The Data Science Institute (DSI) at Brown University seeks an Academic Director to oversee a new online master?s degree program in Data Science: Policy, Governance & Society. This position will carry the title of Professor of the Practice of Data Science (rank to be determined by experience). It is a 12-month appointment, with an initial contract of 3 years, renewable for longer. The Academic Director will provide overall academic and intellectual leadership for the program, working with other DSI faculty, especially with faculty of DSI?s related but distinct in-person master?s program. The incumbent will also serve as instructor for one or more courses in the program. 

The mission of Brown?s online ScM in Data Science: Policy, Governance & Society is to provide students with a strong foundation in the methods and algorithms of data science, through a study of relevant topics in mathematics, statistics and computer science, including machine learning, data mining, visualization, and data management, to meet the growing demands of this industry and become future leaders in the field. Through courses providing technical foundations for data science practice as well as  ethical, policy and governance considerations, the program will train students to address the growing concerns stemming from the lack of governance in a range of areas in which data, in particular "big data" and artificial intelligence, are affecting people?s lives worldwide. 

The program is designed for students from across the globe who work full or part time while completing their degree, and seeks to recruit, educate, and develop an impactful domestic and international group of data scientists trained with proficiency and expertise in essential technical, ethical, policy, and legal concepts relevant to evaluating data science practices.

The Academic Director will be a key partner, along with DSI faculty and administrative personnel in Brown?s School of Professional Studies, in establishing this program from its inception, including overseeing curricular design; determining delivery and evaluation methods for courses, applied learning experiences, and capstone experiences; and developing appropriate co-curricular student support. This position will work with university partners to ensure the rigor of the program and abide by national accreditation standards. They will assist with marketing efforts and design strategies for inclusive recruiting practices. 

The Academic Director will oversee faculty search committees and the student admissions committee for the program. Responsibilities extend to setting strategic direction for curriculum design and student support, collaborating with DSI leaders and Deans on scalability and growth, and teaching one or more courses as required. The Academic Director will also help to manage the program's budget and resources, and facilitate connections between online and in-person programs to enhance collaboration and opportunities for faculty and students.

The Academic Director?s role also includes cultivating relationships with industry, government, and nonprofit entities to ensure a strong pool of candidates for the program, enhance career opportunities for graduates, and stay informed about emerging trends relevant to the curriculum. This position will also be involved in leading discussions with key organizations to establish strategic partnerships for student recruitment and fostering diversity. 

About DSI: The mission of the Data Science Institute (DSI) at Brown is to stimulate innovation and support people aspiring to improve lives in our data-driven world. DSI engages people across campus and beyond, to educate all in data fluency and advanced area-specific applications of data science methods; stimulate large-scale multidisciplinary research developing and applying data science methods to multiple data modalities; and ensure that the power of data be leveraged toward a more equitable society. DSI includes two research centers (the Center for Computational Molecular Biology and the Center for Technological Responsibility), an existing in-person master?s program, and an undergraduate data fluency certificate. 

DSI is committed to sustaining a diverse and inclusive environment for all members of our community and is particularly interested in candidates whose scholarship, teaching and service can further our efforts. Brown also aims to foster a diverse and inclusive environment; its detailed vision and action plan for realizing this commitment is articulated in Pathways to Diversity and Inclusion.

The ideal candidate will have teaching experience as well as some experience in program management. Industry experience is also desirable, along with the ability to manage relationships with public and private-sector entities. A graduate degree (PhD) is preferred. Experience with online education is a plus.

Applicants should submit the following documents:

• Names and contact information of 3 recommenders
• CV or resume
• Teaching statement (addressing online teaching)
• Diversity statement 
  

We will start reading applications on July 1, and continue accepting applications until the position is filled.

As an EEO/AA employer, Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person?s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our University policies.

About Brown University

Located in historic Providence, Rhode Island and founded in 1764, Brown University is the seventh-oldest college in the United States. Brown is an independent, coeducational Ivy League institution comprising undergraduate and graduate programs, plus the Alpert Medical School, School of Engineering, School of Public Health, Executive Master of Healthcare Leadership and the IE Brown Executive MBA.

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