Assistant Professor of Data Science and Computer Science

Description

The Lafayette College Data Science Program and Computer Science Department invite applications for a joint full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor commencing July 2026. Candidates from all data science related research areas, including interdisciplinary ones, are encouraged to apply. Candidates will have earned, or be near completion of, a Ph.D. in data science, computer science, statistics or a related field by the start of their appointment. We especially welcome applications from candidates who will contribute to Lafayette's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and who are interested in guiding student research.

The Data Science program offers a balanced minor that, in addition to technical statistical and computing skills, requires all students to consider the ethics of how data science products are created and used, and by/for whom they are created. Since its initiation, the Data Science program has been growing very quickly, and producing large numbers of minors. The Data Science program works in close collaboration with the Department of Computer Science, which offers both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in computer science, as well as minors in computer science and computational methods. Faculty members teach the equivalent of four courses in their first year and five courses (3:2) per year thereafter. For this position, the typical 5 course load will be split with 3 being in data science and 2 in computer science. The college, the program, and the department are very supportive of research. The college offers startup packages, funds for conference/research travel, and a student research program (the EXCEL Scholars program) where students collaborate closely with faculty to support their research goals. The students in our programs are also very active, with two vibrant organizations: Women in Computing (WinC) and a student Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) chapter. For more details about the department, program, and position, please see our webpages: and

The Department of Computer Science is one of five ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science programs at Lafayette. Department faculty have a diverse set of interests ranging from theoretical computer science to applied computing problems, with specific expertise in artificial intelligence, complexity theory, human-computer interface, logic, machine learning, natural language processing, computational epidemiology, and natural computing. Reflecting this wide range of interests, the Department of Computer Science has an interdisciplinary perspective leading us to build bridges across the college to support computation in all its many forms.

Located within 70 miles of New York City and Philadelphia, Lafayette College is a highly selective undergraduate liberal arts and engineering institution with significant resources to support faculty members in their teaching and scholarship. Lafayette College is committed to creating a diverse community, one that is inclusive and responsive, and is supportive of its faculty, students, and staff. All members of the College community share a responsibility for creating, maintaining, and developing a learning environment in which difference is valued, equity is sought, and inclusiveness is practiced. Lafayette welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Application Instructions

Applicants will use Interfolio at to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, research statement, and three letters of reference. In the cover letter, candidates should address how their teaching, research, and service will support Lafayette's commitment to diversity and inclusion articulated in the College's diversity statement (

Review of applications will begin on September 29, 2025. However, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Questions about the position should be directed to Prof. Trent Gaugler, Associate Professor of Mathematical Sciences, Chair of the Data Science Program, and Search Committee Chair, at .