Distinguished Visiting Professor (Computer Science)

LOCATION:

Computer Science Department, United States Naval Academy

APPLICATION TIMELINE:

This position does not have a specific application deadline. Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

ABOUT THE U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY:

The United States Naval Academy is a unique institution of higher learning located in Annapolis, Maryland. As a service academy and premier undergraduate college, the United States Naval Academy has its own distinctive niche amongst American higher education institutions. Our talented faculty and staff are united by a common purpose to develop the next generation of officers to be exceptional  leaders in our naval service. 

Every year more than one million people tour "the Yard" to experience what our employees already know, which is that the United States Naval Academy is a special place, with a special purpose. Employees will find challenging and rewarding work; state-of-the-art facilities which inspire academic and athletic excellence; the benefits of Federal employment; and exceptional quality-of-life.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Naval Academy’s Computer Science Department invites applications for the RADM Frank Leighton and Class of 1948 Distinguished Visiting Professor position in Computer Science to begin as early as late July 2026.  A Distinguished Visiting Professor is expected to have a strong reputation and technical expertise in Computer Science, Data Science, or a closely related field. Applications are encouraged from all relevant topical areas.  Note that no military background is needed as this is a civilian faculty position.

Some examples of people who could thrive in this position:

• Academic faculty on sabbatical
• Non-profit leaders in computing-related fields
• Senior government employees from related agencies
• Professionals currently in practice with interesting and relevant industry experience
• Professionals nearing retirement who are interested in a different way of further contributing to their field

The department offers a Computer Science major (with approximately 95 current students), and also leads a new interdisciplinary major in Data Science (with approximately 95 current students). We currently have a faculty of 15. The successful applicant can expect small class sizes (typically 10-20 students), a highly collaborative and collegial department, numerous opportunities for internal and external research collaboration, competitive compensation and excellent federal benefits. In addition, the recently established Data Science major offers interested faculty a unique opportunity to shape and contribute to a new program that will impact many future leaders. 

The department is housed in Grace Hopper Hall, a new, state of the art building overlooking the scenic Severn River. Our spaces provide outstanding office, laboratory, and research facilities for both students and faculty, including specialized labs for robotics and networking, seven computing labs, as well as six dedicated faculty research and collaboration spaces.

The Naval Academy is an undergraduate institution located in historic downtown Annapolis, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay.  Roughly half of the faculty are tenured or tenure track civilian professors with Ph.D.s who balance superb teaching with excellent research.  The remaining faculty are active duty military officers with Masters or Doctoral degrees.  Each year the academy graduates about 1000 undergraduate students with majors in engineering, sciences, or humanities.  More information about the department and the Academy can be found at https://www.usna.edu/cs/ and https://www.usna.edu/.

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Teaching undergraduate courses in computer science and/or data science
• Assisting with curricular development
• Mentoring students
• Collaborating with faculty
• Arranging for guest speakers

This is an onsite, gift funded, 10-month compensation model, federal excepted service position.  This position will have an initial appointment of approximately 1 to 2 years, with the possibility of renewal based on the availability of gift funds and performance in the position.

Salary Details:  

• • Pay Band: AD-09

• • Approximate Starting Salary Range: $105,000-140,000
    
    • Based on 10-month compensation model

• • Final Salary Will be determined based on:
    • Experience and qualifications of the selected candidate
    • Availability of funds from a gift fund (i.e., the position is supported by a designated or restricted funding source)

MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Required at time of application: Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, or closely related field, -OR- M.S. in Computer Science, Data Science, or closely related field, with 15 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications (We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience or demonstrated interest in some or all of the following areas):

• Experience teaching undergraduate-level computing courses or in-house short courses/presentations on computing topics in industry.
• Experience applying practical skills from computer science or data science to real-world industry environments.

FINAL SELECTION FOR POSITION WILL BE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING ASSESSMENTS: 

• Teaching Demonstration 
• Presentation of the candidates research and scholarship program  
• On campus interviews
• Executive-Level Interview

HOW TO APPLY FOR POSITION:

Interested candidates should send an application package to the hiring manager and DVP Search Committee, at dvp-computerscience-positions2026-group@usna.edu. 

• Application Packages need to contain:
  • Cover Letter
    • Please clearly indicate your status as a U.S. citizen in the cover letter, as this is required for the position.
  • 2 - page resume (we can only accept resumes up to two pages in length)
    • This document must be sufficient on its own to assess whether the applicant meets all “Required Minimum Qualifications.”
  • Supplemental materials
    • Full List of scholarly products 
    • Teaching statement 
    • Description of research plan 
    • Contact information for three professional references
    • Any additional information candidate would like to submit 

Candidates should also submit a response to the narrative questions found here. Please note you will need to include the announcement number listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Please note: This position does not have a specific application deadline. Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.  Additionally, the ability to fill this position is contingent upon the availability of funding.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Two-year trial period will typically be required.
• All civilian positions at USNA are subject to a background investigation. The selected candidate will be subject to a security investigation leading to successful completion of a background investigation with a favorable adjudication. The selectee's failure to meet this requirement will be grounds for termination. More information about the background investigation  process can be found at the Academic Dean and Provost’s website, https://www.usna.edu/Academics/Faculty-Information/Background-Investigation-Info.php. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The U.S. Naval Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer