Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in Foundational AI, Tenure-track - R159435

Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Immigration sponsorship may be limited

Job summary

The Ohio State University’s College of Engineering invites applications for a tenure-track Foundational AI faculty position in the Computer Science and Engineering department, located on the Columbus campus. Open rank for Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, with starting date as early as Fall 2027.

The role focuses on theoretical AI foundations, including architectures and methods such as neuro-symbolic, physics-informed, and cognitive systems, aligned with the AI(X) Hub Foundations focus area.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science or related fields with a focus on theoretical underpinnings of ML.
• Strong record of contributions to foundational AI, including learning architectures and methods (neuro-symbolic, physics-informed, cognitive, modular, adaptive).
• For associate/full professor levels: sustained funding, honors, editorial boards, and graduate/undergraduate mentoring are important.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on next-generation AI architectures and methodologies with a theory-grounded focus.
• Publish in top-tier venues (NeurIPS, ICML, COLT, ICLR).
• Advise and mentor PhD students and postdocs; teach AI and ML courses.
• Engage with interdisciplinary grand challenge initiatives and AI initiatives.
• Collaborate with government, defense, industry, and NGOs on applied research.

Skills

Leadership and Collaboration

Mentoring and Teaching

Communication Skills

Independence and Initiative

Innovative Thinking

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related fields

Foundational AI research focus

Evidence of research excellence in mathematical/theoretical computing

Job description

The Ohio State University: College of Engineering: Computer Science and Engineering

Location

Columbus Campus,Dreese Laboratories (0279)

Open Date

Sep 18, 2026

Description

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in Foundational AI, Tenure-track

Department of Computer Science and Engineering

College of Engineering

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) in the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant/Associate/Full Professor level to advance innovative research and development in the areas focused on novel and theoretical principles that motivate the next generation of AI architectures and methodologies. This position is located on the main Columbus campus of The Ohio State University and starts as early as Fall 2027.

Position Overview

The CSE Department seeks a foundational AI researcher to lead our long-term investment in the mathematical and theoretical frameworks that will define next-generation AI architectures and methodologies. This role focuses on new AI architectures (including neuro-symbolic, physics-informed, cognitively inspired, and efficient, adaptive architectures) and methods (such as continual learning mechanisms and long context management) to move toward more robust and adaptive capabilities, with a preference over theory-grounded work.

The strategic value of this tenure-track position with open rank is to sustain and grow Ohio State’s excellence in AI. The successful candidate will be able to align with the University AI Initiative that is aiming at harnessing the transformative power of AI to solve complex challenges, accelerate discovery, and create meaningful societal impact. Faculty hired under this University AI Initiative will be part of the AI(X) Hub ecosystem. This position is specifically aligned with the AI(X) Hub Focus Area of Foundations. The successful candidate will play a leading role in achieving broad impact on the AI(X) Hub.

Tenure-track faculty members in the Computer Science and Engineering department are expected to participate in a variety of scholarly activities that contribute to the department’s overall success, including the following specific key responsibilities of this position:

• Lead research on the next generation of AI architectures and methodologies, such as those that are cognitively inspired, incorporate long-term memory, continually adapt, or combine neural and symbolic modules, with a preference over theory-grounded work.
• Establish a high-impact research program that anchors the department’s investment in AI foundations, publishing in top-tier venues like NeurIPS, ICML, COLT, and ICLR.
• Advise and mentor a diverse group of PhD students and post-doctoral researchers, fostering a culture of rigorous theory-grounded inquiry.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in AI and machine learning.
• Participate in interdisciplinary grand challenge initiatives and contribute to the Ohio State University’s AI Fluency Initiative .
• Engage with government, defense, industry, and NGO partners on applied research (as appropriate).

Performance Objectives

• Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication
• A record of high-quality research in the computing field
• Excellence in teaching, both in the classroom and in student advising
• Excellence in scholarship, associated primarily with research that enhances the state-of-the-art in computing
• Leadership in service, both to the profession and to the university
• Contributions to broadening participation in the field of computing
• An attitude conducive to good citizenship, including a commitment to interact with others in a professional, ethical, and constructive fashion
• Strong potential to achieve tenure and advance through the tenure-track faculty ranks

Associate/Full Professor Appointment

• Sustained achievement of a strong record in teaching, both in the classroom and in student advising
• Sustained achievement of a strong record in scholarship, associated primarily with research that enhances the state-of-the-art in computing
• Sustained achievement of a strong record of service, both to the profession and to the university
• A total body of high-quality work and recognition as a leader in the field that leads to national or international distinction

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

• PhD in Computer Science or related fields, with a focus on the theoretical underpinnings of machine learning.
• A strong record of contributions to foundational AI, specifically in the development and analysis of learning architectures and methods, including (but not limited to) neuro-symbolic, physics-informed, cognitive, modular, or adaptive systems.
• For associate/full professor levels:
  • In addition to the above, a record of sustained funding; honors for research achievements; service on editorial boards, conference committees, and policy-making panels and boards; and experience teaching and mentoring at the graduate and undergraduate levels are important.
• Visionary Mindset: The ability to articulate a clear research agenda that addresses fundamental challenges in current AI models, such as reasoning, generalization, and robustness.
• Evidence of research excellence in mathematical and theoretical frameworks in computing.
• Leadership qualities and vision for contributing to a nationally recognized research center.
• Experience with developing new courses and degree programs.
• A commitment to interdisciplinary education and collaborative research.
• For associate/full professor levels:
  • Ability to engage with governance and policy dimensions of theory-grounded AI architectures and methodologies.
  • A familiarity working with campus administrators and leaders.
  • A history of engaging in industrial partnerships and external fundraising.

Skills required for success

• Leadership and Collaboration: The candidate should demonstrate leadership and the ability to collaborate effectively in an academic setting.
• Mentoring and Teaching: Experience or training in mentoring and teaching is desirable.
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required, with a focus on working constructively, decisively, and collegially with both external and internal colleagues and interdisciplinary teams.
• Independence and Initiative: We value individuals who can work independently and are proactive self-starters with strong project leadership skills.
• Innovative Thinking: The candidate should be open to sharing ideas, continuously learn, and display innovative thinking.

Associate/Full Appointment

• Proven Leadership and Collaboration: We seek individuals with a demonstrated track record of leadership and collaboration in a professional environment.
• Advanced Teaching and Mentoring Skills: The candidate should possess a demonstrated track record of advanced mentoring and teaching skills.
• Proven independence and Initiative: We value individuals who can work independently and are proactive self-starters with strong project leadership skills.
• Innovative Thinking: A successful candidate will display innovative thinking, be open to sharing ideas, and have a willingness to continuously learn.
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required, with a focus on working constructively, decisively, and collegially with both external and internal colleagues and interdisciplinary teams.

Additional Information

The final offer for this position will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Salary and start-up packages are negotiated by the department chair and may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package .

Immigration/visa sponsorship may be available in limited situations, but all decisions concerning immigration/visa sponsorship will depend on an evaluation of complexity and risk. We will not engage in immigration sponsorship for this position for individuals subject to the J-1 two-year home residency requirement or who will require consular processing for a visa to come to the United States to begin work at the university.

AI at The Ohio State University

AI is reshaping education and research, and Ohio State is at the forefront of this transformation, unlocking exponential possibilities when AI is fused with different fields. The university is committed to excellence in artificial intelligence and advancing the university’s role as a national and global leader in AI-driven discovery, education, and societal impact. In support of this commitment, Ohio State will hire 100 new tenure-track faculty with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) over five years to drive innovation and create a central hub, the AI(X)Hub , to provide resources and foster collaboration.

This university-wide hub will span 15 colleges and unlock the exponential possibilities that emerge when AI is fused with expertise across six strategic pillars (X): foundations, health, engineering and sciences, agriculture, cybersecurity, and trustworthy AI. The AI(X)Hub will cultivate an innovation ecosystem where cross-disciplinary synergies fuel breakthroughs with profound societal impact by:

• Creating a dynamic intellectual hub to harness Ohio State’s vast expertise where AI scientists and domain experts across the university can collaborate to accelerate groundbreaking research and transformative innovation
• Advancing fundamental AI research to push the boundaries of AI
• Establishing a collaborative hub that unites researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders
• Developing cutting-edge AI products that reach billions and drive meaningful change
• Delivering solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges
• Empowering the next generation of AI leaders through accessible AI education, mentorship, and skill development for all Ohio State learners

AI hiring spans across three faculty cohorts: Foundational AI, Applied AI, and Responsible AI and Cybersecurity. The Foundational AI Cohort will primarily focus on elevating the theoretical, mathematical, and algorithmic underpinnings of AI.The Applied AI Cohort will primarily focus on harnessing AI to revolutionize the translation of ideas to real-world solutions for Ohio and beyond.The Responsible AI and Cybersecurity Cohort will primarily focus on ensuring ethical innovation and safeguarding digital landscapes for a secure future.

CSE Department Information

One of the oldest computing programs in the country, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), is a national leader in impactful computing research and education. We create, teach, and actualize the principles that connect computing and society while advancing the forefront of foundational computer science into various interdisciplinary realms. Department faculty include 58 tenure-track and 11 clinical-track faculty, with 16 ACM/IEEE Fellows and 37 CAREER Awards among past and present faculty. The department continues to raise its national and international research profile through aggressive recruiting and large-scale projects (e.g., two NSF AI Institutes and an NSF Harnessing the Data Revolution (HDR) Institute). The department will continue to invest in creative and team science activities leading to ever increasing strengths in both foundational and applied computer science. The department is also developing innovative academic programs with various campus partners in topics such as AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, digital health and multimedia. CSE faculty closely collaborates with various centers on campus including the Advanced Computing Center for Arts and Design (ACCAD), AI(X) Hub, the Translational Data Analytics Institute (TDAI), the Sustainability Institute (SI), and the Ohio Supercomputer Center.

The College of Engineering

Ohio State's College of Engineering provides fertile ground for innovation and collaboration, and it shares the land‑grant mission to create, transfer, and preserve knowledge for the purpose of enhancing economic competitiveness regionally, nationally, and globally and by preparing professionals ready to sustain and advance society. The College of Engineering strives to create the highest quality, evidence‑based educational experiences in a community rich in ideas, experiences, and viewpoints, accessible at all student levels, across all learning modalities. The college is committed to establishing a culturally and intellectually diverse environment, encouraging all members of our learning community to reach their full potential. Learn more about the College of Engineering, the University, and Columbus here .

Ohio State is a top‑20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

Grounded in Ohio State University’s Shared Values , our university community welcomes differences, encourages open‑minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression. IOhio State promotes a culture of work‑life balance through institutionalized policies, programs, and resources that help faculty, staff, and their families thrive both professionally and personally.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and