Professor/Associate Professor in Human-Centered Embodied Artificial Intelligence

University of Michigan - Robotics Department; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The Robotics Department in the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor invites applications for a senior (tenure-track or tenured) faculty position in Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. We seek an outstanding scholar whose work advances AI-driven embodied systems that collaborate with humans in physical environments, with a strong record in research, teaching, and service.

The ideal candidate will develop a vigorous, externally funded program and contribute to

Qualifications

• Doctorate in AI, robotics, or related field.
• Strong record of research impact and teaching.
• Leadership and collaboration across academia and industry.

Skills

Human-centered AI

Robotics

Teaching excellence

Education

Doctorate in AI/Robotics or related field

Job description

The Robotics Department in the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor invites applications for one senior (tenure-track or tenured) faculty position in Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, offered through the University of Michigan Faculty Expansion Program. The successful candidate will join our mission to accelerate advances in robotics for the benefit of society. Candidates will have a relevant doctorate or equivalent experience and an outstanding record of achievement and impactful research in academia, industry, and/or at national laboratories. They will have a strong record of commitment to teaching and mentorship at the undergraduate and graduate levels and to providing service to the university and to the profession.

Rank is commensurate with experience, from promotion-ready assistant professor through full professor. We seek an outstanding scholar whose work advances the theory and practice of AI-driven embodied systems that collaborate with humans in physical environments.

This position is a cornerstone of a broader university initiative in Human-Centered and Human-Embodied AI (HCAI). This position will reside in the Robotics Department, with the intention of strengthening synergies with the School of Information and the potential to seed a future multi-unit research center. The position supports the University's Vision 2034 strategic priorities, which emphasize impactful research in health, education, sustainability, and human-centered technology.

An ideal candidate will bring a demonstrated record of expertise and scholarship that is deeply connected to leading robotics and AI research, student engagement and experiential learning, and the values of the Robotics Department. Research contributions are expected to focus on developing responsible embodied AI systems for seamless human collaboration in physical environments, for areas including AI alignment, human-robot interaction, foundational models, collaborative robotics, multimodal interaction, AR/VR interfaces, and cognitive models of human-AI joint action. A successful candidate will be expected to develop a vigorous, externally funded research program in human-centered and human-embodied AI.

The University of Michigan is one of the world's leading research universities, with $2.16B in research expenditures (FY2025). Consistently ranked among the top research universities by US News and NSF, it has 19 schools and colleges, and the University is rich with opportunities for collaboration and cross-disciplinary inquiry. The successful candidate will have access to Michigan's advanced robotics facilities and resources, opportunities to contribute to emerging research center development and industry partnerships, and support for technology transfer, spinoff companies, and licensable innovations.

We are located in Ann Arbor, MI, which is ranked the #1 U.S. City for Quality of Life by U.S. News and World Report (2024), #2 City with the Best Public Schools in America by Niche.com (2021), and #1 Best Places to Live for Families by Fortune (2022).

Employment will require a criminal background check and may require an institutional reference check regarding any misconduct. If an institutional reference check is necessary, candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure form as well as an authorization to release information form.

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

At Michigan Engineering, we develop people-first engineers who will shape the world for the better. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies that address today's pressing challenges, power industries, and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement, enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.