Description

The University of Chicago’s Data Science Institute, in partnership with the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), and the US National Science Foundation and Simons Foundation-funded National AI Institute for the Sky ("SkAI Institute") invites applications for the position of the University of Chicago (UChicago) SkAI Data Science Preceptorship with a focus on teaching and scholarship in the area of Astronomy and AI . The UChicago and CCC Preceptorship program develops the next generation of teaching academics for data science and astronomy education. This unique program emphasizes pedagogical best practices and allows Preceptors the opportunity to broaden their classroom skills and enhance their teaching and scholarship portfolios with the support of UChicago and CCC faculty mentorship. UChicago is recruiting Preceptors with an Astronomy and AI  focus to co-develop new Astro-AI curriculum and teach courses at UChicago, CCC, and other SkAI partner institutions. 

The initial appointment is expected to begin September 1, 2026. Preceptors will work side by side with faculty from UChicago and CCC on teaching and developing course materials. Professional development training will be provided by both the UChicago and CCC faculty. Preceptors will gain experience teaching across learning environments with opportunities to engage with UChicago and CCC students in STEM courses. The teaching obligation is expected to be 2 one-quarter courses at UChicago and 2 one-semester courses at CCC per academic year. This role includes dedicated time for research and scholarship activities.  This position also includes structured professional development, administrative duties and student mentoring activities. 

The position is for an initial two-year appointment with a renewal for a third year possible.

This position is benefits eligible. For information on benefits, please consult the University of Chicago Benefits Guide: https://mybenefits.nfp.com/UChicago/benefits-guide/.

Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted online through: https://apply.interfolio.com/175201. 

Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2025, and will continue until all available positions are filled.

Required materials are: 

(a) a cover letter, 

(b) a curriculum vitae, 

(c) two or more letters of reference, at least one of which must address teaching ability, and a

(d) teaching statement (description of teaching and mentoring philosophy and experience).

Optional materials: course evaluations from courses previously taught. 

Requirements

A Ph.D. in data science, mathematics, statistics, computer science, biology, physics, astronomy, astrophysics, or other closely related fields to data science.