Professor - Learning Sciences, Artificial Intelligence

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Job Category:

Faculty

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Professor

Job Summary:

The University of Wisconsin - Madison Department of Educational Psychology, Learning Sciences Program Area, seeks an outstanding candidate for an open-rank tenure-track faculty position (Advanced Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor preferred). We are seeking applicants whose work is at the intersection of Learning Sciences and Artificial Intelligence. Desirable applicants should be able to (a) demonstrate a strong portfolio of research in the Learning Sciences and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education, broadly construed, (b) publish research in high-quality refereed journals and conference proceedings, (c) provide exemplary graduate student training, and (d) teach courses within our Learning Sciences program. Work with Generative AI, Large Language Models, multimodal models, agentic systems, and human-AI interaction is preferred.

We are seeking applicants whose research, training, and teaching integrates artificial intelligence and the Learning Sciences as described in one (or both) of the following tracks:

Track #1. Scholarship focused on innovations in artificial intelligence in the context of theories and methods of the Learning Sciences.

Track #2. Scholarship centered in the Learning Sciences that uses state-of-the-art artificial intelligence.

Areas of specific interest across these tracks include but are not limited to:

• Designing and empirically investigating ways of promoting learning, teaching, and/or assessment based on innovative uses of AI in formal educational settings, such as classrooms, as well as those occurring in informal learning settings

• Developing, applying, testing, and refining AI models to examine and expand our understanding of learning processes

• Investigating innovative uses of AI for designing and empirically investigating ways to facilitate collaborative learning and Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) research

• Advancing understanding of the science of learning and augmented intelligence regarding how human reasoning, decision-making, learning, and other cognitive processes can be enhanced through human-AI interactions

• Developing, applying, testing, refining, and/or expanding current research methods, tools, learning environment designs, or practices in the Learning Sciences through the use of AI, including those that address the multimodal, collaborative, and distributed nature of human reasoning and communication

• Empirical investigations of factors that influence learning with AI or trust in AI, such as ethical and societal implications of AI in learning and education, including bias, data privacy, and educational disparities

The candidate selected for this position will serve as a faculty member in the Learning Sciences program area in the Department of Educational Psychology. The Department of Educational Psychology has consistently been ranked as one of the top departments of educational psychology for decades and the School of Education is ranked as one of the top schools of education in the nation in U.S. News & World Report (both are currently ranked #1).

The Department provides a stimulating and supportive environment for research, teaching, and programmatic funding with a strong value on collaborative and interdisciplinary research. The department prioritizes cultivating a thriving community that is welcoming, supportive, and respectful. Tenured and tenure-track faculty at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Education conduct research, teach courses, mentor students, and contribute to school, university, community, and professional activities through academic citizenship, service, and leadership. Applicants who can contribute to these priorities are encouraged to identify their strengths and experiences in these areas in their cover letter, research statement, and/or teaching statement.

UW-Madison is recognized consistently as one of the world's leading universities. Additionally, Madison, Wisconsin, a city of more than 250,000, has been named on top-10 lists for tech growth centers, and consistently ranks as one of the most livable cities in the United States.

Additional Information: This position is part of the UW-Madison campus wide, Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative, specifically RISE-AI (https://rise.wisc.edu/rise-ai/). Through accelerated and strategic faculty hiring, research infrastructure enhancement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and increased student and educational opportunities, RISE addresses complex societal challenges of importance to the state, nation and world. Building on UW-Madison's strengths, RISE expands the University's successful track record of connecting with communities and industry on collaborative solutions. RISE-AI will strengthen the university's ability to address challenges and opportunities in artificial intelligence, translating discoveries into tangible benefits at home in Wisconsin and beyond. In total, the RISE-AI hiring initiative aims to add four new faculty members at all ranks to this existing AI community in the School of Education at UW-Madison. The candidate selected for this position will have opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary and collaborative efforts with RISE-AI faculty in other departments, schools, and colleges.

Starting in 2024, UW-Madison has committed to substantially increasing current hiring levels, bringing 150 new RISE faculty to campus. Candidates hired through RISE will join a community of scholars working across disciplines, schools and colleges on research, teaching and outreach endeavors. The community will engage regularly in venues such as seminar series and colloquia to share ongoing projects and identify opportunities to work together. The University will support the community, facilitating access to research infrastructure, and funding to support broad and rich collaboration, currently supported with the launch of the RISE-AI Collaboration HQ.

Further information regarding RISE and RISE-AI Collaboration HQ can be found at: https://rise.wisc.edu/ and https://dsi.wisc.edu/rise-ai-hq/

RESEARCH RESPONSIBILITIES

• The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain a collaborative, innovative, robust, and highly visible research program that entails conceptualizing, designing, and conducting research studies; managing research staff; following all research compliance policies; disseminating research results; and seeking extramural funding at the intersection of Learning Sciences and AI. Research programs should be consistent with national priorities for extramural funding.

• Conduct exemplary research that leads to publication in leading journals and conference proceedings.

TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES

• The successful candidate will be expected to develop and teach Learning Sciences courses aligned with their expertise at the graduate level and, when appropriate, the undergraduate level.

• Research mentoring and advising of PhD students, and when appropriate, mentoring undergraduate and postdoctoral trainees/fellows is expected.

SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES

• The successful candidate will be expected to actively contribute to school, university, community, and professional committees and other activities through academic service appropriate to rank, demonstrating organizational citizenship, professionalism, and positive collegial interaction.

Anticipated Start Date: AUGUST 16, 2027

Key Job Responsibilities:

Department:

School of Education / Department of Educational Psychology

Compensation:

Salary Negotiable - 9 Month Academic Appointment

Commensurate with qualifications and experience. This position offers comprehensive benefits, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.

Required Qualifications:

Well-qualified applicants will show evidence of the following:

• Research training and experience in conducting Learning Sciences and AI in education research projects in either of the two tracks stated above

• Evidence of a developed (or developing for assistant professor) outstanding scholarly research program and excellent academic record, a vision for an innovative, significant, and impactful research program, along with the skills to implement it

• A record of research dissemination through publications and/or presentations

• History of and/or future potential for securing extramural grant funding

• Knowledge and skills necessary to support a commitment to high-quality  teaching and mentoring at graduate and undergraduate levels in the field of Learning Sciences and AI in education

• Evidence of and continued commitment to outreach and service that will contribute to the missions of the School of Education and the Department of Educational Psychology

• Ability to work effectively within a diverse community, and commitment to promoting a climate of inclusion and belonging within our campus, associated communities and work environment.

• PhD in Educational Psychology, Psychology, Education, Learning Sciences, Machine Learning, or a related discipline by the start date of August 16, 2027 is required.

In addition, for appointment at the rank of Associate or full Professor, we seek:

• A record of research project management experience, including directing work that is multidisciplinary and multi-institutional

• A substantial nationally recognized record of research, publication, teaching, and service that will meet UW–Madison Divisional Committee, School of Education, and Department of Educational Psychology tenure standards is required.

• Evidence of appropriate research, teaching, and mentoring, including successful receipt of extramural funding.

Education:

Required PhD in Educational Psychology, Psychology, Education, Learning Sciences, Machine Learning, or a related discipline by the start date of August 16, 2027

How to Apply:

Please go to the “Apply Now” area and select your current UW Employment Status. Applications must be received through UW-Madison's online application system. Incomplete application packages that do not include all requested documentation will not be considered

Applicants should submit a single PDF of the following documents:

(a) letter of interest, (b) curriculum vitae, (c) research statement, (d) teaching statement, (e) three samples of representative publications, and (f) the names, email addresses, titles, and other contact information for three (3) professional references

Letters of reference are not required at the time of application. Applicants should provide the names, titles, email addresses, and other contact information for three (3) professional references as part of their application. Candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted with instructions for arranging the submission of three (3) letters of reference.

Note:

• Employment will require an institutional reference check regarding any misconduct. To be considered, applicants must upload a signed 'Authorization to Release Information' form as part of the application. The authorization form and a definition of 'misconduct' can be found here: https://hr.wisc.edu/institutional-reference-check/

• To ensure consideration, application materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on September 18, 2026.  However, this position will remain open, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Contact Information:

Dr. Mitch Nathan, Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor and Search Committee Chair

[email protected]

608-263-0563

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. 
 
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). 
 
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