The Data Science Institute at Brown University is seeking a Course Developer and Instructor (adjunct faculty) for a new online Master's in Data Science: Governance, Policy and Society. This is a remote position for an expert who can develop and teach a course on Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Large Language Models, with a critical focus on the technical aspects of fairness and bias.
About the Role
This position offers a unique opportunity to join a new, innovative graduate program designed to train the next generation of data scientists. The successful candidate will work closely with Brown University's Digital Learning and Design (DLD) team to create a comprehensive, 15-week asynchronous course delivered via the Canvas learning platform. The development phase begins October 1, 2025, and the course will be taught in Summer 2026.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing rigorous, student-centered course content that aligns with online teaching and learning best practices.
- Integrating real-world problem sets and applications into the course material.
- Facilitating weekly synchronous sessions to enhance student engagement.
- Managing the course on the Canvas Learning Management System, including grading and student communication.
- Providing consistent academic support and mentorship to students.
The Course
The course offers a comprehensive introduction to machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI. It is distinguished by its unique focus on the technical aspects of detecting and remediating fairness and bias in these models. The curriculum will cover classical machine learning techniques and their susceptibility to bias, as well as the emerging fields of deep learning and large language models (LLMs). Students will explore key concepts such as backpropagation, pretraining, fine-tuning, and alignment strategies like Deep Policy Optimization (DPO) and Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF), all with a focus on ethical application.
Qualifications
- A master's degree or higher in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a closely related field is required.
- A minimum of two years of experience as a Teaching Associate, Adjunct Faculty, or Instructor in a university setting, or advanced expertise in the field gained through professional experience.
- Demonstrated proficiency in the course content, particularly in the technical aspects of ML/DL/LLM fairness and bias.
- Experience in developing and teaching online courses using a Learning Management System like Canvas is preferred.
- A collaborative and self-disciplined individual who can promote an inclusive environment and contribute to a diverse community of perspectives.
Compensation
This position offers a stipend of $14,000, which will be paid in two installments: half at the start of the development phase and half upon completion. The same stipend is awarded each time the faculty member teaches the course. The role requires an average commitment of 5 to 10 hours per week during development.
How to Apply
To be considered for this position, please submit the following materials via this form.
- A current Curriculum Vitae.
- A cover letter addressing your specific qualifications to teach this unique course, focusing on your expertise in detecting and remediating fairness and bias issues, and the reasons for your interest in the position.
- The names and contact information for three professional references.
Questions can be addressed to amanda_whittaker@brown.edu.