Assistant Professor of Data Science
We invite applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in our new, interdisciplinary Data Science major. A Ph.D. or terminal degree is required at the time of appointment in Fall 2027. We seek a quantitative scholar with expertise in applying data science to substantive questions in one or more areas aligned with Lewis & Clark’s strategic priorities, including education, the environment, entrepreneurship, health, and law and public policy. The successful candidate will be prepared to teach introductory and intermediate data science courses, an advanced statistical modeling and inference course, and data-intensive coursework in their area of expertise. Previous experience teaching these courses is desirable.
The Data Science program at Lewis & Clark combines rigorous training in statistics, computing, and data analysis with the broad perspective of a liberal arts education. Students learn to ask meaningful questions, work with real-world data, and communicate insights clearly while developing strong skills in programming, critical thinking, and ethical analysis. The program is intentionally interdisciplinary and centered on applied work, bringing together faculty from mathematics and natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The rapidly growing program currently serves more than 45 minors and a newly approved major guided by an interdisciplinary steering committee of faculty members. Distinctive activities include the Data Café, which offers nightly peer coding support in the library, an annual Data Science Hackathon, a faculty-led study abroad program in Berlin, and courses that partner with community organizations to apply data skills to real-world challenges.
We invite applicants to join a supportive, creative, and collaborative community of scholar-teachers as we prepare students for meaningful careers, civic engagement, and lifelong discovery. Together we seek a just and sustainable society, both locally and globally. We seek candidates who wish to become excellent teachers and scholars at a liberal arts college and whose varied experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds can contribute to a diverse and inclusive community of critical thinkers. Our faculty typically teach five courses per academic year, including participation in the College’s general education program, and advise and mentor students with varied backgrounds from across the US and around the globe. The college provides a paid pre-tenure junior sabbatical, mentoring, and professional development support.
A complete application must include a cover letter which describes your interest in joining Lewis & Clark College, your research interests, your teaching philosophy, and a statement describing how your teaching and professional activities will contribute to an inclusive classroom and campus community. We also require a curriculum vitae, evidence of teaching effectiveness, a sample of scholarship (which may be work in progress), graduate transcripts, and three letters of recommendation (uploaded separately by your recommenders). Materials may be addressed to Professor Ellen Seljan.
Review of applications will begin on October 30, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
