The Division of Data Science in the College of Science at The University of Texas at Arlington invites applications for a full-time Lecturer/Assistant Professor of Instruction (Academic Professional Track) to support teaching and curriculum development in Python programming, machine learning, deep learning, and modern AI applications. The ideal candidate brings strong applied skills and a commitment to hands-on, project-based instruction. Experience with Generative AI, Agentic AI systems, industry experience, or teaching experience is highly desirable.
This position is expected to start September 1, 2026.
About the Department
The Division of Data Science is an interdisciplinary unit within the College of Science dedicated to advancing education and research through data-driven approaches. The Division serves as the academic home for undergraduate and graduate programs in data science, including the B.S. in Data Science and the M.S. in Applied Statistics and Data Science, and supports continued growth in certificates and emerging programs.
Drawing on faculty expertise across multiple scientific disciplines, the Division fosters collaborative research at the intersection of data science, artificial intelligence, and domain sciences. It provides a dynamic environment for innovation in both foundational methods and real-world applications, while building strong partnerships with industry, government, and community organizations. Through its integrated approach to teaching, research, and outreach, the Division prepares students to address complex, data-intensive challenges across a wide range of fields.
About the University
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 – including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas – UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.
UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community. Furthermore, UTA has launched the RISE 100 initiative, aiming to recruit 100 new tenure-system faculty to strengthen its research enterprise and leadership in key academic areas. Learn more at https://www.uta.edu/administration/president/strategic-plan/rise100.
This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.
Benefits at UTA
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees at the University.
To help applicants understand the full value of these benefits, we have created a tool that calculates the total worth of your compensation package. This tool takes into account all of the benefits that you are eligible for, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. To access this tool and learn more about the total value of your benefits as a UTA employee, please click on the following link:
https://resources.uta.edu/hr/services/records/compensation-tools.php
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Essential responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses such as Python for Data Science, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Applied AI, and Data Mining; designing hands-on assignments and projects using real-world datasets and modern development practices; mentoring student capstone and industry-facing projects; contributing to ongoing curriculum development aligned with evolving workforce needs in AI and data science; and participating in service activities within the Division and College.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, AI/ML, or a scientific field, or M.S. in such a field and significant industry experience.
- Demonstrated capability in machine learning and deep learning such as publications or industry projects developing deep learning solutions.
- Evidence of effective teaching, mentoring, or leadership.
Preferred Qualifications
- Industry or applied research experience in data science or artificial intelligence.
- Strong understanding of deep learning concepts, various network architectures, and practical model development.
- Experience with model deployment, experimentation, or reproducible machine learning workflows.
- Experience building or teaching modern AI applications, including generative AI (e.g., large language models, transformer-based models, diffusion models, or related approaches) and agentic AI.
- Familiarity with LLM-based application workflows, such as prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), or similar approaches.
To apply, applicants should go to https://apply.interfolio.com/184831 and submit the following materials:
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- Contact References (provide one document with three contacts who may serve as recommenders).
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for the best consideration.
Questions may be addressed to Search Committee Chair, Keaton Hamm, at [email protected].
For more information about UTA, please visit: http://www.uta.edu/uta.
Background Check Requirement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a criminal background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.
This position may have access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If so, to be hired for and continue to be employed in this position you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA-48. By assuming this position, and if you have access to critical infrastructure, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.