Lecturer - Data Analytics & Computational Social Science (DACSS)

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Description

The interdisciplinary Data Analytics and Computational Social Science Program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is accepting applications for a full-time (9-month) lecturer in data analytics and quantitative/computational methods for the social and behavioral sciences. The selected candidate will be responsible for teaching three course sections per semester, either primarily or exclusively to undergraduate students. In addition to teaching introductory courses such as Mathematics for the Social World and Fundamentals of Data Analytics for Social Science (in R), they may be asked to teach more advanced courses such as Applied Regression and/or Data-Driven Storytelling. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to collaborate with the Program Director on developing new courses based on their interests, for example: responsible use of generative AI, machine learning, computational text analysis, social network analysis, survey methods, social simulation & agent-based modeling, GIS/spatial analysis.

The initial appointment is for two years, with anticipated reappointments for another two years and the possibility of a continuing reappointment thereafter, under union-bargained guidelines. All reappointments are contingent upon funding availability and satisfactory performance. The preferred start date is January 28, 2026.

Requirements

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  PhD (or PhD by the appointment start date) in communication, sociology, economics, political science, public policy, legal studies, psychology, anthropology, computer science, computational social science, data science, statistics, or a related discipline, and facility using R and/or Python for applied data science.

  
  
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  Demonstrated teaching and/or research interests in data analytics/statistical methods for social and behavioral science applications and/or computational social science.

  
  

Additional Information

Data Analytics and Computational Social Science (DACSS) is an independent academic program within the School of Public Policy of UMass Amherst's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. DACSS currently offers a Master of Science degree and graduate certificates, in addition to its new undergraduate certificate and course offerings.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit the following:

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  a letter of interest that addresses the candidate's relevant teaching and research background

  
  
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  curriculum vitae (CV)

  
  
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  teaching portfolio, which includes a teaching statement or philosophy and evidence of quality teaching (e.g., teaching evaluation summaries or syllabi from prior courses taught and/or served as a teaching assistant)

  
  
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  names and contact information for three references who are willing to submit letters upon request through the UMass online application system

  
  

Inquiries about the position can be addressed to Justin Gross, Search Committee Chair (jhgross@umass.edu). Review of applications will begin October 1, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.