rank, beginning by September 2024. Rank will be considered based on the candidate’s experience.

The Master of Arts in Computational Social Science (MACSS) is a two-year interdisciplinary MA program that trains students in the theory and methods of algorithmic, cutting-edge computational techniques—such as deep learning, AI, complex systems, and network science, broadly defined—to gain social scientific insights (in fields such as political science, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and history). Approximately 20% of our graduates go on for a PhD, while 80% seek research-oriented positions in industry, government, consulting, and a variety of think tanks.

The IP will annually teach four courses, including 2-3 in our MACSS curriculum and 1-2 computational social science electives, some of which may include introductory undergraduate courses for those new to computational social science. Our current course offerings are here: http://graduateannouncements.uchicago.edu/graduate/computationalsocialscience/#courseinventory. We welcome candidates from the broad research and teaching areas of computational social science, computational psychology, information science, and data science. Potential areas of focus include but are not limited to machine learning, deep learning, digital experimentation, natural language processing, data science, and data mining.

In addition, the IP will: advise a group MA students from matriculation through convocation and serve as the second reader on 7-9 MA theses; serve as the primary reader for an additional 2-3 MA theses each year; attend and participate in the weekly MACSS workshop; hold weekly office hours; coordinate teaching assistants ; contribute to program admissions, staff hiring, and student recruitment; attend staff meetings; support students in their applications to doctoral programs; and participate in occasional committee work. The position includes support for professional development.

Applicants must have a PhD in computer science, data science, information science, sociology, political science, psychology, or a related discipline. The PhD must be in hand prior to the start date. Prior teaching experience is expected.

The following materials must be submitted through Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/135034:(1) a cover letter, outlining the applicant’s prior training experience in their discipline, their prior teaching or mentoring experience, and their suggested course offerings; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) at least one course syllabus; (4) an article-length writing sample employing a computational research design; (5) course evaluations or other evidence of past experience in teaching or mentoring; (6) a teaching statement; and (7) the names and contact information for three recommenders.

Review of applications will begin on November 30, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.

This position will be part of the Service Employees International Union.