DIRECTOR OF THE DATA SCIENCE INSTITUTE

For best consideration, complete applications should be received before September 21, 2025

Complete information is available on the Search Profile.

Middle Tennessee State University seeks an experienced professional and proven leader to serve as the Director of the Data Science Institute to lead an interdisciplinary group of scholars to advance innovative solutions in data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Middle Tennessee State University offers exceptional academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels that prepare students to thrive in their chosen profession and prioritize student success. As one of Tennessee’s largest comprehensive universities, MTSU places high value on outstanding teaching, research, creative activity, and public service that support the emerging needs and challenges of our state, nation, and world.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Middle Tennessee State University and the Office of the Vice Provost for Research are seeking an experienced leader for the Director of the Data Science Institute position. The successful candidate will report directly to the Vice Provost for Research. The Director will develop and maintain a robust and ongoing extramurally funded program of research in data science, artificial intelligence, or machine learning, which will be administered through the Data Science Institute, serve as a resource in grantsmanship for faculty, and inspire faculty and students to progress in their research and scholarship endeavors.

EXPECTATIONS

It is expected that the Director will fund 50% of their non-stipend salary and benefits with extramural funding by the end of year three, with annual progress toward this goal each year, and 95% of non-stipend salary funded externally beyond Year 5. If at least 50% of salary and benefits are not covered by extramural funding by the end of year three, then the 95% threshold beyond Year 5 will not likely be met.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide visionary research leadership in data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning at the state and national levels.
• Lead an interdisciplinary research team(s) around the topics of data science, AI, and machine learning.
• Assist in the development of intellectual property and commercialization of their research.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS at the time of hire include the following:

• Terminal degree in computer science, artificial intelligence/machine learning, data science, or a closely related discipline offered at MTSU.
• Record of scholarship/research in data science, AI, or machine learning to qualify for faculty rank of Associate or Full Professor with tenure.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Data Science Research Expertise: Applicants must demonstrate a strong record of data science, AI, or machine learning research through at least five peer-reviewed publications or evidence of impactful research leadership, such as serving as a principal investigator on a collaborative data science research initiative.
• Record of Sustained External Funding: Applicants must have a history of external funding, including at least one currently funded research project or a record of securing at least three (3) externally funded projects over the last 5 years.
• Leadership and Involvement in National Data Science or AI Professional Organizations preferred.

MURFREESBORO

The geographic center of Tennessee, Murfreesboro is located in the Nashville metropolitan area and is only 34 miles southeast of downtown Nashville, a healthcare industry hub and with the nation’s largest concentration of health care companies. According to the Nashville Health Care Council, about 900 companies in the healthcare ecosystem are based in Nashville. With a population of 165,430, Murfreesboro is the sixth-largest city in Tennessee. It is also the county seat of Rutherford County, serving as the state capital from 1818 to 1826. Murfreesboro is located in Rutherford County which has been the fastest growing county in Tennessee for eight years in a row according to a 2024 study by the Tennessee State Data Center Boyd Business Economic Research Center.

The West Fork of the Stones River flows through Murfreesboro. A walking trail, the Greenway, parallels the river for several miles. A smaller waterway, Lytle Creek, flows through downtown, including historic Cannonsburgh Village, which is a reproduction of what a working pioneer village would have looked like from the period of the 1830s to the 1930s. Murfreesboro is home to a number of natural and man-made lakes, plus several small wetlands, including Todd’s Lake and the Murfree Spring wetland area. It is also home to several parks and the Murfreesboro Greenway System, a system of greenways with 12 miles of paved paths and 11 trail heads.

Several points of interest include the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, Oaklands Historic House Museum, Stones River Greenway Arboretum, Stones River National Battlefield, and, of course, Middle Tennessee State University. The Earth Experience, the Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History; Batey Farms; MayDay Brewery, Center for the Arts, The Avenue Murfreesboro add to the adventures as do many restaurants and shopping opportunities.

According to Murfreesboro’s 2023 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in Rutherford County are Nissan, Rutherford County government and schools, Amazon Fulfillment Center, City of Murfreesboro. Middle Tennessee State University, Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford, Ingram Content Group, Taylor Farms, Alvin C. York Veterans Administration Medical Center, and Asurion.

Elementary education within the city is overseen by Murfreesboro City Schools while secondary schools are overseen by Rutherford County Schools, which has 50 schools. The Japanese Supplementary School in Middle Tennessee, a weekend Japanese education program, holds its classes in Peck Hall at Middle Tennessee State University, while its school offices are in Jefferson Square. Top ranked private schools in Murfreesboro, TN include St. Rose Catholic School, Franklin Road Christian School, Providence Christian Academy, The Webb School Bell Buckle, Lighthouse Christian School & Preschool Antioch, Lancaster Christian Academy Smyrna, and Redeemer Classical Academy Murfreesboro.