SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research at Southern Methodist University, invites nominations and applications for its next Research Director, to begin April 2023 for a ten-year term. This non-tenure track faculty position at the Research Professor or Research Associate Professor level is an exciting opportunity to direct and shape the future of research on all aspects of the nation’s diverse arts and culture ecosystem. Working with the SMU DataArts Director, the Research Director will lead the organization’s academic research agenda and provide support and advice for the applied research program. This appointment provides an ideal opportunity for individuals with PhD’s in fields such as marketing, statistics, economics, organizational behavior, strategy, or arts management who enjoy working with big, messy data, and have demonstrated the ability to publish in the top journals in their field.  The Research Director reports to the Center’s Director, supervises a Data Scientist and Associate Director for Research, and works closely with the entire research team and SMU DataArts staff, including a team of academic research fellows. The Research Director will provide oversight in maintaining and enhancing the SMU DataArts database and developing academic research that uses the data and results in publications in top academic journals. The person in this position will also strengthen SMU DataArts’ expertise, reputation, and credibility by engaging academic researchers interested in using the data for academic publications. There are opportunities for working with post docs and graduate students.

Extraordinary candidates at the Research Professor or Research Associate Professor level will be considered. The appointment will be based in SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts, which is located in a vibrant urban area and is a dynamic, innovative, and inclusive institution. There is potential for a courtesy appointment in another campus unit, depending on fit with the candidate’s research interests.

About SMU DataArts: SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research, is a project of the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University. SMU DataArts compiles and analyzes data on arts organizations and their communities nationwide and develops research articles and reports on important issues in arts management, arts ecosystems, patronage, and equitable access and inclusion. Its findings are available free of charge to arts leaders, funders, policymakers, researchers, and the general public. For more information, visit www.smu.edu/dataarts.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications: A Ph.D. degree is required. Candidates should have an established track-record publishing research articles in top academic journals. The successful candidate will be an energetic self-starter who will have excellent analytic, leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred qualifications: Research experience using the field of arts and culture or related industries as a context of study. Also desirable are the ability to mentor culturally diverse post-doctoral researchers and experience working with culturally diverse colleagues. We encourage applications from a wide range of disciplines.

Application Instructions

To apply:  Please submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae which includes a list of papers, publications, and presentations, a list of references, and a one-page statement describing your area of research focus/interest via Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/112739. Salary and benefits are competitive based on technical capabilities and experience. Requests for additional information may be directed to Melissa Keene at [email protected].  Hiring is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a background check.  The review of applications will begin November 1, 2022, and the position will remain open until filled.  The committee will notify applicants of its employment decision after the position is filled.

SMU

SMU is an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community of teachers and scholars that value diverse research agendas. SMU is in the culturally dynamic city of Dallas.  Explore Virtual SMU at www.smu.edu.  SMU offers excellent benefits including full same-sex domestic partner benefits, for further information see: www.smu.edu/hr/total_comp/benefits/Docs

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.  The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, [email protected].