Associate/Full Professor / Department Chair-Applied Physiology & Sport Management in Data Science Cl

Applications are invited for a tenured Full Professor / Department Chair in the Department of Applied Physiology and Sport Management (Position #: 00006313) to begin in August 2023. Distinguished candidates at the rank of Associate Professor with tenure may also be considered, if eligible to assume the rank of professor pending the approval of the appropriate university officials. This is a unique opportunity to join and to shape a vibrant research and data science community situated in an increasingly diverse and globally connected university.

The Department of Applied Physiology and Sport Management is seeking candidates with a program of research in a substantive area of sports or health analytics. Examples of methodologies and data analytic approaches with significant potential to enhance SMU’s capacity in Data Science include but are not limited to: 1) computational modeling and machine learning applications; 2) high-speed computing for analysis of large datasets (e.g., neuroimaging, diagnostic data, health care disparities); 3) intensive mobile data collection and data sensing (e.g., geolocation, smartphone usage); and 4) use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for assessment, intervention or treatment.

This position is part of a cluster hire in Data Science and is one of twelve positions allocated to the cluster around three areas of focus: Data Core, Health Analytics, and Technology and Education. The multi-faculty hire represents an ambitious program to develop large-scale collaborative research projects responding to some of humankind’s most daunting challenges. The candidate is expected to collaborate with other faculty in the Technology and Education and Data Core groups with the goal to acquire, manage, analyze, interpret, and transform data into accurate, consistent and timely information that can help us further identify, understand, and control the burden of health-related challenges.

The Department Chair is a halftime administrative position that will allow for participation in research. The Department Chair will oversee an interdisciplinary department of clinical and tenure-line faculty with undergraduate concentrations in Applied Physiology and Health Management, Sport Management, and Sport Performance Leadership as well as graduate programs in Health Management and Sport Management. Successful candidates must also be able to contribute meaningfully to the doctoral program in the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. The Department Chair will support ongoing efforts towards equity and inclusion, advance the quality and reputation of the programs within the department, and build on the collaborative and supportive culture for faculty, staff, and students. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds. For additional information about the faculty and the department, visit https://www.smu.edu/apsm.

SMU has many strengths to support research in the Data Science Cluster. SMU is home to one of the fastest and most powerful academic supercomputers in the nation (ManeFrame II), which can handle large volumes of sensing data as well as the ability to implement advanced algorithms for time-series analysis, data mining, and machine learning. Maneframe II is currently being upgraded to include an NVIDIA DGX SuperPod with a theoretical performance of 100 PFLOPS for AI calculations that is available for use by all faculty and graduate students. SMU will be one of only two universities in the US. to have a DGX SuperPod.

Required qualifications include: 1) an earned doctorate and/or post-doctoral training in a field aligned with Sports or Health Analytics (e.g., data science, analytics, statistics, mathematics, economics, finance, sports management, physiology, genomics, epidemiology, public health, kinesiology, biostatistics, or biomedical informatics); 2) ongoing record of scholarly work commensurate with rank of full professor with tenure; 3) a rigorous and highly productive research program that can generate external funding; 4) commitment to diversity, equity and inclusiveness; 5) demonstrated administrative and leadership ability developed through prior experiences in administering centers, large grants, or interdisciplinary programs; and e) excellence in teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses.

Preferred qualifications include: 1) experience developing and/or sustaining collaborative partnerships and interdisciplinary initiatives; b) leadership experience within higher education, such as serving in administrative positions such as department chair or program director; c) demonstrated mentorship of doctoral students and junior faculty, and d) experience serving in leadership roles in national professional organizations, grant review panels, or major editorial roles in their field.

SMU is a nationally ranked, private, non-sectarian research institution located in one of the nation’s fastest growing metropolitan areas. Researchers are part of an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community of internationally recognized scholars across the humanities, social sciences, mathematical sciences, engineering, and business. SMU offers excellent benefits including full same-sex domestic partner benefits. The City of Dallas is one of the nation’s most cosmopolitan commercial and cultural centers, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is the fourth largest in the US. The Simmons School of Education and Human Development was founded in 2005 and is ranked among the top 15 private education schools in the United States. The school has undergraduate and graduate programs across five academic departments, including Applied Physiology and Sport Management, Counseling, Education Policy and Leadership, Lifelong Learning, and Teaching and Learning. Explore the Simmons School of Education and Human Development at https://www.smu.edu/simmons, and SMU at http://www.smu.edu.

Application Instructions:

Applications must be submitted electronically via Interfolio to http://apply.interfolio.com/114180. Reference the position number #: 00006313 on all documents submitted. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter highlighting the candidate’s qualifications, including how they would contribute to SMU’s Data Core groups as well as their philosophy for leading a department; a curriculum vitae; a list of references with contact information for at least three references. Review of applications will begin March 15, 2023. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by March 15, 2023 but the position will remain open until the position is filled. For questions about the search submission process or position, contact Dr. Tim Jacobbe (jacobbe@smu.edu), Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Search Committee Chair. The committee will notify applicants of its employment decisions after the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.