Why Oberlin?
Oberlin College & Conservatory stands as a beacon of progressive liberal arts education in the heart of Ohio. Founded in 1833, Oberlin was the first American institution to adopt both interracial education and co‑education as core tenets of its mission. Today, the college and its world‑renowned Conservatory enroll roughly 2,900 students who pursue rigorous academics alongside vibrant artistic expression. Oberlin’s reputation for academic excellence is complemented by its commitment to social justice, sustainability, and the empowerment of underrepresented voices. Faculty members enjoy a collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment where interdisciplinary inquiry is the norm, and where groundbreaking research directly informs and enriches undergraduate learning.
About the Computer Science Department
The Computer Science Department at Oberlin is rapidly expanding, currently growing to nine full‑time faculty members. Our scholars explore a diverse portfolio of research areas, including but not limited to machine learning, privacy, security, human‑computer interaction, theoretical computer science, and computer science education. The department prides itself on delivering a curriculum that balances foundational theory with hands‑on, project‑based learning—utilizing evidence‑based pedagogies such as active learning, flipped classrooms, and peer instruction. Our students are highly motivated, often pursuing advanced degrees at top‑tier graduate programs, and they benefit from close mentorship with faculty who integrate research opportunities into every level of the undergraduate experience.
Position Summary
We are seeking a dynamic, tenure‑track Assistant Professor of Computer Science who will join our faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences beginning in the Fall semester of 2024. The successful candidate will carry the rank of Assistant Professor for an initial four‑year term, with the expectation of progressing toward tenure based on scholarly achievement, teaching excellence, and service. While the position is open to candidates across the full spectrum of computer science, we especially encourage applicants whose expertise lies in machine learning, data science, or related emerging fields.
Key Responsibilities
- Teaching Load: Deliver a standard load of 4.5 courses per academic year (including labs), covering introductory, intermediate, and advanced undergraduate courses.
- Curriculum Development: Design, update, and innovate course materials that reflect current industry trends and research breakthroughs.
- Undergraduate Research Mentorship: Supervise undergraduate research projects, capstone experiences, and independent studies, integrating students into the faculty member’s broader research agenda.
- Scholarly Activity: Conduct peer‑reviewed research that contributes to the discipline’s knowledge base, aiming for publications in reputable conferences and journals.
- Service to the College: Participate in academic advising, departmental committees, faculty governance, and community outreach initiatives.
- Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives: Contribute to programs that promote equitable access to computer science education for historically underrepresented groups.
- Professional Development: Engage in ongoing training, workshops, and conferences to stay at the forefront of pedagogical and technical advancements.
Essential Qualifications
- Doctoral Degree: Ph.D. in Computer Science or a closely related field, either completed or expected by the start of the first semester (2024‑25).
- Teaching Excellence: Demonstrated ability to teach effectively at the undergraduate level, with a clear commitment to student‑centered learning.
- Research Potential: Evidence of a robust research agenda with the capacity to involve undergraduate students in meaningful ways.
- Commitment to Diversity: Experience working with or a deep understanding of diverse student populations, and a willingness to foster inclusive learning environments.
Preferred (but Not Required) Qualifications
- Prior teaching experience at a liberal arts college or similar institution.
- Published work in top‑tier venues related to machine learning, data science, or interdisciplinary computing.
- Successful acquisition of external funding (e.g., NSF, industry partnerships) that supports undergraduate research.
- Experience designing curriculum that integrates ethical considerations, social impact, and interdisciplinary perspectives into computing education.
- Active involvement in professional societies such as ACM, IEEE, or CRA.
Skills and Competencies for Success
- Pedagogical Innovation: Ability to employ active learning, project‑based instruction, and technology‑enhanced teaching tools.
- Technical Expertise: Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++), data analysis frameworks, and machine‑learning libraries.
- Communication: Excellence in oral and written communication, capable of conveying complex concepts to diverse audiences.
- Collaboration: Strong teamwork skills for interdisciplinary projects with faculty across the arts, humanities, and sciences.
- Mentorship: Passion for guiding students through research design, implementation, and scholarly dissemination.
- Leadership: Willingness to take on service roles that shape departmental policy, curriculum, and community outreach.
Career Growth and Professional Development
Oberlin College invests heavily in faculty development. New hires receive a comprehensive onboarding program, mentorship from senior faculty, and a clear tenure roadmap. The institution provides generous support for conference travel, research seed funding, and summer research stipends for undergraduate collaborators. Faculty are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary collaborations with the Conservatory, the Center for Sustainable Futures, and the Center for Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Gender, broadening both scholarly impact and teaching breadth. In addition, Oberlin’s robust internal review processes ensure that faculty receive regular, constructive feedback on teaching and research performance, fostering continuous improvement and career advancement.
Work Environment & Culture
At Oberlin, the campus community is characterized by intellectual curiosity, mutual respect, and a shared dedication to social responsibility. The Computer Science Department operates in a state‑of‑the‑art facility equipped with modern teaching labs, high‑performance computing clusters, and collaborative workspaces. Faculty enjoy flexible scheduling, a collegial atmosphere where interdisciplinary dialogue is encouraged, and a remote‑work option when appropriate, reflecting the college’s adaptation to evolving work models. The institution’s inclusive policies guarantee that every member—students, staff, or faculty—experiences a safe, supportive, and equitable environment.
Compensation, Perks, & Benefits
- Competitive Salary: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, positioned within the market range for tenure‑track faculty in liberal‑arts institutions.
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
- Retirement Plans: Robust 403(b) retirement savings options with employer matching contributions.
- Leave Policies: Generous paid parental leave, sabbatical eligibility, and vacation time aligned with academic calendars.
- Professional Support: Funding for conference attendance, research supplies, and undergraduate research stipends.
- Work‑Life Balance: Flexible work arrangements, including remote‑work possibilities, and on‑campus amenities such as fitness centers, child‑care resources, and dining services.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a complete application package through Oberlin College’s online hiring portal. The required materials include:
- Cover Letter addressing teaching philosophy, research agenda, mentorship approach, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Curriculum Vitae (including a list of publications, presentations, and funded projects).
- Unofficial graduate transcripts.
- Teaching Statement outlining pedagogical methods and evidence of effectiveness.
- Research Statement describing current work, future plans, and opportunities for undergraduate involvement.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement detailing experiences and strategies for fostering an inclusive classroom.
- Three Letters of Reference (electronic submission will be considered permission to contact referees).
Review of applications will commence on October 1, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. Submissions received by the October 1 deadline will receive full consideration. For any questions regarding the position, please contact Cynthia Taylor, Chair of Computer Science, at [email protected].
Join Oberlin and Shape the Future of Computing Education
If you are passionate about pioneering research, inspiring the next generation of computer scientists, and contributing to an institution that values academic rigor and social impact equally, we encourage you to apply today. Oberlin offers a rewarding platform where scholarly ambition meets a supportive, inclusive community. Take the next step in your academic career—bring your expertise, vision, and enthusiasm to Oberlin College, and help us continue to lead the nation in innovative, equitable computer science education.
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Seize this opportunity to make a significant impact. Apply now and take the first step toward a rewarding new role.
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