Assistant Professor of Computer Science

The Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science (MSCS) at St. Olaf College invites applications for a full-time, tenure track position in computer science at the Assistant Professor level to begin August 2023. We are looking for candidates who have a Ph.D. in Computer Science, or a closely related field, who can contribute broadly to our growing computer science program through teaching, research and supervision of undergraduate research.  

The normal teaching load is six courses per year. Regular teaching responsibilities include courses at all levels of a curriculum—from introductory programming courses to upper-level courses in one’s field of expertise—that is mindful of ACM/IEEE standards for undergraduate programs in computer science.

Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in computer science, or a closely related field, is strongly preferred by the date of appointment. While we will consider all areas of specialization, candidates with interest in systems areas (such as operating systems, databases, high-performance computing, and networks) are particularly encouraged to apply. We expect that the successful candidate will also contribute to leadership in the program and a vision for the future as computer science continues to grow at St Olaf.

About the Department:

Our Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science (MSCS) Department includes thriving programs in mathematics, statistics and data science, computer science, mathematical biology, and mathematics education. While maintaining disciplinary rigor, we promote interactions and synergy among MSCS programs and across the college. Our dedicated MSCS faculty collaborate with talented students, support our excellent record of teaching, and are leaders in a wide range of research programs. Our department is actively engaged in the work of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and we seek a tenure-track colleague who will contribute to inclusive excellence, engage undergraduates in innovative research, and teach a variety of courses across our Computer Science curriculum.

Possibilities abound for collaborative research; projects involving undergraduates are supported by St. Olaf’s Collaborative Undergraduate Research and Inquiry program. Additionally, our Center for Interdisciplinary Research is a nationally recognized program that pairs MSCS faculty and students with faculty and students from other disciplines “to share in the excitement and challenge of working across the traditional academic boundaries to collaborate on research.” The St. Olaf mathematics program is among the largest and most successful at American undergraduate institutions, annually graduating about 70 mathematics majors. The statistics and data science program is also vibrant, with 5 tenured/tenure-track faculty members and approximately 50 statistics and data science concentrators each year. The computer science program is growing quickly, doubling the number of majors (from the 20’s to the 40’s) in just a few years. St. Olaf is among the nation’s top undergraduate origins of PhDs in the mathematical sciences. For more information about the department, visit wp.stolaf.edu/mscs.

Diversity:

At St. Olaf, we are committed to equity and inclusion. We strive to be a campus of welcome where students, faculty, and staff thrive by bringing their full humanity—gender identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic class, disability, religion, spirituality, and age—to the Hill each day. Our goal is to generate conversations and processes that over time create greater clarity, transparency, trust, cooperation, consensus, respect, and measurable outcomes. Practices that support this goal include listening, cultivating a growth mindset, respecting those with different views, being informed by data, and understanding that the work is ongoing, collaborative, organic, and ever evolving. We encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan to learn more about our commitment and to identify how you might contribute to these efforts.

How to Apply:

A complete application includes:
1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Diversity statement (200-500 word limit): Describe how you would contribute to the development of a diverse and inclusive learning community at our college through your teaching, research, and/or service. Include examples of your contributions when possible.
4. Graduate school transcript (unofficial is acceptable)
5. Statement of teaching philosophy: This should include your views and approaches to teaching, and not simply a list of your teaching experiences.
6. Statement of Research and Interests (including research for undergraduates): Written for a general CS audience.
7. The contact information for three professional references who can speak to your abilities in teaching and scholarship (St. Olaf solicits letters directly after an initial round of screening.)

Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2022, and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received by that date will receive fullest consideration. Finalist interviews are expected in October 2022. Questions about the position, department, or College may be directed to Prof. Katie Ziegler-Graham, Search Committee Chair, at tt2023cs@stolaf.edu.

Who We Are:

Founded in 1874, St. Olaf College is a residential, coeducational liberal arts college with approximately 3,000 students and 800 faculty and staff employees. The college is located on a picturesque 300-acre campus in Northfield, Minnesota, a vibrant, restored, historic river town of 20,000 located 45 minutes south of culturally rich and diverse Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The college offers an academically rigorous, nationally ranked liberal arts education that fosters the development of the whole person in mind, body, and spirit and emphasizes learning in an inclusive and globally engaged community. We encourage applications from candidates committed to multicultural understanding and the enrichment of our diverse community.

The college offers a comprehensive benefits package including a 9% company retirement match, company monthly contributions to a retirement healthcare account, company contributions to eligible employee’s health savings account, significant tuition discount (up to 80% off) at ACM and ELCA colleges and universities for employee’s children, and generous paid time off. For a full review of benefit offerings, see the summary of the benefits program here: https://wp.stolaf.edu/hr/benefits/

To provide a safe and secure educational environment, St. Olaf College verifies the accuracy of all credentials presented by applicants and conducts a criminal background check on every new hire. 

St. Olaf College requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (medical and religious exemptions may apply). To be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, you need to have received the COVID-19 vaccination dose(s), plus a COVID-19 booster shot before your start date, or within two weeks of eligibility for a booster.

A link to our DEI page: https://wp.stolaf.edu/equity-inclusion/

A virtual campus tour: https://www.stolaf.edu/multimedia/play/?p=483

An overview of Northfield: https://wp.stolaf.edu/admissions/visit/northfield/

An overview of the Twin Cities: https://wp.stolaf.edu/admissions/visit/twincities/