Assistant Professor

Virginia Tech • Blacksburg, VA

11d

About The Position

The Department of Economics at Virginia Tech invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor beginning August 2027. The department seeks a candidate with the potential to establish an internationally recognized research program in Economics, Data Science, or a related discipline. Research interests should broadly connect to using data, computation, and quantitative methods to address important economic, business, technological, or societal questions. Research incorporating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence or machine learning, or using modern computational and data-intensive methods to address economic questions and inform decision-making, is particularly valued.

The successful candidate will develop and maintain a high-quality research program, contribute to the department’s research mission, teach undergraduate and graduate students, and participate in interdisciplinary activities across the university. The role also involves contributing to the intellectual life of the department and university, producing impactful scholarship, collaborating across disciplines, and training students in data-driven methods and applications. Salary and teaching assignments will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The appointment is regular and exempt from overtime. The position is listed as 40 hours per week. Some travel to meetings and conferences may be required. Applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, and names and contact information for three references. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a criminal conviction check.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. by the date of appointment in Economics, Data Science, or a closely related field.
• Strong potential to develop an internationally recognized research program in data-intensive inquiry, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analytics, computational social science, network science, or other areas involving large-scale data.
• Evidence of the ability to teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Ability to mentor students in data-driven methods and applications.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary research and collaboration across fields.

Nice To Haves

• Research addressing important economic, business, technological, societal, or policy challenges through the analysis and use of large-scale data.
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration across Economics, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering, and Business.
• Experience developing innovative courses or training opportunities in machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science, or analytics.
• Scholarship combining methodological innovation with substantive applications.
• Strong potential to develop externally funded collaborative research programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a high-quality research program and contribute to the department’s research mission.
• Teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Mentor and train students in data-driven methods and applications.
• Participate in interdisciplinary activities and collaborate with colleagues across the university.
• Contribute to the intellectual life of the department and university through high-quality scholarship, innovative instruction, and engagement with colleagues.
• Participate in some travel to meetings and conferences, as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree