Assistant Professor of Data Science
Content + Source + Freshness • 15 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
Strong value due to tenure-track position in a reputable institution, emphasis on teaching and mentorship, and commitment to academic growth.
- Tenure-track position in a respected institution
- Strong emphasis on teaching and mentorship
- Opportunity to develop a research agenda
Pros
- Tenure-track opportunity at a respected university
- Focus on teaching and undergraduate mentorship
- Strong support for developing a research agenda
Cons
- Commitment to religious values may not suit all candidates
- Potential for heavy teaching load
- Relatively low initial salary compared to industry standards
Who it's for
Mid-level / Academic • On-campus
Good fit
- Ph.D. graduates seeking academic careers
- Dedicated educators passionate about student development
- Research-oriented individuals interested in data science
Not recommended for
- Candidates preferring corporate or industry positions
- Individuals uninterested in teaching
- Those not aligned with the university's mission
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
Pepperdine Universityâs Seaver College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, located in Malibu, California, invites applications for a tenure-track appointment as an Assistant Professor or Associate Professor of Data Science beginning August 1, 2026. Applicants who have completed a Ph.D. in machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, applied statistics, or closely related discipline by August 2026 are desired; however, candidates with post-doctoral experience are preferred. Well-qualified candidates will be able to contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of the Pepperdine experience through their teaching, scholarship, and interacting with undergraduates.
Seaver College places the total development of students at the heart of its educational strategy and seeks scholar-educators who demonstrate exceptional interest and effectiveness in teaching, a commitment to establishing a productive research program, and desire to mentor undergraduate students in both teaching and research. Candidates should have the background and ability to teach a broad range of undergraduate level courses in data science and specific teaching/research experience in at least one focus area such as biomedical data science, machine learning, computer vision, image processing, robotics, or natural language processing. Candidates should also have an active and promising scholarly program. Successful candidates will demonstrate an active commitment to the Christian mission and values of the University (https://www.pepperdine.edu/about/our-story/mission-vision/) and the mission of Seaver College (https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/about/our-story/seaver-mission/). More details about the position can be found at https://jobs.pepperdine.edu/jobs/assistant-professor-of-data-science-malibu-campus-california-united-states .
Application Instructions:Application review will begin on December 1, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.
To apply, please submit the following materials via this link: https://apply.interfolio.com/171066
- A cover letter
- A curriculum vitae
- A statement indicating how the candidate will support the Christian mission of the University, including their current involvement in a community of faith
- Teaching statement
- Research statement
- Transcripts of all graduate work (unofficial copies are acceptable during the application process; however, official transcripts will be required for selected applicants)
- Names and contact information for three references (these should be the same individuals who will provide a Confidential Letter of Recommendation or Evaluation if the candidate proceeds with interviews).
Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Any inquiries about this position should be sent to:
Dr. Fabien Scalzo, Associate Professor of Computer Science (fabien.scalzo@pepperdine.edu)
Natural Science Division
Seaver College, Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263
