POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Department of Applied Mathematics at Illinois Tech invites applications for a non tenure-track faculty position in FinTech at the Assistant or Associate Teaching Professor level with an expected start date of January 2024. Candidates with backgrounds in fields or applications related to financial technology and engineering are invited, including statistics, computational finance, machine learning, mathematical finance, optimization, data science and visualization, cybersecurity, robo-advising, and blockchain engineering are invited to apply. Candidates must have completed no later than January 2024 a Ph.D. degree, or foreign equivalent, in Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Scientific Computing or related fields. The position will initially be a two-year appointment, with the possibility for renewal.

 DUTIES 

The primary responsibilities of the Executive Director of the new MS in FinTech (MFT) program, a two year professional STEM designated masters program, include (i) Curriculum development and changes; (ii) Oversight of admissions; (iii) Teaching of selected MFT curriculum courses; (iv) Academic advising, general mentoring, preliminary career advising; (v) General oversight of the program performance; (vi) Hosting academic information sessions, professional seminars and workshops from industry practitioners; and (vii) mentoring junior faculty to coordinate practicums and host trading competitions and programming challenges/hackathons. This position carries a teaching load of two courses per semester, requiring course leadership, curriculum development, and other ad hoc departmental services.

In addition to the background and degree requirements listed above successful candidates will possess extensive experience teaching at the graduate level, especially courses requiring a high degree of computing and data analysis using sophisticated tooling in programming languages such as Python and R. Additionally the successful candidate is expected to be motivated, highly organized, and a strong communicator with a passion for community building and international outreach. The candidate is expected to enrich the connections with industry partners and alumni. The faculty rank of the position will be dependent upon experience and qualifications, as determined by Illinois Tech. Evidence of excellence in teaching and service is required. The candidate must have proven ability in software engineering, scientific programming, or cloud computing and a high degree of domain emphasis in quantitative finance, financial engineering, and information technologies. Competitive professional experience in a quantitative or engineering role in industry and financial qualifications are a plus. The position shall commence in the Spring Semester, 2024, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Master of Financial Technology program is a professional masters program, with a STEM designation, and aims at empowering students with knowledge in FinTech and data science, enabling them to understand, execute, and develop disruptive financial innovations using appropriate tools and techniques, and nurturing them to better prepare for the fast-growing demand in today’s data-driven economy. See the tentative program curriculum at https://bulletin.iit.edu/graduate/colleges/computing/applied-mathematics/master-financial-technology/ for more information.

ABOUT THE INSITITUTION

Illinois Tech is a private Ph.D.-granting research university with world-renowned programs in sciences, engineering, architecture, humanities, psychology, business, law, and design. Founded in 1890, Illinois Tech was born different. It was built on the promise set forth in minister Frank Wakely Gunsaulus’ “Million Dollar Sermon” to provide access to higher education for students from all different backgrounds and to make a difference in the world through technology-oriented education. This guiding mission and purpose – where students, including those underrepresented in technology, could prepare for meaningful roles in a changing industrial society and achieve professional and economic advancement – remains just as relevant today. Thus, diversity and inclusion are part of the day-to-day experience at Illinois Tech and a central component of its culture. As such, Illinois Tech is home to a diverse and global student population, is committed to providing opportunities to enhance the diversity of its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this position, especially those underrepresented in the field.

 

Illinois Tech is minutes away from downtown Chicago, one of the largest fintech centers in the world, and home to the largest financial exchanges, securities firms, trading technology, and a major hub for technology making it a destination to discover hands-on learning experiences, opportunities to build professional networks, and learn from the best and brightest.

i)      a cover letter expressing your interest in the position and highlighting how you can contribute to our departmental mission with specific focus on FinTech program;

ii)     curriculum vitae;

iii)    teaching statements;

iv)   evidence of teaching effectiveness;

v)    succinct statement, no longer than two pages, on the candidate’s commitment to equity and inclusion in education—this statement should address specific past and/or potential contributions to the equitable and inclusive delivery of academic instruction and support to and research mentorship of students from a diverse background of countries, cultures and socioeconomic conditions;

vi)   at least three confidential reference letters (at least two addressing teaching effectiveness and service record).

Applications will be reviewed beginning the first week in December.

Illinois Tech is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer committed to enhancing excellence, equity, inclusion and diversity within its community. Illinois Tech is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and actively seeks applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities regardless of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, creed, national origin, disability, age, unfavorable discharge from the military, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, including gender identity and expression, order of protection status, genetic information, and any other protected class. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.