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Interdisciplinary Search with Focus on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Position overview

Salary range: The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See Table
3
for the salary range. A reasonable estimate for this position is between $200,000 to $325,000 commensurate with experience. “Off-scale salaries” and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: July 1, 2024 or later

Application Window

Open date: November 20, 2023

Most recent review date: Monday, Jan 8, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Tuesday, Nov 19, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The College of Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara announces an open position for the full-time STRATEGIC INITIATIVES: AI/ML (INTERDISCIPLINARY) faculty position, which the goal of recruiting a highly inventive and visionary leader in this area. This unique opportunity allows candidates the choice of any Department as their primary association, or even opt for a shared appointment. The College seeks outstanding individuals with a pronounced research focus in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in cross-disciplinary collaboration, leveraging expertise across various departments within the College and exemplifying the collaborative spirit for which UCSB is known. We are especially eager to explore potential intersections of AI/ML with other fields, and how such synergy can push the boundaries of innovation and research. Responsibilities include the development of an actively funded world-class research program of the highest quality and impact, teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and recruitment and supervision of graduate students, among others. We are particularly interested in candidates who can integrate AI/ML practices into broader applications, driving both theoretical advancements and practical implementations. This is a senior position that will be appointed to tenured Associate Professor or above. Exceptional candidates may be considered for endowed chair positions.

In 2023-24, a wide array of UC Santa Barbara departments are partnering with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to launch a special faculty recruitment initiative named after Benjamin Banneker, the 18th-century African American mathematician, astronomer, anti-racist, engineer, ecologist, and peace advocate. Funded by an Advancing Faculty Diversity grant from the UC Office of the President, with the goal of diversifying faculty, research, and curriculum in STEM (and related) fields, the Banneker Initiative aims to recruit scholars, scientists, and engineers whose disciplinary and interdisciplinary work would take place within the community of interests exemplified by Banneker’s intellectual, ethical, and social commitments as an African American scientist. Applicants may be eligible to be fellows in the Benjamin Banneker Initiative. The community of Banneker Fellows will receive funding for cohort building and professional development activities, including enrollment in the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity Faculty Success Program, proposal writing training, and seed grants.

The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service as appropriate to the position.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Engineering or a related field.

Preferred qualifications

Full Professor at an academic institution or equivalent training and experience preferred.
A demonstrated record of excellence in research and a proven ability as an outstanding teacher are desired. Successful candidates will have a strong record of collaborative, interdisciplinary research, and the proven ability to contribute to advancing and supporting Engineering curricula and student mentoring, and leverage synergies within the College of Engineering, and the campus.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter - Cover Letter (limited to two pages) including (1) most significant scientific accomplishment as a graduate student, (2) most significant scientific accomplishment in your postgraduate career (if applicable), (3) overall goals/vision for a research program at our institution, and (4) experience and qualifications that make you particularly well-suited to achieve those goals.

  • Statement of Research

  • Statement of Teaching

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Diversity statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.
    The Statement of Contributions to Diversity will be reviewed for evidence of teaching, research, professional and/or public service contributions that promote diversity and equal opportunity, such as effective strategies used for the educational advancement of students in various underrepresented groups; demonstrated contributions to the advancement of equitable access and diversity in education; and contributions to furthering diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through participation in such activities as recruitment, retention, and mentoring of scholars and students.

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)

Applicants are required to provide the names and contact information for a minimum of 3 references and may submit up to 2 additional optional references. The department intends to solicit letters of reference only for finalists.

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02584

Help contact: kathrynhopkins@engineering.ucsb.edu

About UC Santa Barbara

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA