Visiting Assistant Professor of Digital and Computational Studies

Description

The Digital and Computational Studies (DCS) Program at Bates College invites applications for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor to begin employment July 2026.  Apply by 31 March 2026 to guarantee full consideration, however, we will continue accepting applications until the position is filled.  Candidates with demonstrated success in teaching and/or supporting marginalized, first generation, and historically underrepresented students are especially encouraged to apply.   The teaching load is 5 courses per academic year, either as a 2-3 across two semesters, or as a 2-2-1 across two semesters and the Bates Short Term.

About DCS at Bates:  Digital & Computational Studies (DCS) is an interdisciplinary program that seeks to build bridges between core elements of computer science, data science, and digital studies, connecting to the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and other existing interdisciplinary programs on campus. DCS teaches students to design, build, and analyze digital & computational tools and algorithms, while also developing the ability to critique those same tools and algorithms. Bates DCS faculty are prepared to support candidates as they develop courses designed for an interdisciplinary program.

About Visiting Appointments at Bates: The position carries a standard five-course annual teaching load. The primary responsibility of the Visiting Professor is excellence in undergraduate teaching and student engagement. Responsibilities are limited in scope and focus on teaching and mentoring students during the term of the appointment. Advising and student supervision responsibilities, if applicable, will be limited and aligned with the temporary nature of the position. Visiting assistant professors are not assigned ongoing administrative or committee responsibilities unless negotiated with the Dean of Faculty or the Associate Deans of Faculty. They are expected to attend faculty meetings and departmental meetings related to teaching, and to engage collegially in the academic life of the department.

Resources at Bates:  Bates provides opportunities for professional travel funding and structured mentoring programs for faculty .  Additionally, Bates is home to the Digital Media Studios , a facility providing equipment and expertise for a wide range of audio and visual media, as well as the Viz Lab , which includes Extended Reality studios and 3D printing. 

About Bates College: Bates College is a residential liberal arts college in Lewiston, Maine—a diverse and growing community located approximately 45 minutes from the state’s largest city, 2½ hours north of Boston, and 4½ hours south of Montreal. Bates values faculty scholarship, creative work, and pedagogical innovation as central to its academic mission. While visiting faculty appointments are primarily teaching-focused, the College recognizes that scholarly and creative activity may remain an important part of a faculty member’s professional identity. Institutional resources supporting scholarship and teaching are available in ways appropriate to the scope and duration of the appointment. Community-engaged learning and study abroad are broadly encouraged and supported, and pedagogical development and innovation are supported through the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning. Educational access and racial justice are central to Bates’ history and mission and our faculty-led initiatives r