CS Academic Job Market for Liberal Arts Colleges (19/20)

Evan Peck
15 min readAug 6, 2019

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!! August 20, 2020 Update: If you are looking for an updated list for the 20/21 hiring season, please visit this website: https://cs-pui.github.io/

In 2017, I wrote an article about finding academic happiness on the job market and why I chose Bucknell. Since then, it continues to prompt the same follow-up question: how do I find these jobs? This listing of schools for the 2019/2020 hiring season in CS is meant to help navigate that muddy water.

The priorities of universities are diverse. This post tries to share some 4-year colleges that still enable research.

My criteria for colleges/universities listed on this page

This document does not contain all or even most CS positions. Instead it targets jobs that I think will align with a specific set of values for some graduate students — those who want to invest in teaching/mentorship with undergrads while still staying active in their scholarship. My criteria:

  • Tenure-track positions accessible to those with a Ph.D. in CS
  • Universities that identify as primarily-undergraduate colleges and universities. No Ph.D. programs. Limited masters (if any).
  • Institutions that heavily value teaching, but are also in a position to secure time and financial resources for faculty to remain engaged with research (roughly the top 50ish liberal arts schools). This typically means a reduced teaching load (often 2/2 or 3/2) with travel and start-up funds.

Note that my expanded definition will include a couple of schools here and there that are not technically liberal arts colleges as you see them in the ranking. I choose to include them because their CS depts philosophically and logistically operate nearly identically.

I can’t promise I catch every ad… but I’ll do my best. Let me know via email or twitter if you have an upcoming ad or one I missed.

Who is hiring so far … (alphabetical order)

American University (D.C.): 2 Positions

[Excerpt] The Department of Computer Science in the College of Arts and Science at American University invites applications for two full-time, tenure-line positions beginning August 1, 2020. We are looking for candidates who are strongly committed to excellence in scholarly research, are effective teachers, and are excited at the prospect of joining a growing department where they will be able to make their mark and join a friendly, collegiate and highly accomplished team. Preference will be given to candidates with a record of high-quality scholarship. The committee will consider candidates in all areas of research with emphases on individuals engaged in large scale projects that make use of high performance computing tools and on individuals engaged in cybersecurity projects. Other areas of research of interest to the department include Natural Language Processing, Deep Learning, Database Management, and Networking. Excellent candidates in other research areas, especially with domains of applications compatible with those active at American University, will also be considered as we strongly welcome researchers who ignore traditional disciplinary boundaries. Full ad

  • Review of applications will begin by November 1

Amherst College (Massachusetts)

[Excerpt] The Amherst College Department of Computer Science invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position at the rank of assistant professor, beginning July 1, 2020. Candidates in all areas of computer science are encouraged to apply. Within the last decade, Amherst College has profoundly transformed its student body in terms of socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, and nationality. Today, nearly one-quarter of Amherst’s students are Pell grant recipients; 45 percent of our students identify as domestic students of color; and 10 percent of our students are international students. Our expectation is that the successful candidate will excel at teaching and mentoring students who are broadly diverse with regard to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion. Full Ad.

  • Applications received by October 21, 2019, will be assured of full consideration.

Bowdoin University (Maine): 2 Positions

[Excerpt] Bowdoin College’s Computer Science Department invites applications for two tenure-track positions at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin fall 2020. We seek applications from all areas of computer science, including interdisciplinary fields that intersect computer science, such as work in any of the computational sciences, computational social sciences, or digital humanities. Areas such as Computer Science Education that complement faculty members’ current research are encouraged, along with research that crosses disciplinary boundaries. Full ad

  • Review of applications will begin on October 11, 2019

Bryn Mawr College (Pennsylvania)

[Excerpt] The Department of Computer Science at Bryn Mawr College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position to begin August 1, 2020. We welcome applications from all areas of computer science. Candidates in the areas of theory, algorithms, or systems are especially encouraged to apply (such as Complexity, Algorithms, Operating Systems, Computer Architecture, Distributed Systems, Computer Networks). The candidate will be expected to offer courses at all levels of the undergraduate program in computer science, mentor student research and participate in developing and teaching a diverse and inclusive curriculum, including contributing to college-wide initiatives such as the 360 Program and the Emily Balch Seminars. Candidates must have completed all Ph.D. requirements in Computer Science or a closely related field by the start date. Full ad

  • Applications received by October 21, 2019 will receive full consideration

Bucknell University (Pennsylvania): 2 + 1 Positions

Computer Science (2)
The Department of Computer Science at Bucknell University seeks applications for two tenure-track positions at the Assistant Professor level in computer science beginning August 2020. We are interested in applicants working in any area of computer science, most particularly in those with research areas that expand the range of expertise in the department or that may lead to interdisciplinary collaborations... We seek candidates who will contribute to the teaching of courses in theoretical aspects of computer science or programming languages design, and core courses in our degree programs. Candidates will have opportunities to develop elective courses in their areas of expertise. We expect that candidates will develop a vigorous scholarly program that creates opportunities for student participation. Full Ad

  • Review of applications will begin on November 1 and continue until the positions are filled

Data Science (1)
[Excerpt] Bucknell University is a private undergraduate-focused institution comprised of highly-ranked colleges in arts and sciences, engineering, and management. We invite applications for a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Professor of Data Science. We seek a dedicated teacher-scholar with a PhD degree in Analytics, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Statistics, or a closely related field, and welcome applicants with a broad background. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the field, the position is being jointly supported by the Departments of Analytics & Operations Management, Computer Science, and Mathematics. The subsequent affiliation of a successful applicant will be determined in consultation with the candidate, and a shared appointment between two departments is a possibility. The successful applicant is expected to have an interdisciplinary focus and to work closely with departments from across the University. Full Ad.

  • Review of applications will begin no later than October 15, 2019 and continue until the position is filled

Carleton College (Minnesota)

[Excerpt] Carleton College invites applications for a tenure-track position in computer science, beginning September 1, 2020. A Ph.D. in hand or its imminent completion by the start date is required. We expect to make appointments at the assistant professor level, but highly qualified candidates at any rank will be considered. We are interested in candidates with any specialization in computer science that will complement the existing strengths of the department. We are particularly interested in candidates committed to teaching a diverse student body. Carleton is a highly selective liberal arts college with outstanding, enthusiastic students. We seek an equally enthusiastic computer scientist committed to excellence in teaching, curriculum design, ongoing research, and undergraduate research advising. We are particularly interested in applicants who have a commitment to attracting and retaining students from underrepresented groups. The appointee would be expected to teach courses at a range of levels, from the introductory level to advanced undergraduate electives. Full Ad

  • Applications completed by Friday, November 1, 2019, including reference letters, will receive full consideration

Colgate University (New York): Up to 3 Positions

[Excerpt] The Department of Computer Science at Colgate University invites applications for up to three tenure-stream positions at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning fall semester 2020. Completion of a Ph.D. is expected prior to or shortly after the date of hire. A strong interest in both research and teaching is expected. We welcome applications from candidates who complement and broaden our program and encourage candidates from all areas of research specialization to apply. We are especially interested in candidates who are enthusiastic to teach a broad range of undergraduate courses, including introductory, intermediate, and advanced courses, including new courses in their area of expertise. In addition, we expect successful applicants to participate in all-university programs, including the Liberal Arts Core Curriculum. Full ad

  • Review of applications will begin October 15, 2019. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed after this date until all positions are filled

Davidson College (North Carolina)

[Excerpt] The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Davidson College invites applications for a tenure-track appointment in Computer Science at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning July 1, 2020 … We seek a faculty member with broad teaching and research interests who will support, enhance and expand the computer science curriculum at all levels, and who can collaborate with colleagues and students across disciplinary lines in a liberal arts environment … We seek candidates with expertise in areas that would broaden our curriculum, such as, but not limited to, programming languages, architecture, software engineering, security, human-computer interaction, networking, database systems, operating systems, or scientific computing. Demonstrated or potential excellence in teaching is essential, as well as an active research program in which undergraduate students can participate. Davidson College aims to broaden access to higher education, and our department strives to increase access to STEM majors and careers among underrepresented groups. We seek a colleague who shares these aspirations, and we value faculty engagement with the professional and wider community. Full ad

  • Applications completed by October 10, 2019 will receive full consideration

Franklin & Marshall College (Pennsylvania): 2 Positions

[Excerpt] The Department of Computer Science at Franklin & Marshall College invites applications for two tenure-track positions beginning Fall 2020 at the rank of Assistant Professor or Instructor, depending on qualifications. The successful candidate should possess or be close to completing a doctorate degree. Demonstrated potential for excellence in both teaching and scholarship is essential. Although the specific area of research is open to that which will complement those of current faculty members, the Department is especially interested in applicants with expertise in the areas of artificial intelligence, programming, algorithms, and theory. We seek candidates able to teach a broad selection of undergraduate computer science courses, to guide future curriculum development, to engage students in undergraduate research, and to contribute to the College’s general education program, Connections. We are eager to recruit candidates who are interested in working with students and colleagues of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. Faculty are expected to maintain active research programs and engage in service to the College. Full ad

  • Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2019, and continue until the positions are filled

Grinnell College (Iowa)

[Excerpt] The Department of Computer Science invites applications for a tenure-track appointment (Area Open) beginning Fall 2020. Assistant Professor (Ph.D.) preferred; Instructor (ABD) or Associate Professor possible. Research and teaching interests are open (including, but not limited to, accessibility technology, artificial intelligence, algorithms, CS education, data science, databases, graphics, human-computer interaction, parallel and distributed computing, programming languages, security, software engineering, social and ethical issues in computing, systems, or theoretical computer science), but preference may be given to candidates who can teach upper-level software design courses. See http://www.cs.grinnell.edu. Full ad

  • Review of applications will begin on October 17, 2019

Harvey Mudd College (CA)

My note: While this is housed in a Math department, I’m told that the emphasis on data science/machine learning will still align with the interests of many CS Ph.D.s. See this tweet for context.

[Excerpt] Harvey Mudd College invites applications for a tenure-track position in mathematics, beginning Fall 2020, at the assistant professor level. All areas in the mathematical sciences will be considered, with priority for candidates who can significantly contribute to our course offerings and departmental vision for data science and statistics at a liberal arts college of science and engineering. The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. by the time of appointment, demonstrated commitment to and excellence in teaching undergraduates, and a strong independent research program that can contribute to our many undergraduate research activities, which include summer research, senior thesis, and math-in-industry senior capstone projects. Harvey Mudd College is committed to broadening participation in STEM fields. Therefore, experience with or demonstrated ability to teach, mentor, and support students from historically underrepresented groups in STEM is among the criteria for appointment. Full Ad

  • Application deadline: November 20, 2019

College of the Holy Cross (Massachusetts)

[Excerpt] The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at the College of the Holy Cross invites applications for a full-time tenure-track appointment in computer science to begin in August 2020. All research specialties will be considered. This position carries a 3–2 teaching load with a full-salary one-semester research leave prior to tenure review, and generous sabbatical and fellowship leaves for tenured faculty. Tenure track faculty are eligible for travel support and reimbursement of relocation costs within the College’s published policies. Full ad

  • Review of applications will begin on October 22, 2019

James Madison University (Virginia)

[Excerpt] The Department of Computer Science at James Madison University invites applications for tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty positions to begin August 2020 subject to budget approval. Preference will be given to applicants at the tenure-track Assistant Professor level, and exceptional candidates at other ranks will also be considered. Applicants from all areas of specialization are encouraged to apply. We especially welcome candidates with a background in Software Engineering, Database Systems, Web and Mobile Development, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, or Computer and Information Security. Preference will be given to applicants who can provide high quality teaching at the undergraduate level with the potential to develop and sustain an active, undergraduate-oriented research program. We also welcome candidates with experience and/or interest in contributing to on-going efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the discipline. Full ad

Macalester College (Minnesota)

[Excerpt] Macalester invites applications for one tenure-track position at the assistant professor level to begin Fall 2020. Candidates who have, or are completing, a Ph.D. in Computer Science are preferred, but closely related fields may also be considered… We encourage innovative pedagogy and curriculum, and emphasize Computer Science’s interdisciplinary connections. We have close relationships with several disciplines both within and beyond the sciences, and we are interested in candidates whose work spans disciplinary boundaries. Areas of highest priority include mobile and ubiquitous computing, computer networks, algorithms and theory, programming languages, and data science. Full ad

  • Evaluation of complete applications will begin October 15th and continue until the position is filled.

Middlebury College (Vermont)

[Excerpt] The Computer Science Department invites applicants for a tenure-track position beginning fall 2020. All areas of computer science will be considered, including applied areas with interdisciplinary focus. The successful candidate will be expected to teach courses throughout the undergraduate computer science curriculum (with an emphasis on the candidate’s areas of expertise), and contribute regularly to the college-wide curriculum, including the first-year seminar program and winter term. Candidates should provide evidence of commitment to excellent teaching and scholarly potential. Full ad

  • Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2019 and will continue until the position is filled

Mount Holyoke (Massachusetts)

[Excerpt] Mount Holyoke College invites applications for a tenure track Assistant Professor position in the Computer Science Department, to begin in fall 2020. The department currently has 6.5 tenure-track faculty and 1.5 visiting faculty, 3 lab instructors, and a systems administrator. CS is currently the largest major at the College with increasing interdisciplinary connections across campus and a vibrant student community. We welcome applications in all specialties, especially systems, cybersecurity, graphics, HCI, and visualization. Compelling candidates above the assistant rank will be considered. The applicant should have a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, and a research program that can easily accommodate and encourage undergraduates. Full ad

  • Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2019

Oberlin College (Ohio)

[Excerpt] The Computer Science Department at Oberlin College invites applications for a full-time, tenure track faculty position in the College of Arts and Sciences to begin fall 2020. We seek candidates with teaching and research interests in any area of Computer Science. Initial appointment to this position will be for a term of four years, beginning fall of 2020, and will carry the rank of assistant professor. The College continues to view a diverse, equitable and inclusive educational environment as essential to the excellence of its academic program. The Computer Science department has 7 faculty positions (including this position) with research interests spanning the areas of algorithmic game theory, computer graphics, machine learning, privacy, security, human-computer interaction and computer science education. Full ad

  • Completed applications received by December 2 will be guaranteed full consideration

Occidental College (California)

[Excerpt] In fall 2019, the department will embark on a search to hire a new tenured/tenure-track faculty member. While all areas of computational science will be fully considered, we prefer candidates with research interests in hardware, software systems (such as operating systems, databases, and networking), computer graphics, data science/statistics, security, or another area not currently represented in the department. We especially welcome faculty interested in collaborating with the social sciences, the humanities, and the arts, and who may contribute to existing and developing partnerships with other departments such as Black Studies, Music, and Media Arts and Culture. Full ad

  • Review of applications will begin on September 30, 2019

Reed College (Oregon)

[Excerpt] The Department of Computer Science at Reed College invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position, rank open, beginning in the fall of 2020. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in computer science by the time of the appointment and should be committed to excellence in their teaching and in their scholarship. Applicants from all areas of computer science are welcome to apply. The successful applicant will help teach the core computer science curriculum, in cooperation with their fellow faculty, and will develop one or more courses in their areas of expertise. The department is committed to giving all its students the opportunity to explore research topics in computer science and in its applications. The successful candidate will advise several year-long senior thesis projects that are required of all Reed students. Full ad

  • Applications submitted by October 26, 2019 are assured to get the fullest consideration

University of Richmond (Virginia)

[Excerpt] We are seeking a colleague who will enhance the undergraduate teaching as well as scholarly and creative opportunities provided by our computer science program. The area of specialty is open, but we especially welcome applicants with background in data science, graphics and visualization, human­-computer interaction, computer organization, distributed/cloud computing, machine learning/artificial intelligence, database systems, or cybersecurity. The University is hiring a cohort of faculty with a focus on data science, which could include this hire, if appropriate. This cohort could offer common scholarly and pedagogical interests, intellectual support, and could facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations between departments. A Ph.D. in computer science is required and must be completed by the start date. Strong applicants at the associate and full professor level will also be considered. Full ad

  • Review of applications will commence November 1, 2019 and continue until the position is filled

Southwestern University (Texas)

[Excerpt] The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Southwestern University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Computer Science position beginning August 2020. Candidates must possess a Ph.D. in Computer Science or a related field. ABD candidates will be considered but degree must be completed by August 24, 2020. All research areas will be considered. Candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their experience or interest in collaborating with existing programs on campus (e.g. Business, Biology, Environmental Studies/GIS, Math, Psychology). Full ad

  • Applications received by December 1, 2019 will receive full consideration

Swarthmore College (Pennsylvania)

[Excerpt] The Department of Computer Science at Swarthmore College invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin Fall semester 2020. Applicants must have or expect to have a Ph.D. in Computer Science or a related field by the position’s start date. All areas of computer science will be considered. We are particularly interested in areas that complement our existing offerings, including compilers, programming languages, high-performance computing, security, algorithms, and theory. The Department also welcomes candidates who conduct interdisciplinary research in the humanities and social sciences. Full ad

  • Applications received by November 15, 2019 will receive full consideration

Washington and Lee University (Virginia)

[Excerpt] The Department of Computer Science at Washington and Lee University invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor for the fall of 2020. Candidates for Assistant Professor should have a Ph.D. in computer science by September 1, 2020, be committed to excellence in undergraduate teaching, and exhibit potential for maintaining a viable research program. In addition to teaching courses in one or more of the core areas of computer science, candidates should be able to sponsor student research in computer science. Interdisciplinary opportunities are also available. Full ad

  • Processing of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Whitman College (Washington)

Appearing Soon

Wellesley College (Massachusetts)

[Excerpt] Wellesley College invites applications for a tenure-track faculty in the Computer Science Department starting in July 2020. While preference will be given to candidates for the rank of Assistant Professor, applications for all ranks will be considered. The Computer Science Department is strongly committed to outstanding teaching and scholarship, and to providing students with the best possible research experiences. We are especially interested in candidates whose teaching, scholarship, or service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity within an academic setting. The position has a teaching load of two courses per semester, with the opportunity to develop new courses in the candidate’s area of specialty and support for a vigorous program of research. Full ad

  • Applications will be reviewed starting on November 1, 2019, and will continue until the position is filled

Westmont College (California)

[Excerpt] The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science invites applications for a tenure track position in Computer Science. We seek a faculty member with a PhD in computer science who demonstrates professional and personal interests that extend beyond computer science, to include a commitment to life-long learning in the liberal arts and an ability to cultivate such learning in undergraduate students. As a college rooted in the worldwide, evangelical Protestant Christian tradition, we are seeking candidates personally committed to this heritage. Applicants should also share our commitment to greater inclusion of underrepresented groups in a field that sorely needs such diversity. Full ad

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Evan Peck
Evan Peck

Written by Evan Peck

Bucknell Computer Science Faculty. Trying to make your computer fit you better. HCI, data visualization. my site: eg.bucknell.edu/~emp017/