Chair, Department of Computer Science

Saint Louis University (SLU) seeks an experienced and innovative leader to serve as Chair of the Department of Computer Science (CS) in the School of Science and Engineering (SSE). The oldest university west of the Mississippi River and the second-oldest Jesuit university in the nation, SLU is a private urban research university offering undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 15,000 students. Founded in 1818, SLU has seen growth in academic programs, research activity, campus life, donor support, and student outcomes, and is on a trajectory to become a Research 1 institution by 2026.

One of 12 colleges and schools within SLU, the SSE was formed in 2022 to strengthen the University’s growth in STEM areas, to improve student opportunities and outcomes, and to foster a collaborative research environment consistent with the University’s R1 goals and its Catholic Jesuit Mission. SSE brings together select departments from the College of Arts and Sciences — chemistry, computer science, earth and atmospheric sciences, and physics —with the former Parks College for Engineering, Aviation and Technology. SLU SSE offers an outstanding technical education, and also prepares students with the ability to think creatively, imagine broadly, communicate effectively and influence change. Students who study science and engineering at SLU develop intellectually, stay abreast of changing technology, and prepare for a lifetime of learning. SSE’s undergraduate engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

One of eight academic departments within SSE, CS offers undergraduate, master’s, and a new Ph.D. program to approximately 600 students. The department has been growing exponentially in enrollment and faculty and is poised to become a major contributor to SSE’s research growth. CS has 18 full-time faculty and two part-time faculty with several open faculty lines. Faculty research interests include algorithms and theory, AI and machine learning, bioinformatics, cyber-physical systems, computer networks, computer science education, computer vision and image processing, computational topology, data science, high performance computing, human computer interaction, open-source software, robotics and remote sensing, security and privacy, and software engineering.

Reporting to the Dean, the chair is responsible for the vision, leadership, and administration of the programs in CS, for the department’s strategy, for obtaining appropriate resources and managing them, and for supervising instruction and the personnel of the department. The chair serves as the primary voice and advocate for the department at the school and University levels and represents the department to external agencies, industrial/corporate partners, and the professional community.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a department that is central to SLU’s growth in STEM areas and R1 research goals. SSE seeks a chair for CS who combines exemplary academic, research, and teaching experience with strategic leadership ability; outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; collaborative and creative energy; and ambition for promoting the success of a department whose mission is central to SLU’s collaborative ecosystem. The ideal candidate will have a vision for the future of computer science research and education and a commitment to promoting research. An earned doctorate or equivalent experience and academic qualifications that merit appointment as tenured faculty member in the department are required, together with a strong record of distinguished leadership in the field, experience with strategies to increase research funding, and a successful track record in strategic planning, faculty and staff development, budgeting and fiscal management, and program/faculty evaluation. While the successful candidate will likely come from a background of computer science experience within higher education, outstanding academically qualified candidates from public or private sector research environments will be considered.

Screening will begin in November and continue until an appointment is made. For best consideration, please apply by Jan. 2, 2024. Applications (including CV, a cover letter addressing interest, leadership philosophy, and commitment to diversity, as well as the names of five references) should be submitted using DSG’s candidate portal. Nominations and inquiries should be directed electronically to:  [email protected].

Kim M. Morrisson, Ph.D., or Andrew C. Wheeler, Managing Directors
Christine Falcone, Senior Search Associate
The Diversified Search Group

Saint Louis University is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer committed to providing fair treatment of all in the SLU community on the basis of merit.

For more information, visit www.slu.edu/doisy  

Compensation: The final offer package will include a competitive base salary and administrative stipend. This is a full-time position that will be performed on site in Missouri. Salary commensurate with experience. SLU provides a comprehensive Employee Benefits package, including Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, annuity and retirement plans, long-term disability, and Tuition Remission for employees, spouse, and children.