The successful candidate will work under the direction of Dr. Andrew Sears, Professor and Chair of the IS Department at UMBC and Director of the Interactive Systems Research Center. UMBC is one of the few institutions in the US offering an MS and PhD in Human-Centered Computing and the only institution which has identified accessibility as a core research focus for its HCC program.

The individual filling this position will be involved in developing new research activities, designing and conducting studies, analyzing results, and publishing results. There will also be opportunities to gain experience developing grant proposals and supervising graduate and undergraduate students. Ongoing research is supported by a variety of sources, with different projects addressing the needs of individuals with visual, motor, and cognitive impairments as well as the needs of older adults. The successful candidate may engage in one or more of these ongoing activities, or may develop a new project which is consistent with the mission of the research group.

A PhD in human-computer interaction, information systems, information science, computer science, psychology or a related discipline is required as is a strong interest in accessibility and information technologies. A strong background in quantitative research methodologies is required, but knowledge of and experience with qualitative methodologies would be valued as well.

Send cover letter, CV, and three letters of reference to Dr. Sears via email asears-at-umbc.edu

For full consideration, materials should be received by July 15, 2010.

Labels: Academic Position, Information Systems Department, UMBC

The Information Systems Department at UMBC invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level in the area of human-centered computing (HCC) starting August 2010. Outstanding candidates in other areas will also be considered.

Candidates must have an earned PhD in Information Systems or a related field no later than August 2010. Applicants engaged in interdisciplinary research addressing accessibility (broadly defined to include issues associated with disabilities, age, culture, and other relevant topics), human-information interaction, or social computing are of primary interest. Ideal candidates will be engaged in research that spans two or more of these areas with preference given to those who can collaborate with current faculty. Candidates should have a strong potential for excellence in research, the ability to develop and sustain an externally funded research program, and the ability to contribute to our graduate and undergraduate teaching mission.

The Department offers undergraduate degrees in Information Systems and Business Technology Administration as well as both the MS and PhD in Information Systems. In addition, the Department offers an MS and PhD in Human-Centered Computing, and was ranked 8th in the nation in 2007 for scholarly productivity by Academic Analytics. Consistent with the UMBC vision, the Department has excellent technical support and teaching facilities as well as outstanding laboratory space and state of the art technology. UMBC’s Technology Center, Research Park, and Center for Entrepreneurship are major indicators of active research and outreach. Further details on our research, academic programs, and faculty can be found at http://www.is.umbc.edu/. Under-represented groups including women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

Applications will not be reviewed until the following materials are received: a cover letter, a one-page statement of teaching interests, a one-page statement of research interests, one or more sample research papers, and a curriculum vitae. Applicants should also arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to the department as soon as possible. Electronic submission of materials as PDF documents is preferred. Electronic copies should be sent to bmorris@umbc.edu. Copies can also be sent to: Dr. Andrew Sears, Chair of Faculty Search Committee, Information Systems Department, UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250-5398. For inquiries, please contact Barbara Morris at (410) 455-3795 or bmorris@umbc.edu.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. This position is subject to the availability of funds.

UMBC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from minorities, women and individuals with disabilities.

Labels: Academic Position, Information Systems Department, UMBC