Professor of the Practice (Open Rank) in the College of Connected Computing

Vanderbilt University is conducting a search for multiple Professors of the Practice (all ranks) in the new College of Connected Computing, designed to foster radical collaboration at the intersection of interdisciplinary studies involving computing, AI, data science and related fields. We have opened four full-time Professor of the Practice faculty positions. We are seeking well-qualified applicants at all ranks to join our expanding cohort of faculty in building and supporting this vision.

As a member of our growing college, teaching faculty will enjoy a 2 / 3 teaching load. Faculty are well-supported by TAs and undergraduate graders. Our average class size is 45 students with over 20 courses having 35 or fewer students. Teaching faculty typically teach undergraduate core courses in data science, generative AI and introductory programming in Python, R or Java. They may also have opportunities to teach upper-level courses or courses in one of our master’s programs in data science or applied AI, and to develop additional courses as our curriculum evolves under the new vision for the College of Connected Computing. Professors of the Practice can supplement their 9-month salary with additional teaching opportunities, many of which are offered online.

Teaching faculty will participate in service to the school, engaging in novel efforts to broaden participation, deepen undergraduate research opportunities and widen access to computational thinking studies for students across the university. We are building innovative programs and launching fresh initiatives that will appeal to the interests of a dynamic faculty.

Other benefits of the position include :

Annual travel funds to support professional development and research activities Competitive salaries based on the CRA Taulbee survey 3-5 year contracts with opportunities for renewal at least 1.5 years before the previous contract expires Full participation in faculty governance and decision-making A comprehensive mentoring program A university fringe benefits package that includes healthcare, prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, HSA, dependent care FSA, and tuition benefits Vanderbilt University is a private university located on 330 park-like acres on the western edge of downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville is a regional center for culture and technology which has been growing alongside the University since Vanderbilt’s opening 150 years ago, in 1875.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in Data Science, Social Science, Digital Humanities, or closely related fields. We are especially interested in applicants with backgrounds in Generative and Applied AI. Applicants who will receive their degree by August 1, 2026, are also encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions

Applications should be submitted at  https : / / apply.interfolio.com / 176515 . Applications should include a cover letter, full CV, statement of teaching experience and interests, as well as the names and email addresses of three references. The cover letter should articulate the applicant's specific interest in this position, explain how this role aligns with their career goals, and / or discuss their fit. Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications submitted by November 30, 2025, will receive full consideration. Review of applications will continue until the positions are filled.

Applicants who consider themselves more closely aligned with computer science or closely-related fields are encouraged to explore our separate openings for Professor of the Practice in the Computer Science department within the College of Connected Computing at Vanderbilt.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Vanderbilt University  shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.