Chair, Department of Computer Science

Chair, Department of Computer Science
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Houston (UH) invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of the Department of Computer Science (COSC), with an anticipated start date of Fall 2026.

The Department of Computer Science is central to UH's aspirations in forward-leaning areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Human-Machine Partnerships, and Quantum Computing, and to the University's broader mission of discovery, innovation, and student success. The next chair will have the opportunity to shape the future of a dynamic department at a Carnegie R1 public research university located in the heart of Houston - the nation's fourth-largest city and a global hub of energy, biotechnology, health, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Houston offers unmatched opportunities for collaboration, with the world's largest medical center, NASA's Johnson Space Center, the headquarters of the energy sector, and rapidly growing investments in advanced technologies and AI.

Responsibilities

The Chair will provide strategic and academic leadership for the department's research, teaching, and service missions, including:

• Recruiting, supporting, and retaining outstanding faculty, staff, and students.
• Advancing research strengths and fostering growth in areas of opportunity such as AI, Human-Machine Partnerships, Cybersecurity, and Quantum Computing.
• Supporting and building collaborations and partnerships, including with other departments and colleges, the Texas Center for Superconductivity at UH (TcSUH), Baylor College of Medicine, and Houston's thriving industries and innovation ecosystem in energy, health, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.
• Promoting innovation in teaching and curriculum development, including redefining approaches to computer science education in the AI era to prepare students for rapidly evolving technologies and interdisciplinary applications.
• Supporting student and faculty success through inclusive excellence, mentorship, and professional development.
• Leading efforts to elevate the department's visibility, ranking, and reputation.

Qualifications

Applicants must have:

• A Ph.D. in computer science or a closely related field.
• An outstanding record of scholarship, teaching, and professional service commensurate with appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in an academic or research setting.
• A compelling vision for the future of computer science in a public research university.

Preferred qualifications include:

• A track record of research and leadership in core computer science areas as well as emerging and interdisciplinary areas (e.g. data science, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing) or related innovative fields.
• Experience with faculty, staff and student recruitment, retention, and success.
• Ability to foster collaborations across disciplines and with external partners.

About the Department

The Department of Computer Science at UH is home to 39 faculty members, 150 graduate students, and 2030 undergraduates. Faculty research spans artificial intelligence, data analytics, systems, theory, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, with growing opportunities in quantum computing and AI-driven applications in health, energy, and aerospace. The faculty also includes several IEEE Fellows. COSC is positioned within the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, enabling unique cross-disciplinary collaborations across the sciences and with UH's health and energy partners. Current collaborations include multimillion-dollar NIH-funded research with the Baylor College of Medicine. The department also fosters a vibrant undergraduate research community and plays a central role in cross-campus initiatives in AI, digital transformation, and innovation, including new programs at UH's Katy campus and close collaborations with industry.

About the University

The University of Houston is a Carnegie R1 public research university, serving over 47,000 students. Located in one of the nation's most diverse and vibrant cities, UH is recognized nationally for innovation, student success, and social mobility. The University and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics are investing in strategic growth, including in AI, data science, and quantum computing, to support UH's aspiration for membership in the Association of American Universities (AAU).

Application Process

Parker Executive Search is assisting the University of Houston in the search for the next Chair of the Department of Computer Science. The Search Committee invites letters of nomination, applications (letter of interest, full resume/CV, and contact information of at least five references), or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University. Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. It is preferred, however, that all nominations and applications be submitted before Thursday, February 26, 2026. Please submit applications directly to Parker Executive Search. For additional information, please contact:

Jacob Anderson, Senior Principal
Julia Butler-Mayes, Ph.D., Associate
Parker Executive Search
Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2875
Atlanta, GA 30328
ext.: 111