Tufts Institute for Artificial Intelligence (TIAI) Director and Endowed Professor

Tufts University : School of Engineering : Tufts Institute for Artificial Intelligence (TIAI)

Location

Tufts University - Medford campus

Open Date

Nov 25, 2025

Salary Range or Pay Grade

Full Prof : $153,000 - $306,500; Assoc. Prof : $112,500 - $187,500

Description

The School of Engineering at Tufts University invites applications for a faculty position as the endowed Stern Family Professorship and Director of the Tufts Institute for Artificial Intelligence (TIAI). The institute, the central hub for AI research and collaboration at Tufts, currently hosts the Center for Data Foundations in AI and the Human-AI Interaction Center. The new Director will have an opportunity to shape additional centers and research activities at TIAI. Applicants will be considered at the full Professor rank, but exceptional candidates at the Associate Professor rank are also encouraged to apply. The successful candidate is expected to provide visionary leadership for TIAI, ensuring the institute's research and partnerships advance the responsible and socially beneficial development and application of AI. They will also oversee the growth of TIAI, supported by a new endowment that provides foundational support to the institute and support for an expected five tenure-track hires to be made in the next several years. The candidate will be expected to maintain an impactful research program and demonstrate excellence in teaching and mentorship. We welcome all candidates with a variety of life experiences and perspectives that will positively contribute to Tufts University.

Qualifications

We invite applicants with internationally recognized research expertise in any area of AI. Applicants should demonstrate an appreciation of all aspects of AI, from foundations to use-inspired research. Applicants should also demonstrate strong leadership skills. We seek individuals who embrace opportunities to work collaboratively within their home department and across the University, connecting with AI researchers in all disciplines. For example, candidates might explore collaborations with the Tufts Cybersecurity Center for the Public Good or the new Tufts Epsilon Materials Institute (TEMI), which is seeking a Director in parallel with this search.

Tufts' SOE benefits from outstanding undergraduate and graduate students, collaborative faculty, and cross-disciplinary research opportunities. Tufts University, a member of the AAU, offers the best of a liberal arts college atmosphere coupled with the intellectual and technological resources of a major research university. Tufts University supports and encourages a culture of interdisciplinary research, and there are numerous such opportunities across the School of Engineering, the School of Arts and Sciences, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, the School of Medicine, and our other graduate and professional schools. Located only six miles from historic downtown Boston, faculty members on the Tufts Medford / Somerville campus have extensive opportunities for academic and industrial collaboration as well as participation in the rich intellectual life of the area.

Application Instructions

Candidates must hold a doctorate by the beginning of the appointment, must have an active research program, must show promise of continued outstanding research activity, and must exhibit a strong commitment to excellence in teaching. Candidates should be eligible for tenure in one of the six SOE departments . Candidates should apply online at https : / / apply.interfolio.com / 178311 by submitting a curriculum vitae, a statement of research, a statement of leadership experience and strategic vision for TIAI, and a statement of teaching interests including advising and mentoring philosophies, along with contact information for three references. A cover letter should be addressed to : Professor Jeff Foster, Search Committee Chair, School of Engineering, Tufts University, 177 College Ave, Medford, MA 02155. For full consideration, applications should be received by January 20, 2025. Application review will proceed on a rolling basis and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is September 2026.

The salary range for an appointment at the rank of full Professor is between $153,000 and $306,500. The salary range for an appointment at the rank of Associate Professor is between $112,500 and $187,500. Tufts University is committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation that reflects each candidate's experience, expertise, responsibilities, and performance. The pay offered within the posted range will be determined based on a variety of factors such as (but not limited to) the individual's education and experience, discipline, rank, internal equity, and budgetary considerations.

Inquiries should be emailed to aisearch@tufts.edu . For assistance with Interfolio, please contact help@interfolio.com or call 877-997-8807.