Careers in Computer Science

Jump to a Section

Northwestern University continues its ambitious initiative to grow and transform Computer Science (CS). The Computer Science department is in the midst of adding twenty new tenure-track faculty in core Computer Science and collaboratively with other disciplines (CS + X), as well as a number of non-tenure-track teaching faculty. We seek outstanding candidates who are excited by the opportunity to help build the future of CS at a world-class university. Northwestern is a leading R1 university comprising a number of highly ranking schools that provide extraordinary opportunities for collaboration across a wide range of disciplines. Located in beautiful Evanston, on the shores of lake Michigan, just outside the diverse and culturally vibrant city of Chicago, Northwestern faculty have ample opportunities to connect with the city’s growing technology sector.

Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Computer Science

Apply NoW

We invite candidates to apply for new faculty positions at the level of Assistant Professor of Computer Science or equivalent. We are interested in outstanding candidates broadly across computer science. The department is especially interested in growing in the areas of computer vision and imaging, machine learning, and theoretical computer science. Priority in all areas will be given to applicants with path-breaking research interests that have the potential to transform both Computer Science and other disciplines.

Application Instructions: We encourage candidates to send their applications as soon as possible. Applications received by November 30, 2024 will be given full consideration, but we may invite candidates for interviews starting November. The positions will remain open until filled. Applications received after November 30, 2024 will be considered on a rolling basis. Applicants should submit (1) a cover letter indicating the rank applied for, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) three to five letters of reference, (4) a statement of research interests, (5) a statement of teaching philosophy, (6) an optional personal statement that addresses how the candidate contributes to diverse excellence, and (7) two representative publications. Application instructions can be found at https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/computer-science/resources/careers-computer-science.html (when we start accepting applications). For general questions about the search or application assistance post submission, contact faculty-search@cs.northwestern.edu.

Compensation: The expected base pay range for this position is $137,000–$147,000. This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment, does not include summer salary, and is subject to negotiation. Research discretionary funding will also be provided. Summer salary, including from sponsored projects, may also be available.

Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Questions: faculty-search@cs.northwestern.edu 

Return to Top

Tenure Track Assistant Professor in CS+X

Apply NoW

We invite candidates to apply for new  CS + X faculty positions at the Assistant Professor level. These positions will be joint between Computer Science (which is within the McCormick School of Engineering) and other schools or departments at Northwestern, for individuals and teams exploring new research boundaries in computation. We are interested in applications from outstanding candidates broadly across computer science. We are especially interested in researchers who can bridge computer science and the Feinberg School of Medicine. In the last few years, we have hired jointly with Preventive Medicine, Statistics, Learning Sciences, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mechanical Engineering, Economics, Communication Studies, Journalism, and the Segal Design Institute, and we remain committed to interdisciplinary research leveraging Northwestern’s unique strengths and world-class schools in many areas. Priority in all areas will be given to applicants with path-breaking research interests that have the potential to transform both Computer Science and other disciplines.

Application Instructions: We encourage candidates to send their applications as soon as possible. Applications received by November 30, 2024 will be given full consideration, but we may invite candidates for interviews starting November. The positions will remain open until filled. Applications received after November 30, 2024 will be considered on a rolling basis. Applicants should submit (1) a cover letter indicating the rank applied for, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) three to five letters of reference, (4) a statement of research interests, (5) a statement of teaching philosophy, (6) an optional personal statement that addresses how the candidate contributes to diverse excellence, and (7) two representative publications. Application instructions can be found at https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/computer-science/resources/careers-computer-science.html (when we start accepting applications). For general questions about the search or application assistance post submission, contact faculty-search@cs.northwestern.edu.

Compensation: The expected base pay range for this position is $133,000–$145,000. This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment, does not include summer salary, and is subject to negotiation. Research discretionary funding will also be provided. Summer salary, including from sponsored projects, may also be available.

Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Questions: faculty-search@cs.northwestern.edu 

 Return to Top

 

Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Embodied Artificial Intelligence

 APPLY NOW

Departments of Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Computer Science (CS) 

We invite applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty appointment at the level of Assistant Professor, jointly appointed by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Department of Computer Science at Northwestern University.  

We seek candidates who will lead pioneering research in embodied artificial intelligence: intelligent systems with embodiment that perceive, physically interact with, and respond to the physical world. Priority areas include, but are not limited to computational design, robotics, biohybrid machines, physically-embodied artificial intelligence and machine learning, and biologically-inspired perception. A competitive candidate from the fields of perception, AI, or learning will have demonstrated expertise with deployments on physical actuated systems, and a competitive candidate from the fields of actuation or mechanics will have demonstrated expertise applying advanced computational intelligence to mechanical design and behavior execution.  

Applicants should hold an earned PhD or be near completion of their doctoral studies with demonstrated research potential in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.  

The hire will have opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration via broad research initiatives and centers at Northwestern, including the Center for Robotics and Biosystems, the Center for Synthetic Biology, the Center for Deep Learning, the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, the Center for Human-Computer Interaction + Design, and the NSF ERC Human Augmentation via Dexterity. 

 Application instructions: Candidates are requested to upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research, statement of teaching, statement of diversity (addressing potential contributions to enhancing diversity, equity, and/or inclusion), and the names and contact information for three to five references. In the cover letter, candidates should summarize their qualifications in advancing new frontiers in embodied artificial intelligence. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To receive full consideration, all materials including reference letters should be received by November 15, 2024. Application materials must be submitted via the web interface at the link below. 

Compensation: The expected base pay range for this position is $133,000–$145,000. This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment, does not include summer salary, and is subject to negotiation. Research discretionary funding will also be provided. Summer salary, including from sponsored projects, may also be available. 

Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs. 

 At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more. 

Questions: faculty-search@cs.northwestern.edu 

Return to Top

Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Quantum Computing

 APPLY NOW

Departments of Computer Science (CS) and Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)

Northwestern University invites outstanding candidates who are excited by the opportunity to help build the future of quantum computing and quantum information science in a world-class university to apply for a full-time, tenure-track faculty appointment at the departments of Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering. The new appointment will be joint between the two departments at the rank of Assistant Professor. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to, quantum algorithms, quantum computing, quantum information, quantum error correction and mitigation, post-quantum cryptography, quantum systems architecture, quantum software systems, and other design areas related to quantum information science and quantum computing. The new hire will have opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration via broad research initiatives and centers at Northwestern, including the Institute for Quantum Information Research and Engineering (INQUIRE), the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS), the Northwestern-Fermilab Center for Applied Physics & Superconducting Technologies (CAPST), the Center for Molecular Quantum Transduction (CMQT), and other centers and initiatives at Northwestern, as well as in collaboration with National Laboratories, including Fermilab, Argonne, Oak Ridge, Brookhaven, and NIST.

Northwestern University is a leading R1 university comprising a number of highly ranking schools that provide extraordinary opportunities for collaboration across a wide range of disciplines. Located in Evanston, on the shores of lake Michigan, just outside the diverse and culturally vibrant city of Chicago, Northwestern faculty have ample opportunities to connect with the city’s growing technology sector. In recent years, the Chicago region has enjoyed a multi-billion growth in Quantum Science and Engineering, including the groundbreaking DARPA-Illinois Quantum Proving Ground, the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), and other large-scale initiatives leveraging federal, state, public and private investments, such as the Bloch EDA Tech Hub, and the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE). The Chicago region was designated a US Tech Hub for quantum technologies by the Biden-Harris administration, and is already receiving pioneering quantum companies as tenants of its quantum campus. Northwestern University is a vital part of this vibrant ecosystem, and is committed to interdisciplinary research (see for example the CS+X initiative) leveraging Northwestern’s unique strengths and world-class schools.

Application Instructions: We encourage candidates to send their applications as soon as possible. Applications received by December 1, 2024, will be given full consideration. Applications received after December 1 will be considered on a rolling basis. The positions will remain open until filled. Applicants should submit (1) a cover letter indicating the rank applied for, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) three to five letters of reference, (4) a statement of research interests, (5) a statement of teaching philosophy, (6) an optional personal statement that addresses how the candidate contributes to diverse excellence, and (7) two representative publications. Application instructions can be found at https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/computer-science/resources/careers-computer-science.html. For general questions about the search or application assistance post submission, please contact cs-ece-faculty-search@northwestern.edu.

Compensation: The expected base pay range for this position is $130,000-$145,000. This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment, does not include summer salary, and is subject to negotiation. Research discretionary funding will also be provided.  Summer salary, including from sponsored projects, may also be available. Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Questions: cs-ece-faculty-search@northwestern.edu

Return to Top

  

Computer Science Pioneer Professor of Instruction

APPLY NOW

Northwestern University Computer Science seeks outstanding candidates for the Pioneer Professor of Instruction, a new 1-2 year position providing professionals with an opportunity to step out of their industrial role and share their knowledge. Northwestern CS is a dynamic and growing academic community with students at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral level. The successful applicant will be a tech industry professional, with deep knowledge of Computer Science, and passion for conveying that knowledge and relevant industry experiences to a broad variety of students. They will go well beyond delivering entry-level service courses to create learning experiences that motivate students to enroll, to work, to learn, and to find new applications of CS that shape their careers and the world beyond. This is a one year position, renewable once, for a maximum of 2 years in the role. 

Applicants should have earned a degree in Computer Science or a closely related field and worked in the tech industry for at least 5 years. The Pioneer Professor will  teach two courses per term with ample graduate and undergraduate TA support.

Applicants should submit:

  1. A cover letter
  2. A curriculum vitae
  3. Three to five letters of reference
  4. A statement of industry experience and teaching interest
  5. A diversity statement that addresses how the candidate contributes to inclusive, accessible, and equitable educational environments.
  6. A  video of the candidate giving a presentation/talk, ideally on a technical topic  (if available)

We encourage candidates to send applications as soon as possible. We will review them on a rolling basis, starting November 1, 2024, until the position is filled.

Northwestern is a leading R1 university comprising a number of highly ranking schools that provide extraordinary opportunities for collaboration across a wide range of disciplines. The Computer Science department is leading an ambitious initiative to grow and transform Computer Science (CS) education and research. . Northwestern has a very active and supportive community of 12 Computer Science Faculty of Instruction. We have a strong culture of mentorship and collaboration within the group, and fully participate in and are well respected members of the friendly and cooperative department. We continue to invest in new courses, non-major pathways, and new joint degrees to broaden the reach and quality of computing education. We seek outstanding candidates who are excited by the opportunity to help build the future of CS at a world-class university. Located in beautiful Evanston, on the shores of lake Michigan, just outside the diverse and culturally vibrant city of Chicago, Northwestern faculty have ample opportunities to connect with the city’s growing technology sector.

Compensation: The expected base pay range for this position is $110,000–$115,000. This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment, does not include summer salary, and is subject to negotiation.

Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Questions: faculty-search@cs.northwestern.edu 

Return to Top

 

Neild Visiting Professorship in Computer Science

APPLY NOW

Northwestern University's Department of Computer Science invites exceptional scholars to apply for the Neild Visiting Professorship. At the forefront of cutting-edge research and innovation, Northwestern University's Department of Computer Science fosters a collaborative and vibrant environment.

 Position Overview:We are seeking outstanding researchers in computer science or related fields to join us for up to an academic year as part of the Neild Visiting Professorship. The Neild Visiting Professorship is aimed at established researchers on sabbatical or leave from their home institutions.

 As a visiting professor, you will:

  • Conduct groundbreaking research in your area of expertise, leveraging Northwestern's world-class computational resources and interdisciplinary collaborations.
  • Collaborate with our leading faculty members and research groups across the university, contributing your unique insights to advance the frontiers of computer science.
  • Engage with our vibrant academic community through seminars, workshops, and networking events.

The professorship is targeted towards individuals on leave from their home institution (industry labs, research labs or universities) or individuals proposed through existing structured research agreements with strategic national and international partners, e.g., a national laboratory. 

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Research statement outlining your current and future research interests
  • Sample publications or research outputs
  • Cover letter that discusses potential collaborators within the CS department and university more broadly.

We encourage candidates to send applications as soon as possible. We will review them on a rolling basis, starting December 10, 2024, until the position is filled. 

Applicants are strongly recommended to discuss the possibility of visiting with potential collaborators at Northwestern before applying. 

Application instructions can be found at https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/computer-science/resources/careers-computer-science.html . For general questions about the search or application assistance post submission, contact at neild-app@cs.northwestern.edu   

Support for this position is $75,000 per year. Monthly salary will depend on the duration of the visit.

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Return to Top

  


The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami, and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

 

Return to Top