Tenure-Track Positions in Artificial Intelligence Applied to Science, Healthcare, or Society

Competition 908

The University of Alberta is pursuing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cohort Hire initiative to hire 21 faculty members doing AI and Machine Learning (ML) research across a range of disciplines and departments.  AI/ML has the potential to transform almost all fields of study within the University and almost all aspects of society outside the University.  As part of this AI Cohort Hire we are looking for scholars who are actively pursuing this transformational capacity of AI/ML within their own disciplines.  In particular, researchers pursuing AI/ML advances within science, healthcare, robotics and automation, and the impact of these advances on society are priority areas for this AI Cohort Hire.  AI/ML impacting other disciplines will also be considered.

The successful candidates must hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent) degree by the appointment date. They are expected to have demonstrated research potential strong enough for a promising nomination as a Canada CIFAR AI Chair, typically evidenced by publications in top venues (conferences or journals) within their field.  Their research accomplishments should clearly include fundamental advances in AI/ML or fundamental advances in how AI/ML is applied within their discipline. They should also have strong communication skills and demonstrated commitment to highly effective graduate and undergraduate teaching. They will be expected to establish their own funded research programs, supervise graduate students, and teach graduate and undergraduate courses as expected by their home department.

The successful candidate will be nominated for a Canada CIFAR Artificial Intelligence (CCAI) Chair by the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii). CCAI Chairs include research funding for at least five years.  The successful candidate will also become an Amii Fellow, joining a highly collegial institute of world-class Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning researchers, have access to Amii internal funding resources, administrative support, and a highly collaborative environment. Amii is one of three institutes named in the federal Pan-Canadian AI Strategy and consists of more than 35 artificial intelligence and machine learning researchers at the U of A, as well as CCAI Chairs at post-secondary institutions across Western Canada. The University of Alberta is world-renowned for its strength in AI and ML, which the University has identified as one of three priority areas of global research prominence (University Strategic Plan). The AI Cohort Hire will bring together and foster the next generation of scientists leading the development and application of AI for societal benefit, fulfilling Amii’s mandate of AI for good and for all.

The University of Alberta is committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (Strategic Plan for EDI) and to reconciliation (Indigenous Strategic Plan). We welcome applications from all qualified persons, including those with non-traditional career paths. Applicants are also encouraged to discuss, in their submitted statements (see below), how they will contribute to expanding the diversity of our campus with their research, supervision, teaching, and public outreach.

Applicants are asked to submit the following documents:

• A full curriculum vitae.
• A 2-3 page research statement which must
  • highlight contributions to their field of research,
  • present an overview of their planned research program for ~5 years after initial appointment with specific focus on the role of AI/ML within their research,
  • describe how the candidate will interact, collaborate with, and complement other researchers at the University of Alberta.
• A 1-2 page teaching statement including their experience and interests.
• A 1-2 page equity, diversity, and inclusion statement which includes the candidate’s contributions and plans to advance EDI in their research, teaching, mentoring, and service.
• One recent publication or preprint that best exemplifies their work and/or vision for AI/ML in their field.
• Contact information for three references. It is recommended that at least one reference be able to speak to the candidate’s expertise in AI/ML. Only applicants selected for interviews will be expected to contact the three references and arrange to have them submit confidential letters about the applicant’s accomplishments and potential as a faculty member through AcademicJobsOnline.
• A cover letter that should include a suggested home department(s) if they were successful. As part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program requirements, the university must conduct recruitment efforts to hire Canadians and permanent residents before offering a job to a temporary foreign worker. To ensure we remain in compliance with these regulations, please include the appropriate statement in your application "I am a Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident" or "I am not a Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident".

How to Apply:

Applications are to be submitted at the following AcademicJobsOnline site: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27616

For further information, please email Viktoriia Roik at roik@ualberta.ca (using “Faculty Positions 2024” as the email’s subject).