Teaching Assistant Professor
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Job Info

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Department:

Computer Science - 318400

Posting Open Date:

09/10/2024

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Position Type:

Permanent Faculty

Working Title:

Teaching Assistant Professor

Appointment Type:

Fixed Term Faculty

Vacancy ID:

FAC0005224

Full-time/Part-time:

Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week:

40

FTE:

1

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Proposed Start Date:

07/01/2025

Be a Tar Heel!:

The Department of Computer Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for the position of Teaching Assistant Professor. We seek applications from individuals with exceptional promise for, or a proven record of, teaching computer science topics in a diverse undergraduate university environment using evidence-based pedagogical practices. This position is responsible for teaching foundational courses aligned with the instructor's expertise and passion with possibilities including introduction to programming (CS1), data structures, object-oriented programming with design patterns, systems programming fundamentals, computer architecture, discrete mathematics, theory of computation, and analysis of algorithms. The position also has opportunities to teach upper-division major courses, such as compilers, first-year seminars, Honors Carolina courses, and lead summer study abroad programs depending on the interests of the candidate. Ideal candidates will employ innovative, evidence-based pedagogical methods and instructional technologies to effectively teach large classes and play a significant role in the shaping of our undergraduate curricula. Candidates should be driven to engage and serve a diverse population of students to participate and foster student success in their courses. The position will include training, supervising, and evaluating graduate teaching assistants and undergraduate learning assistants. The position is a state-appropriated, permanent faculty line with an initial term of three years, to be renewed for up to five year intervals, and has a promotion path to Teaching Associate Professor and Teaching Professor.

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

As the largest unit on campus, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the Carolina experience. The College consists of 43 academic departments and curricula and numerous programs, centers and institutes. It is home to more than 18,000 undergraduate students, including all of the University's first-year and second-year students. About 2,300 graduate students study and teach in the College. The Department of Computer Science at UNC Chapel Hill is dedicated to excellence in undergraduate education with nine teaching track faculty, over 30 tenured/tenure track faculty, and eight research faculty, who serve more than one thousand undergraduate majors. Computer Science is the third largest undergraduate major at UNC-Chapel Hill, with both Bachelors of Science and Bachelors of Arts degree programs. Our department is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences which makes for a diverse student population with varied cross-disciplinary interests. Teaching faculty are valued members of our department's egalitarian community with equitable representation in governance. They are supported by talented undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants who are passionate about improving educational outcomes and creating inclusive communities in computer science.

Position Summary:

This is a permanent Teaching Assistant Professor position with an initial term of three years, to be renewed for up to five year intervals, and has a promotion path to Teaching Associate Professor and Teaching Professor. This position is responsible for teaching foundational courses aligned with the instructor's expertise and passion with possibilities including introduction to programming (CS1), data structures, object-oriented programming with design patterns, systems programming fundamentals, computer architecture, discrete mathematics, theory of computation, and analysis of algorithms. The position also has opportunities to teach upper-division major courses, such as compilers, first-year seminars, Honors Carolina courses, and lead summer study abroad programs. The position will include training, supervising, and evaluating graduate teaching assistants and undergraduate learning assistants.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Candidates must have at least a Master's degree in Computer Science, or a closely related field, and instructor of record experience, or significant teaching assistant experience, in an academic setting. Candidates must have demonstrable experience with evidence-based pedagogical practices.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

Experience teaching large courses and employing evidence-based instructional interventions, innovations, and/or technologies to teach at scale is desired.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.

Special Instructions:

For full consideration, please complete your application by October 10th, 2024. Following the initial deadline, applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

1. A cover letter that includes a summary of teaching experience
2. A CV that includes courses taught
3. A 2-page statement of Teaching Philosophy and pedagogical approaches for engaging with large-enrollment university audiences
4. Any available evidence of teaching effectiveness (uploaded as Other Document in the application portal). Student Evaluations from prior courses taught as instructor of record, or served as a teaching assistant, are ideal. If currently teaching a course, a mid-term student survey with student evaluation questions and open ended feedback after 5 to 6 weeks is encouraged. If teaching observation reports from peers are available, these are encouraged to include, as well.

A subset of candidates will be invited to a preliminary teaching demonstration round. In this round, candidates will be asked to record and submit a teaching demonstration video. This is a short video of themselves teaching an introductory computer science topic. The video will be between 5 and 10 minutes in length and additional instructions will be provided.

Following the teaching demonstration round, a subset of candidates will be invited to a preliminary zoom screen. The candidate will be asked to participate in a 30-minute remote Zoom interview. For candidates who reach this stage, they will be asked to solicit 2 letters of reference. At least one letter should address the candidate's teaching experience, ideally from a position of having observed the candidate teach, and their potential as an educator. Letters of reference must be signed and printed on institutional letterhead and should be addressed to the Teaching Assistant Professor Search Committee.

Following the Zoom screen interview, if invited to an on-site final round interview, candidates will then be asked to visit the UNC-CH campus for a day, give a 50-minute lecture, and engage with faculty and students in the final interview process. Expenses for travel, food, and lodging will be paid for by the Computer Science Department.

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