Each fall I try to predict the upcoming job market for theoretical computer science faculty and give suggestions to those pursuing these positions. Last year I wrote that we should get set for a rocky ride, with AI’s disruption of computer science, fiscal stress at universities, and new U.S. policies affecting visas and funding.
Rocky indeed. The job market for computer science graduates continues to decline and with it undergraduate enrollment in the discipline. That should crater demand for CS professors, but anecdotally I'm seeing quite a few departments advertising multiple slots. Perhaps as more computer science departments create Artificial Intelligence programs, deans see the need for continued growth in computing.
Mostly though we're seeing hiring at schools with reasonably good finances, those with large endowments and state flagship universities. Many other schools are struggling and having hiring cutbacks or outright freezes. So I expect the strongest theory students will still find good positions but the second tier might be more challenging than in the past. Oddly enough, a candidate may have an easier time landing a job at a top university than at a mid-tier one.
I'm pessimistic that the recent elections will change much, at least for the next couple of years. Democrats won't make higher education a priority issue. At best they will slow the development of AI but it will continue to disrupt not just computer science but all of higher ed. Trump will remain president for two more years so I don't expect we'll see major changes in visa policy, at least not in a positive direction. Other causes of financial stress, including Baumol's cost disease, the tough job market for new computer science graduates, the public perception of higher education, and the demographic cliff will not go away. Perhaps universities will learn how to use artificial intelligence to cut costs but I'm not holding my breath.
On the positive side, Congress could use the appropriations process to reopen the NSF spigot, though that could take years to play out.
On to specific advice for students on the academic job market.
CATCS maintains a Theoretical Computer Science Jobs posting site. More generally in computer science, there is the CRA Database of Job Candidates and the CRA and ACM job postings.
Don't shy away from artificial intelligence. Make sure you talk about AI in both your research and teaching statements. Departments will need instructors who can teach the courses in all the new AI majors popping up.
Have a well-designed website with all your job materials and links to your papers (AI can help). Make sure your Google Scholar, LinkedIn and GitHub (if relevant) sites are accurate and up to date. Make a short video describing your research to a general computer science crowd. Take advantage of all the links above. Reach out directly to professors you know at schools you are interested in. And start now.
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