Assistant Professor of Data Science

The School of Natural Resources (SNR) at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture in Knoxville invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track position as an Assistant Professor of Data Science, 75% Research/25% Teaching. The successful candidate also will be a member of the SNR Data Science Institute and Center for Renewable Carbon. The individual must be committed to the Land Grant University mission of teaching, research, and outreach, with a strong interest in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. The finalist’s expertise should complement the School’s existing research and teaching programs.

The successful candidate will develop a research and teaching program focused on educating applied data scientists, with an emphasis on natural resource processing and manufacturing. We welcome applicants with experience in any of the following: data quality, data fusion, supply chain management, design of experiments, statistical process control, artificial intelligence, machine learning, process modelling, life cycle assessment and technoeconomic analysis. Applicants with experience in data science applications to bio-based energy and materials are encouraged to apply. Applicants should have demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability and willingness to work in an interdisciplinary environment.

Teaching responsibilities will include developing and teaching an introductory undergraduate class in data science for natural resources and a graduate class in data science focused on the applicant’s expertise. The successful candidate will participate in the new Forest Business M.S. program and the ongoing undergraduate and graduate SNR programs.

The finalist will have the opportunity to leverage existing relationships with the nearby Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Southern Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis unit. Potential collaborative groups at the University of Tennessee include the Business Analytics & Statistics Program, the UT Institute of Secure and Sustainable Environment, the Global Supply Chain Institute, and the AI Tennessee Initiative. The successful candidate will be encouraged to seek collaboration with private industry, non-governmental organizations, and other state and federal agencies. In addition to securing extramural funding, the successful candidate will be expected to publish in peer-refereed journals, advise undergraduate students, direct graduate students in research, serve on School committees, and participate in professional societies.

Required qualifications: A Ph.D. in data science, statistics, industrial engineering, biomaterials science, forestry, or a related field, completed before the position start date.

Desired qualifications: Experience in a processing and/or manufacturing industry; a strong publication record; success in grant writing; supervisory experience, understanding of the Land Grant missions; and a good record of collaboration and cooperative research with state and federal natural resource agencies, non-government organizations, and industry.

To Apply: Upload a cover letter, a two-page statement of research plans and goals, a one-page statement of teaching philosophy, copies of transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work, a curriculum vitae detailing educational background, work experience, publications, and grants secured, and names and full contact information of three professional references through the University?s online job portal. Questions regarding the position may be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Adam Taylor, adamtaylor@utk.edu.  Review of applications will begin in January 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.

Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to eoa@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to investigations@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-0717.

About University of Tennessee, Knoxville

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