Computing and Information Systems - Assistant Professor (Data Science)

Guided by Like No Other, Athabasca University’s (AU) strategic plan, AU’s approach to accessible yet transformative education and research is truly distinctive. Our academic mission is to remove barriers to post-secondary education for learners, regardless of their age, location, career, or educational background. 

Based in the beautiful region of Athabasca, Alberta, AU is one of four Comprehensive Academic and Research Universities (CARUs) in the province. We are a public, board-governed, open, and online university serving more than 35,000 students across Alberta, Canada, and around the world. 

AU seeks to be an agile and inclusive workplace in which all team members can grow, make their highest contribution, and each make a difference to our academic vision and mission. We are strongly committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and with Indigenous Peoples and communities, conciliation. 

Led by President Dr. Alex Clark, AU is embarking on an exciting new chapter. Drawing from five decades of growth in distance and online education, we aim to grow our position as Canada’s foremost innovator in flexible, online and accessible learning. With an inclusive Senior Leadership Team dedicated to empowering every team member to contribute, learn and thrive, AU stands poised for an exciting and ambitious next stage of development. 

The Position:
Athabasca University's Faculty of Science and Technology invites applications for a tenure-track position of Assistant Professor, Computing and Information Systems, with emphasis on Data Science commencing Winter 2025.

The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) delivers accessible learning and innovative research across a number of disciplines. We offer programs and courses in architecture, computer science, general science, data science, and more. Many of our courses include practical applications such as virtual design studios, projects, and home, on-site, or virtual laboratories. We provide accessible and flexible options for teaching and research through both our digital infrastructure and our state-of-the-art Athabasca facilities, making an impact both locally and globally.

In an increasingly complex world, our flexible model enables learners to obtain the necessary skills for future employment while developing their ability to be resilient, think creatively, and work collaboratively as global citizens.

FST's School of Computing and Information Systems is home to Bachelor of Science and Master of Science programs in computing and information systems and a wide range of courses covering both computer science and information systems. The school is also conducting advanced research and developing new programs and innovative courses in emerging computing fields, all supported by our dedicated faculty and staff.

Please note this is a permanent full-time [1.0 FTE] position starting Winter 2025.

 Qualifications:

• A completed Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computing and Information Systems, or a related field is required.
• Familiarity with a variety of subjects in computer science and information systems, including computing foundations and theories as well as emerging topics such as data science, artificial intelligence, and/or cybersecurity.
• • We are seeking a candidate with expertise in data science and an active research program in one or more of the following areas: data science, big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity.  Research programs in related fields of computer science may be considered.
• The successful candidate is expected to teach in the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science programs in Computing and Information Systems and supervise students in both undergraduate and graduate levels for their research projects and theses.
• Experience with online systems of course offerings are required. 
• Experience teaching online in undergraduate and graduate programs is required. 
• Experience supervising graduate students is preferred. 
• The candidate will be expected to develop new courses as determined by the needs of the programs and their research interests. The candidate will also coordinate and revise existing courses in the program. Evidence of research excellence at the graduate level and beyond is required.
• Awareness and knowledge about open education is an asset. All educational credentials must be recognized in Canada.

The full job description can be viewed at: Academic Role Description. 

To Apply:
Applications will only be received and accepted through our online recruitment system. When applying, please include:

• a letter of application
• curriculum vitae
• names of three referees

You may include in your application evidence of research effectiveness including

• a research statement
• a published research paper
• other research outputs (knowledge dissemination that you want to highlight based on the CV)

and evidence of teaching effectiveness including

• a teaching philosophy statement
• teaching or course evaluations if available
• a sample syllabus
• artifact of teaching initiatives (e.g. website, videos, podcasts, etc.)

Note: Applications from those with incomplete doctorates will not be reviewed. 

Apply now: https://athabascau.acquiretm.com/job_details_clean.aspx?id=2874 

Contact Information
For further information regarding this position, please contact Dr. Dunwei Wen, Chair, School of Computing and Information Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology via email at [email protected].

Athabasca First
Wherever possible, AU seeks to attract and hire qualified team members to reside in the Athabasca region. We will offer relocation assistance for the right candidate should you decide to relocate to the Town of Athabasca. As a resident of the town or county of Athabasca, you can choose to work on and from our beautiful campus in Athabasca.

To discover the Town and Region of Athabasca, go to: Visit Athabasca.

What AU Offers: 
Benefits and Pension eligibility differs based on employee group and may include:

• Defined Benefits Pension Plan
• Alberta Health Care
• Extended Health Care
• Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Vacation
• Office Closure between Christmas and New Year's Day
• Discretionary Benefit Fund
• AU Course Allowance
• A Variety of Leaves (e.g., Maternity/Parental/Adoption, Compassionate Care, etc.)
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Educational credentials will be verified before an offer of employment is extended. An offer of employment is conditional upon verification of educational credentials. 

All educational credentials must be recognized in Canada.  

E-Transcripts shared directly from your Post-Secondary Institution via email are acceptable. 

WES https://www.wes.org/ca/ may be used to verify international educational credentials. Processing time for verification of international qualifications may take up to one month; please plan accordingly. 

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority. 

Athabasca University is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, persons of any gender identity and expression, and members of visible minorities. 

Where applicants have equal skills, abilities, and experience, candidates residing within or willing to relocate to the County of Athabasca will be given preference.

Working outside of Canada is not supported by Athabasca University. You are legally not permitted to work for Athabasca University if you are living outside of Canada.