Applied AI Systems Tenure-line Faculty

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University invites applications for multiple tenure-line faculty positions in applied AI systems within the IST department, located on the University Park campus. Appointments are at assistant or associate professor rank, beginning August 2027.

Remote appointments are not permitted. We invite applicants to address either Physical AI or Enterprise AI with emphasis on real-world impact and collaboration with industry.

Qualifications

• PhD in information sciences, informatics, information systems, computer science, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, computer engineering, electrical engineering, business analytics, or a related field.
• Strong potential for developing external research funding and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Experience teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Conduct interdisciplinary research and supervise graduate students.
• Actively pursue external funding for research activities and engage in service.
• Collaborate with faculty across the university and industry partners.

Skills

Teaching experience

Interdisciplinary collaboration

External funding

Education

PhD in information sciences or related field

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Applied AI Systems Tenure-line Faculty Positions

The Department of Human-Centered Computing and Social Informatics in the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for multiple tenure-line faculty positions in applied AI systems, located in State College, Pennsylvania. The appointments are at the assistant or associate professor rank and begin in August 2027 at the University Park campus. Remote appointments are not permitted for these hires.

We seek outstanding scholars in one of the following two areas. Applicants are invited to address the area that fits their work; there is no expectation that a candidate speaks to both.

Physical AI:

We seek scholars who design, build, and/or deploy physical AI systems, particularly edge AI and cyber-physical systems, which can sense, reason, and act in the physical world. Such systems take many forms, including embedded and autonomous systems, robotics, wearables and health-sensing devices, instrumented environments, and the Internet of Things. Examples of relevant expertise include embedded and on-device machine learning, resource-constrained and real-time computation, sensing and actuation, hardware-software co-design, and/or edge-cloud system architecture, demonstrated through working systems that are prototyped, deployed, and/or evaluated in real environments. We are interested in candidates whose systems reach domains such as healthcare, smart homes and buildings, manufacturing, transportation, and public services, and who treat usability and/or sustainability as engineering requirements. Successful candidates will be prepared to build hands-on, project-based curricula in collaboration with industry partners.

Enterprise AI:

We seek scholars who study and teach how AI is engineered, integrated, deployed, governed, and/or continuously improved in real organizational contexts. Examples of relevant expertise include generative AI and agentic systems in the enterprise; human-AI collaboration and the redesign of work; AI governance, assurance, and risk; and/or the integration of AI into core business functions such as accounting, finance, human resources, management, marketing, operations, and supply chain. We welcome candidates working at the intersection of information systems and applied AI, including those whose scholarship engages enterprise systems, business processes, digital transformation, and organizational computing. We are especially interested in candidates who build and evaluate AI-enabled systems in partnership with organizations, and who are prepared to develop project-based curricula that prepare students to deploy and govern AI at scale.

We particularly welcome applicants whose research demonstrates interdisciplinary collaboration and addresses significant societal, governmental, or industrial challenges.

Candidates will demonstrate a record of research accomplishment or strong research potential in the area to which they apply, an ability to publish in high-quality peer-reviewed venues, a record of teaching or strong teaching potential in relevant subjects, and technical competence in contemporary AI technologies and their application.

Candidates will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses; conduct cutting-edge interdisciplinary research; supervise and mentor graduate students; actively pursue external funding to support research activities; engage in service activities at the college and university levels; and collaborate with faculty across the university and with industry partners.

Candidates will possess a PhD in information sciences, informatics, information systems, computer science, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, computer engineering, electrical engineering, business analytics, or a related field before their appointment start date at Penn State. Applicants for the rank of Assistant Professor will demonstrate strong potential for developing a collaborative, interdisciplinary research project that is competitive for external funding and potential to contribute to the college’s teaching mission. Candidates seeking the rank of Associate Professor should have a strong record of scholarly achievement, external funding, and demonstrated success in teaching and service.

Applicants will attach documentation during their application process and should include a cover letter with information about their interests and qualifications for the position, indicating which of the two areas they are applying to. They will also include their i) research statement covering accomplishments and plans (2-3 pages), ii) teaching statement (1-2 pages), iii) curriculum vitae, and iv) contact information for at least three professional references. Candidates may combine these materials into one document prior to uploading, or they may upload separate files.

Inquiries about the position may be directed to [e-mail]. Review of applications begins on November 1, 2026, and will continue until positions are filled.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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