Tenured and Tenure-Track Professor, Data Science and Statistics

Engineering a world of possibilities

The Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics (AMS) at the Colorado School of Mines (Mines) is seeking applicants for two faculty positions with expertise in the fields of Data Science and Statistics.

The first position is tenured or tenure-track open rank, while the second position is tenure-track at the rank of Assistant Professor. The positions require high-quality, academic teaching experience in data science and statistics at the intersection of theory and substantive applications, as well as a research focus on modeling and computation.

• Consistent with the intended rank, candidates will possess a strong record of academic scholarship and research contributions supported by peer-reviewed journal publications
• Consistent with the intended rank, candidates will demonstrate evidence or the potential to support a vibrant research program based on external support from government, foundations, industry or non-profit organizations
• Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in the application of data science to spatial and space-time data including scientific problems in the geosciences, human health and biosciences, the environment, and energy systems
• Consistent with the intended rank, candidates should demonstrate evidence of, or the potential for, significant engagement and leadership skills that will benefit  the AMS department, the university, and professional societies, through active participation in committees and service to the scientific community

Successful candidates will contribute to the University’s mission of creating a sustainable global society by educating the next generation of scientists, engineers, and leaders, and by expanding the frontiers of knowledge through research. A high value is placed on applicants who can collaborate across disciplinary boundaries and secure research funding from a diverse array of sources, including support from industry. Mines seeks to hire candidates who contribute to an outstanding university experience for our students through their education and preparation for careers after graduation. In addition, preference is given to candidates with a passion to advance the university’s and department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

For questions about this opportunity, contact Douglas Nychka, AMS search committee chair, at nychka@mines.edu. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement a vigorous, externally supported research program that enhances the overall research portfolio of the AMS department
• Teach courses that are valuable to undergraduate and graduate students across multiple departments and programs
• Contribute to the growth and development of undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars through leadership, mentorship, and collaboration
• Contribute to AMS, Mines, and professional communities through active service
• Promote and contribute to an inclusive and diverse Mines community

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, or a related field from an accredited program
• Research experience in an academic, research lab, and/or industry environment  with a record of peer-reviewed publications in statistics and/or data science
• Demonstrated experience and/or commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion efforts
• Associate and Full Professor candidates must possess an established, funded, and impactful research program with clear potential for continuance. Assistant Professor candidates must show a positive trajectory in this regard. In addition, Full Professor candidates must demonstrate an established international reputation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Successful record of teaching in higher education, conducting academic research, and/or industry or national lab experience
• Successful record of leading research initiatives that include methodology in statistics or data science
• Demonstrated record of scholarship through peer-reviewed and first author publications
• Demonstrated record of or potential for external research funding

Department Description

The Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics (AMS) at Mines has been notably successful in creating programs that draw on the strengths and richness from both the mathematical and statistical sciences. Our teaching and research are focused at the interface of Computational Applied Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science allowing us to provide structure, rigor, and quantitative insights for the collaborative solution of data-driven problems that are a feature of the 21st century world. A common theme throughout much of the department’s activity is a focus on models and methods for “data” in its many forms: ranging from large remotely sensed observations to the often complex output from numerical models to subject responses in medical studies. This broad interest in mathematical models and substantive data has created a collegial research environment among our faculty and also fostered many interdisciplinary collaborations across Mines and the broader Colorado research community including research centers, academic hospitals,  consortia, agencies, and national labs. AMS currently has a mix of 25 tenured/tenure track faculty and teaching faculty spanning applied and computational mathematics and statistics. We currently educate roughly 150 undergraduate majors and about 50 graduate students. The Department offers B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Computational & Applied Mathematics and Statistics, and supports growing interdisciplinary programs in Data Science, Quantitative Bioscience & Engineering, and Operations Research with Engineering. For more information about the Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics see https://ams.mines.edu.

About Mines & Golden, CO 

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines. 

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023). 

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.  

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size. 

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?  

Look to Mines. 

Equal Opportunity 

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse student body and workforce. 

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety. 

Annual Rate 

Assistant Professor: $87,693 - $115,301

Associate Professor: $100,260 - $174,626

Professor: $134,800 - $174,626

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees. 

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees.

For this role, that includes: 

• Flexible health and dental care options 

• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus. 

• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution 

• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents) 

• Free RTD Ecopass 

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state-of-the-art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits. 

How to Apply 

Interested applicants should apply online as soon as possible but before November 30, 2024. The search committee will start reviewing applications on December 1, 2024. If you submit your application after November 30, 2024, it may or may not be considered.

How to Apply: Applicants must submit (1) a letter of application, (2) a statement of research experience and interests (not to exceed 2 double-spaced pages) (3) a statement of teaching experience and interests (not to exceed 2 double-spaced pages), 4) statement on contributions to diversity and inclusion, describing your past experiences and proposed activities to advance access, inclusion, and diversity at Mines (not to exceed 2 double-spaced pages), and (5) a curriculum vitae. References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and applicants will be informed before that contact is made. Applicants should indicate their desired ranking in their letter of application.

Research Statement: Candidates should describe how their research relates to and complements research activities and expertise at Mines, its expected scholarly and societal impact, its relevance to Mines’ goals (e.g., earth, energy, and environment), and current or future connections to industry and/or opportunities for entrepreneurship. The statement should cover both the candidate's past history of successful research as well as their plans for future research at Mines, and their plans for obtaining external funding for that future research. Candidates should also be sure to describe any transdisciplinary aspects of their research. (For more information visit https://www.mines.edu/president/planning/.)

Teaching Statement: Mines is committed to high-quality, hands-on, and project-based learning. Additionally, Mines is growing its online MS non-thesis degree programs. Candidates should cover their in-person and hands-on teaching pedagogy and be prepared to describe any experience they have in online education.

Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Candidates should submit a statement on Contributions to Diversity and Inclusion. Mines is committed to access, inclusion, and diversity and is actively developing a strategic plan to advance Diversity, Inclusion, and Access (for more information visit https://www.mines.edu/about/diversity-and-inclusion/). The diversity and inclusion statement should describe your past experience and should propose concrete research, teaching, and/or service activities that will advance access, inclusion, and diversity at Mines and beyond.

Contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, at dorie.gelber@mines.edu with any questions about this opportunity. 

Background Investigation Required Prior to Start

Accommodations - It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities to promote diversity and inclusion at Mines. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment. 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance. 

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting