Associate or Full Professor of Practice

Job Description

The Virginia Tech Academy of Data Science (ADS) ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) invites applications for two Professor of Practice faculty positions at the rank of associate or full professor, depending on credentials and experience, to begin during the Fall 2026 semester (classes begin August 24, the specific starting date is negotiable). The Academy of Data Science at Virginia Tech brings together researchers from across the University and beyond for transdisciplinary collaborations and initiatives in data science.

The Academy strives for excellence in both data science education and research, and the successful candidates will have the opportunity to further develop its educational programs and participate in its projects. The Academy of Data Science offers the following degree programs, a M.S. in Data Science, a B.S. in Computational Modeling and Data Analytics (CMDA), and a Data and Decisions minor.

The Academy of Data Science provides a collegial environment and values interdisciplinary collaboration, intellectual exchange, and variety in scholarly approaches to instruction and research.

• Develop overall programmatic content and concentrations for the Academy’s degree programs informed by experience in the settings described above and in consultation with organizational leaders.
• Develop new courses in data analytics, data-driven applications, industrial applications, and communications in technical settings.
• Teach courses in either of the degree programs depending on demand as determined by the Director of the Academy.
• Workload consisting of 35% to 50% instruction; 40% to 55% course development, experiential learning development and support, outreach, or collaborative research; and 10% service.
• Effectively engage with external organizations in the private sector and with government agencies resulting in the definition and execution of student capstone projects for the MS and CMDA programs.
• Mentor students in support of their capstone project activities in the MS and CMDA programs.
• Develop and nurture relationships outside of academia that can result in internship and job placement activities for our students and partnership opportunities for the Academy as a whole.
• Advise and mentor students in the Academy’s degree programs.
• Support other faculty who are seeking external funding opportunities that align with the objective of establishing Virginia Tech as a leader and innovator in the application of Data Science in support of scientific research and other application areas.
• Cooperate with the College of Science Advancement team in fostering external relationships that promote philanthropic support of the College and identify opportunities for new partnerships with the Academy.
• Maintain knowledge of other programs and future industry needs to advise the Academy of Data Science Director and College of Science Dean on new opportunities and directions that ensure that the Virginia Tech programs are innovative and of high value.

• Applicants must have a strong background in data analytical/mathematical/statistical methods and/or computational science.
• The successful candidates will have a sustained record of achievement solving interdisciplinary problems in a business, government, or academic setting.
• Leadership experience in this context is required.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build, nurture and maintain relationships with external stakeholders is essential.
• Applicants must possess a PhD or Master’s level degree in statistics, computer science, applied mathematics or a related field as applied to data science.

• Preference will be given to candidates who possess substantial experience in business and/or government.
• Experience working in or with a variety of industries, organizations, and/or disciplines is strongly desired.
• Experience teaching graduate, undergraduate, and/or professional students, and mentoring student projects or research experiences, will receive favorable consideration. It is also preferred that candidates have a doctorate degree in data science or a closely related field.