Assistant Professor Mathematics of AI

Overview

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Utah State University (USU) invites applications for a 9-month tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the Mathematics of Artificial Intelligence, with a starting date of August 1, 2026. We seek candidates whose research bridges mathematical foundations and computational methods to advance AI methodology and applications. This position is inherently interdisciplinary and seeks candidates who demonstrate potential for strong synergies with the department's existing strengths in Applied/Math Bio, Statistics and Machine Learning, Analysis/PDE, and Discrete Math.

Candidates should be prepared to partner with researchers across campus including Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Center, School of Computing, engineering, natural sciences, agriculture, natural resources, and social sciences.

Ideal candidates will have a robust mathematical background and expertise in one or more of the following areas (not exhaustive):

• Uncertainty quantification, stochastic analysis, or probabilistic modeling
• Statistical learning theory, high dimensional inference, or generalization/robustness
• PDEs, dynamical systems, or stochastic differential equations especially as they interact with learning
• Graph and network methods, algorithmic combinatorics, discrete optimization, or network science
• Principled methods for interpretability, certification, fairness, or robustness in AI

Ideal candidates should also show interest in principled quantitative approaches to large-scale data from genetics, networks, or environmental systems. Preference will be given to applicants with potential to attract external funding, engage in multi-investigator or cross-unit proposals, foster collaborations with industry, government labs, or domain scientists, and contribute to national or international programs in trustworthy and foundational AI.

• Research: Develop an independent and externally funded research program at the interface of mathematics and AI.
• Teaching: Deliver undergraduate core mathematics courses  levels), courses within the interdisciplinary/applied mathematics graduate core, and develop advanced courses in AI, machine learning, computational mathematics, and data science.
• Mentorship: supervise graduate students (PhD and MS, including the Industrial Math MS) and undergraduate students in programs including AI/data science and computational math.
• Collaboration: establish and maintain synergies across campus and contribute to campus-level AI/data science initiatives.
• Service: departmental, college, and professional service consistent with expectations for a tenure-track faculty member.

The position is 50% research, 45% teaching and 5% service, with expectations that over time, the candidate will increase external funding, expand collaborative reach, and help build curricular strength in computational mathematics and data science.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Research record of excellence at the interface of mathematics and AI/ML.
• Evidence of, or potential for, strong teaching and mentoring across diverse student populations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with biological, ecological, and environmental scientists.
• Postdoctoral or equivalent training.
• Experience with external research funding and collaborative proposals.
• Evidence of, or potential for, collaborations with industry, government labs, or domain scientists.
• Evidence of, or potential for, contributions to national or international programs on trustworthy and foundational AI.

Review of applications begins on December 15th, 2025, with the position open until filled. For more information please contact the search committee chair Dr. Luis Gordillo. Applicants should submit the following:

All application materials, except for reference letters, must be provided through the USU Jobs site. Reference letters must be provided via Math Jobs.

Advertised Salary: Minimum $85,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent benefits

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