Professor of Africana and Digital and Computational Studies

Description: The Program in Africana at Bates College, in conjunction with the Program in Digital & Computational Studies, invites applications for an open rank tenure-line position in the data sciences that spans Africana Studies and Digital & Computational Studies, to begin in August 2027.While areas of expertise are open, the candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinarity, including applying the traditions of Africana and Black Studies critique to the construction, navigation and re-imaging of algorithmic and data systems. From the Africana perspective we are interested in data science candidates whose research engages with social science and/or humanities topics that may include, but are not limited to: Black transnational and diaspora studies; Black aesthetics, such as music and performance; new media and cultural studies; Black disability studies; comparative race, ethnicity, indigeneity, gender, and sexuality studies; social movements; racial capitalism; carcerality; health and inequality; law; education; or public policy. The candidate will draw from methods in data science including, but not limited to: information science, computational text analysis, open science and data, artificial intelligence (AI), software development, data management, small computing solutions, analysis of large datasets, community-partnered data science; data curation and management; digital humanities; data activism and/or data science and AI education. The Africana Program adopts progressive interdisciplinary approaches to the understanding of people of African descent globally. Courses in Africana examine conceptualizations of "race," its use as a tool of critical analysis, and intersections with other social and political identities. DCS is an interdisciplinary program that bridges core elements of computer science, data science, and digital studies, connecting to the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and/or other existing interdisciplinary programs on campus. The DCS curriculum asks students to interrogate the practices, values, cultures and assumptions of the digital world, while engaging with computing for social good. Examples of courses that bridge other disciplines and DCS can be found among the list of DCS courses. The position carries a standard five-course teaching load either as a 2-3 or 3-2 across two semesters, or as a 2-2-1 across two semesters and the Bates Short Term. The duties of the position include the three main areas of faculty work: teaching, professional achievement, and governance and engagement. The standards of excellence for faculty at Bates are articulated in Article II of the Faculty Handbook, and include a commitment to inclusive and evidence-based pedagogy, impactful professional work, and contributions to the broader Bates community. The successful applicant may teach Introduction to Africana (AFR 100), cross-list and/or contribute at least one course per academic year with DCS either in the data science and analysis menu or co-teach in the Capstone course, periodically contribute to our college-wide First Year Seminar program, advise senior theses, serve as an academic advisor, and fulfill governance commitments to the college. Given the wide range of backgrounds of Bates students, we seek candidates who are committed to each student's success. We ask that candidates incorporate into their teaching statement plans for helping all students succeed, and share evidence of relevant preparation or experience. We encourage applications from individuals from historically marginalized groups and from those who may have followed non-traditional pathways to higher education due to societal, economic, or academic circumstances.