Assistant Professor of Data Science

Description

Pepperdine University’s Seaver College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, located in Malibu, California, invites applications for a tenure-track appointment as an Assistant Professor or Associate Professor of Data Science beginning August 1, 2026. Applicants who have completed a Ph.D. in machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, applied statistics, or closely related discipline by August 2026 are desired; however, candidates with post-doctoral experience are preferred. Well-qualified candidates will be able to contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of the Pepperdine experience through their teaching, scholarship, and interacting with undergraduates.

Seaver College places the total development of students at the heart of its educational strategy and seeks scholar-educators who demonstrate exceptional interest and effectiveness in teaching, a commitment to establishing a productive research program, and desire to mentor undergraduate students in both teaching and research. Candidates should have the background and ability to teach a broad range of undergraduate level courses in data science and specific teaching/research experience in at least one focus area such as biomedical data science, machine learning, computer vision, image processing, robotics, or natural language processing. Candidates should also have an active and promising scholarly program. Successful candidates will demonstrate an active commitment to the Christian mission and values of the University and the mission of Seaver College.

The salary for this appointment will range from $90,174 to $96,257 and reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this faculty appointment. Actual salary may vary based on the qualifications and experience of the applicant, as well as market conditions. In addition to salary, Pepperdine offers a robust suite of employee benefits.

Applicants should submit: 1) a cover letter, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) a statement indicating how the candidate will support the Christian mission of the University, including their current involvement in a community of faith, 4) transcripts of all graduate work (unofficial copies are acceptable during the application process; however, official transcripts will be required for selected applicants), and 5) names and contact information for three references (these should be the same individuals who will provide a Confidential Letter of Recommendation or Evaluation if the candidate proceeds with interviews). Applicants invited to interview may be asked to provide: 1) a statement of teaching philosophy, 2) a statement detailing the candidate’s scholarly agenda, 3) three confidential letters of recommendation.

To submit application materials click [Apply Now].

Application review will begin on December 1, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. 

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds. Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

Any inquiries about this position should be sent to: 

Dr. Fabien Scalzo, Associate Professor of Computer Science (fabien.scalzo@pepperdine.edu)

Natural Science Division 

Seaver College, Pepperdine University

24255 Pacific Coast Highway

Malibu, CA 90263 

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit:

• Letter of application

• Curriculum vitae

• Names and contact information for three references. These should be the same individuals who will provide a Confidential Letter of Recommendation or Evaluation if you proceed with the interview process.

• Transcripts of all graduate work. (Unofficial copies are acceptable for the application; however, official transcripts may be required for selected applicants.)

• Personal Statement. Reflect on Pepperdine’s Christian mission and address your pattern of support for generally accepted Christian values and the University’s mission, your active participation in a faith community, and your practice or vision for integrating faith and learning in the classroom. 

• [Confidential Letter of Recommendation or Evaluation] Once selected for preliminary interviews: Three current letters of reference. All letters should be specific to the position and completed within one year prior to the date of submission. The name and email address for each individual providing a letter of recommendation is required when submitting an application.

• [Teaching statement] Once selected for preliminary interviews: Teaching statement. Please reflect on your values, beliefs, and goals regarding the teaching and learning process and any pedagogical practices used or envisioned to achieve these goals. Two to three pages maximum length.

• [Research Statement] Once selected for preliminary interviews: Research Statement. Outline your short- and long-term objectives and goals for your research and/or creative activities. Please reflect on currently published or presented work(s) as a foundation for the statement. Two to three pages maximum length.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University.

Pepperdine is religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context which celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. While students, faculty, staff and members of the Board of Regents represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine reserves the right to seek, hire and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists.

It is the intent of the University to create and promote a diverse work force consistent with its stated goals and mission.