Open Rank, Tenured or Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Philosophy

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Los Angeles is seeking applications for an open-rank faculty position in the philosophy of artificial intelligence, starting August 2026. The role requires a Ph.D. and focuses on research and teaching, contributing to AI interpretability, psychology, and governance. The successful candidate will oversee graduate students and participate in committee services, alongside a teaching load of two courses per semester. The position offers a salary range of $112,000 - $300,000, with full consideration for applications received by February 9th.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated excellence in research is required.
• Successful classroom experience is valued.
• The ability to contribute to the Ethics and Trust in Computing Institute.

Responsibilities

• Engage in active research.
• Supervise graduate students.
• Participate in normal committee service.
• Teach two courses per semester at all levels.

Skills

AI interpretability

AI psychology

AI governance

Collaborative work with machine learning experts

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent

Job description

The School of Philosophy in the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences at the University of Southern California seeks applications for an open‑rank faculty position beginning August 2026.

Area of Specialization: the philosophy of artificial intelligence. Applicants for this position should be able to contribute to at least one of the following areas: AI interpretability, AI psychology, and/or AI governance. It is to be expected that the successful applicant will contribute to the activities of the new Ethics and Trust in Computing Institute, part of the Frontier of Computing Initiative at USC. Sufficient technical expertise to engage in collaborative work with machine learning experts in the Advanced School of Computing is desirable. Areas of Competence: open.

The position will be filled only at the highest level of promise or distinction. A Ph.D. or equivalent is required by time of appointment. Demonstrated excellence in research required, and successful classroom experience valued. Duties include active research, graduate supervision, normal committee service, and classroom teaching at all levels. The standard teaching load is two courses per semester.

Applications for appointment to Associate or Full Professor, with tenure, require a covering letter, a CV, and names of at least three referees. Applications for appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor also require a writing sample. Recent Ph.D.’s should also include a transcript of graduate coursework.

We will not interview at the APA. Applications received by February 9th will be guaranteed full consideration. Inquiries and correspondence should be directed to: Search Committee, School of Philosophy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0451, email: [e-mail] . In order to be considered for this position, all candidates must apply via the "Apply" link at the top or bottom of this page.

The annual base salary range for this position is $112,000 - $300,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

Job ID REQ20170630 Posted Date 01/06/2026

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