Assistant Professor, Statistical & Data Sciences/AI

The Opportunity

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.

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.

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/. For more information, visit https://sciences.ucf.edu/statistics/ 

The UCF College of Sciences (COS) is the largest college at the university and a powerhouse for the regional and national STEM workforce, spanning the natural, computational, physical, and social sciences and housing centers, institutes and initiatives that serve as hubs for research and innovation. Through sharing and applying knowledge, COS is cultivating pathways for students to solve our world’s most pressing and complex problems. With a mission to provide a world-class education in an environment where faculty, staff, and students thrive, research flourishes, and our community prospers; a number of COS academic programs are among those nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Princeton Review, and others. For more information, please visit https://sciences.ucf.edu .

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. For more information, visit http://www.ucf.edu .

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/. In addition to the online application, interested candidates should upload the following:

• A curriculum vitae.
• A letter of interest describing qualifications for the position, such as research agenda and teaching experience/interest.

NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be attached at that time. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Morgan Wang at Morgan.Wang@ucf.edu 

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

N/A

Job Close Date:

December 31, 2025

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers:

• 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. 
• And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide click here.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

Department

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Type of Appointment

Expected Salary

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.  

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer. 

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.

For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.