Assistant Computational Scientist Jobs in Virginia

Department: College of Science

Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty

Job Category: Instructional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Works with Minors check: Yes

About the Department

The Department of Computational and Data Sciences (CDS) at George Mason University (GMU) is a rapidly growing department for data science and computing innovation. Part of the College of Science, CDS advances state-of-the-art research and delivers top-tier education at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

The Department offers a Bachelor of Science in Computational and Data Science. This program integrates data analytics, modeling, and scientific computing to prepare students for careers in industry, government, and beyond. CDS provides career advancement opportunities for graduate students through its M.S. in Computational Science, Ph.D. in Computational Sciences and Informatics, and Ph.D. in Computational Social Science. These programs emphasize technical expertise and the interdisciplinary applications of computation, modeling & simulation, and data-driven discovery.

Complementing its educational mission, CDS faculty develop, conduct, and disseminate cutting-edge, externally funded interdisciplinary research in diverse application areas where computational science, data science, and modeling & simulation are essential. Its recent research portfolio includes funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the U.S. Department of the Army.

Through collaborations with government and industry partners at both regional and national levels, the department strives to ensure its research remains competitive. In alignment with the broad mission of GMU and the College of Science, CDS is also strongly committed to engagement, working with high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as stakeholder communities through research opportunities, internships, summer programs, and collaborations within and beyond the university.

George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing inclusive excellence and fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation throughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values include cultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures, and perspectives are what provide vibrancy, innovation, and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsiveness in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.

About the Position

The position in the Department of Computational and Data Sciences (CDS) will support the department's efforts to achieve its mission in education and engagement. The successful Term Assistant Professor is expected to: (a) teach at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, develop new course curriculum, and support the department’s undergraduate, certificate, Master, and two PhD programs; and (b) participate and contribute to service at the department, college, university, and relevant scientific communities/organizations, as well as support department activities to promote its programs.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses offered by CDS at the undergraduate and graduate levels in all course modalities (in-person, hybrid, and fully online) as assigned, develop new courses in area(s) of expertise, and support teaching activities across undergraduate, certificate and graduate programs in the department; hold office hours, mentor students, and supervise graduate and undergraduate student research, which may also include the oversight of GTAs, GRAs and department Student Teachers and Research (STAR) Assistants.
• Service to the department, college, and university: serve on department standing and ad-hoc committees, support department efforts to grow and promote the department and its programs, and serve on college- and university-level committees appropriate for career stage and experience.

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a closely related field including Data Science, Information Science, Scientific Computing, Computational Science, Artificial Intelligence, Simulation, or Modeling is required prior to starting this appointment;
• One year of experience teaching at the undergraduate level as a teaching assistant or instructor of record;
• Demonstrated commitment to ethics and professional values;
• Knowledge and skills in developing, delivering, and maintaining high quality curriculum and instruction at the undergraduate level in the following areas: data science foundations, data science ethics, scientific computing, and artificial intelligence;
• Ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students and guide students in their academic and professional growth;
• Knowledge for and ability to develop new courses in one or more fields of specialization;
• Ability to communicate with students, faculty, and staff effectively; and
• Strong interpersonal skills to build professional relationships with students, faculty, and staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level;
• Two or more years of experience teaching at the undergraduate level as a teaching assistant or instructor of record;
• Two or more years of experience working in a computational and data sciences field in an industry or government setting;
• Experience teaching multi-section courses and large courses;
• Demonstrated teaching record that combines Artificial Intelligence and/or Machine Learning with one or more of the following areas: Scientific Computing, Modeling, Simulation, Scientific Visualization, or Computational Social Science;
• Experience developing and maintaining course curriculum and materials;
• Experience developing and/or implementing innovative teaching and student engagement methods;
• Experience with a variety of technical environments commonly used in computational science and data science, including relevant software and hardware;
• Strong knowledge and familiarity with the foundation and state-of-the-art in modeling and simulation, databases, data visualization, and high-performance computing;
• Knowledge in other areas that align with or strongly complement those of the department curriculum;
• Knowledge of best practices for developing and delivering course curriculum;
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills;
• Excellent organizational and time management skills;
• Ability to work and collaborate effectively in group settings;
• Ability to work and collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary groups; and
• Commitment to mentoring and educating a broad range of students, particularly those that are traditionally underrepresented in STEM.

Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Term Assistant Professor, Computational and Data Sciences at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a letter of intent, CV, philosophy of teaching, and an unofficial copy of transcript (required only for candidates with less than 2 years of post-PhD experience).

Posting Open Date: February 9, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: March 9, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Mason Ad Statement

George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.

George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information

Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/.