The first step in obtaining a tenure-track position is to obtain a PhD in Computer Science. Successful candidates should be able to demonstrate a proven record of excellence, develop an outstanding research program, and teach students effectively and innovatively. This is not an easy task, but it is certainly worth the effort.
Postdoctoral research opportunities
Computer science professor jobs are increasingly in demand, and many universities are offering postdoctoral positions to researchers with an interest in the field. These positions typically have renewable three-year contracts and provide postdoctoral researchers with a well-defined promotion path. They also come with departmental support for teaching and research activities. Applicants must have a doctorate in a computing field or an equivalent field. Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to highly-funded research and high-impact scholarship. Additionally, UVA aims to foster a diverse environment and a culture of collaboration.
Postdocs will participate in teacher training provided by the department, leading seminar courses in their own research areas, and participating in major undergraduate courses in the department. In addition, postdocs will engage in teaching at increasingly higher levels, progressing from attending course staff meetings to being a co-instructor and teaching under the supervision of a faculty member.
A computer science professor job requires a PhD or the equivalent, as well as a passion for teaching the undergraduate curriculum. Full-time faculty will typically teach two to three sections of undergraduate courses, and may also teach graduate courses. The position is also expected to require service, and the professor may also be expected to publish scholarship in the field of computing and CS education.
While postdoctoral experience is not required, it is an advantage. It can sharpen research skills and knowledge and give the postdoc the opportunity to publish papers and present research findings at professional meetings. It also allows postdocs to expand their network of colleagues.
Anti-racism training
There is a clear need to provide anti-racism training for computer science professors, and this training should start in university training programs. Such training should cover issues like academic integrity, anti-racism policies, and systemic racism. Furthermore, it should cover Black students, who often experience different experiences on campus than white students.
The training is similar to anti-bias training for LGBTQ people. It can even result in a certificate of anti-racism training for faculty. This certificate can be displayed in the office of a professor who has completed anti-racism training. The training should include topics such as profiling black students and how to avoid being racist.
The training can also help computer science professors gain a more inclusive perspective on their own communities. Students who study computer science often see it as a job that is disconnected from ethics. But it's important to consider the impact of these skills on society. In this way, computer scientists can use their skills to help communities. For example, they can build software that is intuitive to use, analyze large datasets, and predict financial trends. These students can use these skills to make society better for all.
To be effective at anti-racism, university leaders must make a commitment to understand racism and become anti-racist. Such efforts cannot be left to committees or task forces. They must involve every member of the academic community, starting with the leaders and policy makers.
