Professor and Department Chair, Computer Science

Professor and Department Chair, Computer Science

Tulane University:

Humanities & Sciences:

School of Science and Engineering:

Computer Science Location New Orleans, LA Open Date Oct 15, 2025 Description Tulane University, one of the nation's premier research institutions, seeks a visionary and collaborative leader to guide a research-intensive Computer Science department with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary scholarship, innovative teaching, and community engagement. The Chair will hold a tenured faculty position and report to the Dean of the School of Science and Engineering. They will be responsible for advancing the department's academic mission, managing its operations, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. As part of a significant investment in research and faculty excellence, the Chair will join a strong university with the opportunity to harness institutional momentum, leverage numerous assets and areas of strength, and contribute to driving interdisciplinary world-class scholarship in computing. Tulane's cross-disciplinary culture, community spirit, and navigable size present a unique opportunity for a leader in Computer Science innovation for social impact. The rapid growth of the Department of Computer Science - including multiple new CS faculty, a new major in CS, a new minor in AI, and over 120% growth in research funding in the past five years - makes it an ideal moment for a Chair to join the department. Furthermore, the Louisiana Economic Development Office's new LA.IO and AI Research Institute, which has pledged $100 M+ for innovation investment, signals a burgeoning local ecosystem for AI initiatives. Tulane University is a private Carnegie-R1 university and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Data-intensive discovery lies at the heart of research and education at Tulane and is fueled by Tulane's new Connolly Alexander Institute for Data Science, the Jurist Center for Artificial Intelligence, and the Center for Community-Engaged Artificial Intelligence. Tulane resides in historic New Orleans, Louisiana, one of America's most culturally vibrant cities. Qualifications The Department of Computer Science seeks a leader to guide the department in advancing its academic mission, managing its operations, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. The minimum requirements for the role are: ▪ A Ph.D. in Computer Science or a closely related field; ▪ A distinguished record of scholarly research, teaching, and service appropriate for appointment at the rank of Professor with tenure.

The preferred qualifications are:

▪ Demonstrated success in academic leadership, such as program or center direction, department administration, or large-scale research coordination; ▪ Vision to elevate the department by fostering innovation, enhancing collaboration, and driving excellence to achieve outstanding results and sustainable growth; ▪ Ability to discern future trends and capitalize on them for the benefit of Tulane, the School, and the department; the ability to envision, create, and capitalize on novel opportunities, especially as new trends emerge; ▪ Ability to represent the breadth and depth of the department's research interests, academic programs, and other activities, and to advocate effectively within the School and to external audiences; ▪ Demonstrated success in affecting positive changes in leading and mentoring faculty, staff, and students, both within their institution and at the national level; ▪ Proven commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and team science; ▪ Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills; the ability to engage faculty, staff, and students and to work effectively across the Schools, campus and with external groups; and ▪ Personal qualities that include collaboration, transparency, intelligence, vision, compassion, courage, humor, and unquestionable ethics and integrity. Application Instructions All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. To apply, please check this link for the details. WittKieffer is assisting Tulane University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by January 8, 2026. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Cathryn Davis and Corin Edwards TulaneCSChair@wittkieffer.com Application Process This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge. Apply Now Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Tulane University is an equal opportunity educator and employer committed to providing an education and employment environment free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Legally protected demographic classifications (such as a person's race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, shared ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws) are not relied upon as an eligibility, selection or participation criteria for Tulane's employment or educational programs or activities. Tulane University is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing an application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the Office of Human Resources by phone at 504-865-4748 or by email at hr@tulane.edu.