Assistant Professor, Statistical & Data Sciences/AI

University of Central Florida•Orlando, FL

About The Position

The School of Data, Mathematical, and Statistical Sciences (SDMSS) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for two full-time, 9-month, tenure-earning assistant professors anticipated to begin August 2026. The selected candidate will have demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research in statistics, data science, or a related field. Additionally, we are especially interested in an individual who can contribute through their research, teaching and service to the excellence of our academic community and foster an environment in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. The instructional duties and service assignments are in accordance with the department’s current equitable workload policy. As one of the nation’s largest and most dynamic public research universities, the University of Central Florida (UCF), located in Orlando, is a next-generation public institution celebrated for its dedication to innovation, strong STEM foundations, and powerful industry partnerships. This momentum has resulted in a historic milestone: UCF has achieved the rigorous outcomes required to be named Florida's next Preeminent State Research University (with official certification expected in 2026). When you join Knight Nation, you become an integral part of this mission to solve the world’s most challenging problems, collaborating with uniquely talented faculty, staff, and students across our colleges to tackle greater challenges and achieve rewarding success. It is within this environment of excellence and growth that a major initiative is taking shape: The Department of Statistics and Data Science is currently undergoing a transformative merger with Mathematics to form the new School of Data, Mathematical, and Statistical Sciences (SDMSS). SDMSS is strategically positioned to become a nationally recognized prominent hub in quantitative sciences. As part of this exciting initiative, we are seeking two tenure-track faculty members specializing in Statistics, Data Science, Actuarial Science, or Biostatistics with a primary focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). These roles offer an extraordinary opportunity to join this growing academic unit and contribute significantly to building the foundational pillars of our new, highly collaborative school. The Statistical and Data Sciences program in SDMSS is dedicated to high-caliber research at the intersection of statistics, machine learning, data mining, computer science, and applied mathematics and to developing the statistical and analytical abilities of students for success in an increasingly data-driven world. The department currently offers a B.S. in Statistics, a B.S. in Actuarial Science, a joint B.S. in Data Science, and M.S. in Statistics and Data Science with a track in Data Science, and a Ph.D. in Big Data Analytics. The Ph.D. program in Big Data Analytics is the first of its kind in Florida, and one of only a few programs globally, and recently ranked #4 by TechGuide’s Best Data Analytics Ph.D. programs - https://techguide.org/analytics/phd-data-analytics/. UCF, named one of the most innovative public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, is located in Orlando, Florida and is classified as a Very High Research Activity university by the Carnegie Foundation. With more than 70,000 students, UCF is one of the largest universities in the country, offering more than 240 degree programs. UCF is an economic engine, attracting and supporting industries vital to the region's future while providing students with real-world experiences that help them succeed after graduation.

Requirements

Doctoral Degree: A Ph.D. in Statistics, Data Science, Actuarial Science, Biostatistics or a closely related quantitative field from an accredited institution . (Advanced ABD candidates are welcome to apply, provided the degree is finalized by the start date.)
Research Potential: Clear evidence of scholarly research potential, demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications or a compelling trajectory of research productivity.
Teaching & Mentorship: The ability and commitment to teach effectively and mentor students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Core Skills: Possess strong communication and collaboration skills essential for working across disciplines within the new school.

Nice To Haves

Applied Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in applied or theoretical research within Statistics, Data Science, Actuarial Science, or Biostatistics particularly where applications involve Artificial Intelligence or machine learning.
External Funding: Proven experience in securing, or strong potential to secure, external research funding to support a sustainable research agenda.
Innovative Pedagogy: Prior teaching experience that includes a focus on innovative pedagogy and curriculum development at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Interdisciplinary Alignment: Active interdisciplinary research interests that naturally align with existing university strengths (e.g., Health Sciences, Engineering, Business, Biology or Computer Science).
Professional Credentials: For candidates specializing in Actuarial Science, professional credentials (e.g., ASA, CStat, ASA/FSA, ACAS/FCAS) are considered highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Pioneering Research: Drive high-impact, cutting-edge scholarly research in Statistics, Data Science, Actuarial Science, Biostatistics, or Artificial Intelligence. Secure external funding and publish breakthroughs in leading journals to establish the school's global reputation.
Next-Generation Teaching & Mentorship: Design and deliver innovative curricula for undergraduate and graduate courses in core quantitative sciences and emerging AI topics. Mentor the next generation of thought leaders by advising graduate theses and doctoral dissertations.
Catalytic Collaboration: Serve as a catalyst for interdisciplinary research, engaging deeply with faculty across UCF (including Engineering, Computer Science, Health Sciences, Biology, and Business) to advance sophisticated AI applications in diverse, real-world fields.
Strategic Leadership: Play a direct role in shaping the future of the new school by actively contributing to university governance, serving on key committees, and providing leadership within professional organizations.

Benefits

Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program.
Paid time off, including annual (12-month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays.
Retirement savings options.
Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions.
Education assistance.
Flexible work environment.

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