Lecturer in Computer Science

Lecturer in Computer Science

The Department of Computer Science at Brown University is seeking applicants for a faculty position at the rank of lecturer, senior lecturer, or distinguished senior lecturer.

The department strives to build a diverse and inclusive environment for all members of our community, and is particularly interested in candidates whose experience, teaching, service, or scholarship can further these efforts. Our department’s detailed vision and action plan for diversity fits within Brown’s broader commitment to this work.

The position and program have several distinguishing characteristics:

1. While some of the teaching will be in first- and second-year courses, candidates will also teach some upper-level undergraduate courses, based on their expertise and department needs. Lecturers are expected to advise undergraduate research projects, and are welcome to participate in graduate research with the rest of the faculty. Lecturers with substantial research participation and supporting funds may be eligible for periodic course release. Over the past few years, the department has begun to successfully roll out an initiative  to embed socially-responsible computing content across our curriculum in a pioneering model. The initiative is supported by dedicated teaching assistant positions, a faculty coordinator, and an administrative coordinator. Though all faculty take responsibility for executing this vision, interested lecturers are in a particularly good position to shape and drive it. The department has a strong undergraduate culture, anchored by a mature program for undergraduate teaching assistants (endowed at $10 million), as well as a long history of top-caliber published undergraduate research. All faculty therefore get to work closely with undergraduates in multiple capacities on a continuum from classroom to research.

The initial appointment would be for a 3-year period (renewable with potential for promotion and longer-term contracts). This position is part of a major expansion plan for the department as it is increasing its roster by 50% over the next few years. The position involves teaching four undergraduate courses per year, academic advising, and engaging with the department’s intellectual culture. Lecturers participate fully in faculty meetings and department initiatives. The department values teaching and educational innovation, and welcomes candidates interested in formally researching computing education in the context of their teaching (though this is not a requirement).

Brown offers a vibrant community for both teaching and research, with 32 tenured and tenure-track faculty members, five lecturers (teaching faculty members), two research faculty and several affiliated, adjunct, and visiting faculty members. Research and graduate programs leverage disciplinary strengths in CS as well as Brown’s broader interdisciplinary culture. CS is a founding partner in multiple university-wide initiatives including Data Science, Computational Molecular Biology, Human-Centered Robotics, and the currently-launching Center for Computing for the People.

Brown University is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and global academic community. As an EEO/AA employer, Brown considers applicants for employment without discrimination on the basis of gender, race, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. The department is similarly committed to building a diverse faculty and strongly encourages women, underrepresented minorities and those who can contribute to the excellence, diversity, and inclusivity of our academic community. We ask the candidates to report any relevant experience, including work with diverse constituents, and plans in their applications.

Brown University is located in Providence, RI, close to Narragansett Bay, an hour from Boston and about three hours from New York City. Providence has been consistently rated among the Northeast's most livable cities and is home to diverse intellectual, artistic, and business communities.

The position is expected to start in the fall of 2023. In selecting candidates, we will consider quality and effectiveness of teaching, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and compatibility with the area needs and interests of the department, as well as potential for effective participation in department or university activities. For all applicants, we will consider potential for impact beyond Brown (through teaching, research, significant system building, outreach, or other professional activities, as appropriate for the candidate). Applicants must have a Ph.D. by the start of the position. Applicants must submit a cover letter, a CV, a teaching statement, a diversity statement (which can be included in the teaching statement) and a research statement (or a statement describing other significant professional activities beyond classroom instruction). Candidates must also arrange for at least three letters of reference to be submitted through the application website.

To apply, please use Interfolio: http://apply.interfolio.com/112787. Review will begin on November 1, 2022, but applications will be considered until the position is filled. Inquiries may be addressed to: teaching-faculty-search_2023-request@lists.cs.brown.edu