Assistant/Associate Professor of Computer Science-Data Engineering and Analytics

Job Summary: MidAmerica Nazarene University, located in Olathe, Kansas, invites qualified candidates to apply for an Assistant/Associate Professor of Computer Science with a specialization in data engineering or data analytics. The position is a full-time faculty appointment on a 9-month teaching contract. In addition to teaching, this role carries significant responsibility for program development and leadership within the Computer Science program, including building data-focused curriculum, growing enrollment, and strengthening industry partnerships. The department is seeking a candidate with specialty education, training, or professional experience in data engineering, data analytics, data science, or a closely related area. Candidates for this position should be able to demonstrate a commitment to higher education delivered with a Christ-centered worldview, a strong commitment to the servant leadership model, and be able to successfully perform the following responsibilities.

Position Description:

• Provides leadership for the Computer Science program within the Department of Natural, Health, and Mathematical Sciences, partnering with the Department Chair on program management, course scheduling, and strategic planning.
• Leads the design, development, and launch of undergraduate and/or graduate curriculum in data engineering and data analytics, including new courses, concentrations, certificates, and degree pathways aligned with department and university strategic priorities and emerging industry needs.
• Integrates industry-standard tools and practices (e.g., SQL, Python, cloud data services, distributed data processing, and business intelligence platforms) into coursework and lab experiences.
• Oversees program assessment, including collecting, analyzing, and reporting Computer Science program learning outcomes and using the results to drive continuous improvement.
• Recruits, supports, and oversees computer science adjunct faculty to ensure quality and consistency of instruction.
• Leads program growth and recruitment efforts, including attending recruiting events and collaborating with admissions and marketing to increase awareness of MNU’s Computer Science and data programs.
• Develops and sustains relationships with industry partners and the regional data community to support internships, applied projects, industry advisory input, and program relevance.
• Collaborates with CS, Mathematics, and cross-campus faculty to develop interdisciplinary data offerings and to build a vibrant student culture.
• Advises students in course selection and career/graduate school planning.
• Serves on department and university committees.
• Participates in campus community life including chapel, student engagement and student support.

Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, Analytics, or a closely related field is preferred; a master’s degree in a relevant field with substantial specialty training or professional experience in data engineering or data analytics will be considered.
• Specialty education, training, certification, or professional experience in data engineering or data analytics, such as database design, data pipelines, data warehousing, cloud data platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), big data technologies, or data visualization and business intelligence.
• Demonstrated experience in program development or leadership, such as designing curricula, launching new courses, certificates, or programs, or leading technical teams and initiatives.
• Ability to grow and manage master’s level programming and advanced degree pathways.
• Prior teaching experience, preferably at the undergraduate or graduate level.
• Experience with program assessment, accreditation, or data-informed continuous improvement is desirable.
• Experience building partnerships with industry, community, or professional organizations.
• A record of successful experience in higher education and/or industry, including mentoring students or junior colleagues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, both within the department and across the institution.
• Desire and ability to teach through experiential and applied learning, including project-based work with real-world data.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective teaching, mentoring, advising, and program leadership.

Application:

• Letter of application
• Complete curriculum vita
• Copies of University transcripts from all universities from which degrees were received (scan and attach)
• Statement of faith, including personal faith history and vision for integrating faith and learning in computer science. (2 pages maximum)
• Teaching philosophy (2 pages maximum)

The University is considering candidates with expertise in cybersecurity or data analytics for this position, and the final area of specialization will be determined based on the qualifications of the candidates and the University's academic needs. Only one appointment is anticipated.

Questions about the application process may be directed to the HR Generalist, Abigail Harris, at [email protected]. Questions about the position may be directed to Leigh Kreshel, Chair of the Natural, Health, and Mathematical Sciences Department, at [email protected].

Statement of Faith:  MidAmerica Nazarene University is an intentionally Christian Community and desires that all employees in positions of leadership reflect a foundational Christian position in word, attitude and action.  While there is no predetermined length or format for the Personal Statement of Faith, the norm is a one or two page narrative document describing the applicant's central Christian beliefs, significant formative influences in the applicant's Christian experience (e.g., religious experiences of conversion or the affirmation of one's faith, one's family and/or home life, spiritual aspirations), and ways in which the applicant's faith is being demonstrated in daily patterns and practices.

MidAmerica is very much interested in reviewing applications from qualified members of traditionally underrepresented groups in America, including women and racial and ethnic minorities. MidAmerica Nazarene University policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, * age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected class in the recruitment and admission of students, in the hiring process, during employment, and in the operation of all university programs, activities, and services.

*Christian faith and employment at MidAmerica Nazarene University: MidAmerica Nazarene University is an expression of the Church of the Nazarene. It reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (Title VII, Section 702-703, U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964). Preferred candidates demonstrate a strong commitment to the Christian faith, active participation in a local church, and a philosophy of Christian higher education consistent with the Wesleyan tradition.

Read the university's full Non-Discrimination/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement at www.mnu.edu/employment.