Job Title: Professor of Computer Science (Open Rank) and Director of the Computer Science Program

Location: Johnson University, Knoxville, Tennessee

Position Type: Full-time

Start Date: July 1, 2025

Overview:

The School of Arts & Sciences at Johnson University seeks an innovative, mission-driven educator to serve as the inaugural Director and Professor of Computer Science (open rank). This is a unique opportunity to launch and lead a cutting-edge computer science program within a Christ-centered learning environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence, faith integration, and preparing students to impact the world through strategic vocations aligned with the Great Commission.

Responsibilities:

• Teaching Excellence: Deliver engaging undergraduate courses in computer science, including foundational topics (e.g., programming, data structures, and algorithms) and advanced electives in the candidate’s area of expertise. Foster active, inquiry-driven learning in a Christ-centered environment.
• Program Leadership: Develop, implement, and assess a robust computer science curriculum aligned with industry standards, integrating ethical considerations rooted in a biblical worldview.
• Scholarship and Innovation: Engage in impactful scholarly research and/or professional development that supports the program’s mission and enhances teaching effectiveness.
• Student Mentorship: Provide holistic advising and mentorship to students, guiding them academically, spiritually, and professionally. Cultivate meaningful relationships that support their personal growth and career preparation.
• Service to Community: Contribute actively to the life of the department, school, and university through committee participation, collaboration across disciplines, and involvement in the broader faith community.

Key Qualifications:

• Required
  • A graduate degree in Computer Science (Ph.D. preferred) or a closely related field by the appointment start date.
  • Demonstrated teaching excellence at the undergraduate level, with a passion for student-centered learning and mentorship.
  • A strong record of professional experience and/or research in computer science or related fields.
  • Proficiency in a range of programming languages, technologies, and methodologies.
  • Alignment with the university’s mission and commitment to Christian faith integration in teaching and scholarship.
  • Outstanding communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to inspire and engage students from diverse backgrounds.
• Preferred:
  • Experience in curriculum design, program development, or leadership in academic or professional settings.
  • Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration that bridges computer science with other fields.
  • Familiarity with emerging trends in computer science education, such as AI, data science, cybersecurity, and faith-based ethical considerations in technology.

Application Instructions:

To apply, please email the following materials to Cindi Norton, Ph.D., Faculty Academic Coordinator, at [email protected]:

• Cover Letter detailing your interest and qualifications.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Contact information for three professional references.
• Unofficial graduate transcripts.
• Responses to the School of Arts & Sciences essay prompts (250-500 words each):

• 1. Describe your faith journey, Christian experience, and its implications for your vocation as a teacher and scholar. Include your current involvement in a local church and community service.
  2. Reflect on your understanding of the relationship between faith commitments, biblical perspectives, and your academic discipline.
  3. Share your teaching philosophy, including how it supports the mission of a Christ-centered university and incorporates specific pedagogical approaches or experiences.

Review Process:

Application review begins February 15, 2025, and continues until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Provider

Johnson University is a Christian university affiliated with Christian churches and churches of Christ. Its mission is to educate students for “Christian ministries and other strategic vocations framed by the Great Commission in order to extend the kingdom of God among all nations.” Accordingly, Johnson University seeks to hire and educate individuals who share its vision and core values to carry out that mission. Johnson University does not unlawfully discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment practices.

Johnson University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or disability–if such disability may be accommodated without undue hardship—in provision of educational opportunities, programs and activities, or employment opportunities and benefits, pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent amendments to that act, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and subsequent re-authorization of that act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and subsequent amendments to that act.

The University, however, reserves the right under those provisions to make certain employment decisions based on religion, marital status, or sex consistent with the University’s religious beliefs when establishing qualifications for certain positions. Further, as a Christian ministry, the University retains the right to select those who serve in ministerial positions, as that term has been defined by the courts in the context of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, based on criteria established by the University without regard to Title VII, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law governing the employment relationship.