Assistant Professor in Computational and Data Sciences

Department: College of Science

Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty

Job Category: Instructional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: 

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Works with Minors check: Yes

About the Department:

The Department of Computational and Data Sciences (CDS, https://sciences.gmu.edu/cds) at George Mason University (GMU) is a rapidly growing department for data science and computing innovation. Part of the College of Science, CDS advances state-of-the-art research and delivers top-tier education at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Computational and Data Science. This program integrates data analytics, modeling, and scientific computing to prepare students for careers in industry, government, and beyond. CDS provides career advancement opportunities for graduate students through its M.S. in Computational Science, Ph.D. in Computational Sciences and Informatics, and Ph.D. in Computational Social Science. These programs emphasize technical expertise and the interdisciplinary applications of computation, modeling & simulation, and data-driven discovery.

Complementing its educational mission, CDS faculty develop, conduct, and disseminate cutting-edge, externally funded interdisciplinary research in diverse application areas where computational science, data science, and modeling & simulation are essential. Its recent research portfolio includes funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the U.S. Department of the Army.

Through collaborations with government and industry partners at both regional and national levels, the department strives to ensure its research remains competitive. In alignment with the broader mission of GMU and the College of Science, CDS is also strongly committed to engagement, working with high school, undergraduate, and graduate students as well as stakeholder communities through research opportunities, internships, summer programs, and collaborations within and beyond the university.

About the Position:

The position in the CDS Department is expected to support its efforts to achieve its mission in education, research, and engagement. The successful tenure-track Assistant Professor in this position is expected to: (a) teach at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, develop new course curriculum, and support the department’s undergraduate, certificate, Master, and two PhD programs; (b) develop an independent competitive research portfolio, and produce research on a regular basis including extramural grant proposals, scientific publications, and presentations; and (c) participate and contribute to service at the department, college, university, and relevant scientific communities/organizations.

George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing inclusive excellence and fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation throughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values include cultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures, and perspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation, and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsiveness in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.

Responsibilities:

Instructional Duties:

• Teaches courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels in all course modalities (in-person and online) as assigned, develops new courses in area(s) of expertise, and supports teaching activities across undergraduate, certificate, and graduate programs in the department.

Research:

• Develops an independent competitive research agenda and portfolio, and produces research on a regular basis, including pursing external funding, publications, and presentations, and advises undergraduate and graduate students engaged in research.

Service to the Department, College, and University:

• Serves on department standing and ad-hoc committees, supports undergraduate and graduate academic advising and career development, supports department efforts to grow and promote the department and its programs, and serves on college- and university-level committees appropriate for career stage and experience.

Required Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in a related field;
• Ph.D. in a closely related field including Data Science, Information Science, Scientific Computing, Simulation, and Modeling is required prior to starting this appointment;
• Skill in developing and delivering high quality curriculum and instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels;
• Ability to conduct high-quality and impactful research;
• Ability to produce peer-reviewed scholarship in major publication avenues in the field;
• Ability to conduct research in collaboration with undergraduate and graduate students;
• Ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students;
• Ability and knowledge for developing an active research agenda and activity in one or more fields of specialization; and
• Ability to communicate with students, staff, and faculty effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching;
• Demonstrated record of publishing peer-reviewed scholarship;
• Demonstrated record of pursuing or obtaining external research funding;
• Relevant postdoctoral experience;
• Demonstrated research record that combines Artificial Intelligence and/or Machine Learning with one or more of the following areas: Scientific Computing, Modeling & Simulation, or Computational Social Science;
• Experience with a variety of technical environments commonly used in computational science and data science;
• Strong knowledge of familiarity with the foundation and state-of-the-art in data science, scientific computing, modeling and simulation, and computational social sciences;
• Knowledge of best practices for developing and delivering course curriculum;
• Knowledge in research areas that align with or strongly complement those of the department;
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills;
• Excellent organizational and time management skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills; and
• Ability to work and collaborate effectively in group settings.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Assistant Professor in Computational and Data Sciences at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter, CV, research statement, and philosophy of teaching.

Posting Open Date:  August 9, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  October 1, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes