Teaching Faculty in Emerging Technologies

Description

The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's (UTK) seeks dynamic, collaborative, and innovative non-tenure track faculty members to contribute to its existing and future programs on emerging topics and applied computational practices. CECS has multiple positions open for non-tenure track, nine-month appointments to begin on August 1, 2025. Consistent with the mission of the University, the selected candidates will be responsible for teaching and service. Teaching assignments within the college will be made by the dean according to the demands of enrollment and scheduling. The primary teaching responsibilities will include courses in emerging technologies such as Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Applied Computing, Sustainability, as well as other new courses launched by the College. Service to the College is expected and will be assigned by the dean. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong interest and ability in teaching across CECS graduate and undergraduate degrees, certificates, and minors. 

Expertise in the following teaching areas is expected:

• Artificial Intelligence – introductory AI courses, natural language processing, human-AI interaction, AI ethics and legal frameworks, conversational AI, AI-based data handling and visualization. Large Language Models (LLMs) and their iAPIs (such as OpenAI), machine learning, deep learning, AI ethics, developing AI applications, and AI-driven decision-making systems.
• Data Science – data knowledge and discovery, data stewardship and ethics, analytical methods, data management and visualization, advanced data science, data wrangling, visual analytics.
• Cybersecurity – foundational courses in cybersecurity including hands-on lab work, basics of cryptology, data protection, cybersecurity tools, cyber policy, and law enforcement.
• Applied Computing – foundations of computing, software development, databases, networking, DevOps, Cloud Computing, Web development, etc.
• Sustainability – foundations of sustainability, Sustainable development goals, climate change, energy efficiency, energy and technology, sustainable development practices.
• Human-Computer Interaction – foundations of HCI, HCI and AI, Intelligent Systems, User Experience and Design, Programming and Development for HCI, interaction technologies.
• Game Design – game mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics, game engines, scripting for games, game art and visual design, game play and systems design, environment building, emerging technologies in gaming.
• Transdisciplinary Studies – transdisciplinary research methods, design thinking and innovation, team science, emerging technologies, etc.

About the College:

The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is at the forefront of changing the future of higher education. It is a first-of-its-kind college created to meet the needs of students seeking a customizable degree path in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and data science that leads to rewarding careers upon graduation. CECS offers timely, innovative, student-centric degrees, minors, and stackable certificates at both undergraduate and graduate level that address the future talent gap and exposes students to experts and disciplines from across campus through cross-cutting curriculum. CECS utilizes strong industry partnerships to ensure students gain relevant skills and real-world experience, offering for-credit internships and multi-disciplinary projects. CECS emphasizes the cohort experience where students learn and interact with fellow students from across campus and disciplines, giving them the opportunity to learn from one another and work together to solve real-world problems.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is the state's flagship institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates, and a premier graduate institution. As a land-grant university, UTK is committed to excellence in learning, scholarship, and engagement with society.

Qualifications

The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies at the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates with a passion for teaching and analysis in a way that connects deeply to collaborative studies.

• Candidates are expected to have earned doctorate degrees in technology or computing-related fields; candidates with experience in teaching interdisciplinary topics are preferred.
• Higher education teaching experience is required.
• Experience or demonstrated ability in the design and delivery of courses in a variety of formats, including face-to-face, synchronous online, asynchronous online, and hybrid is preferred.
• Experience with technology-enhanced teaching and knowledge of team-based practices in teaching is expected.
• Successful applicants should have a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and service.
• Significant professional experience is highly desirable.

The compensation for the positions will be commensurate with the experience of the successful candidate. 

Application Instructions

Priority will be given to applications received on or before February 1, 2025 via our Interfolio application system.  http://apply.interfolio.com/161776

Applications must include:

(1) a one-page cover letter addressing qualifications and motivation,

(2) a teaching statement, including the candidate's background and experience that make them an ideal candidate, please include teaching evaluations if available.

(3) a comprehensive curriculum vitae, and

(4) the names and contact information (address, phone number, and e-mail address) for at least three professional references.

Questions about the position should be directed to CECS Assistant Dean of Faculty Affairs and New Programs, Vandana Singh, email: vandana@utk.edu .

Positions to be filled August 1, 2025.

To apply go to http://apply.interfolio.com/161776

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Requests for accommodations of a disability should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3560 or eoa@utk.edu or (865)974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation & Resolution 216 Business Incubator Building 2450 EJ. Chapman Drive Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 or (865)974-0717 or investigations@utk.edu.