Description

Washington University in St. Louis invites applications for multiple tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor for a +AI cluster search spanning the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Philosophy, Physics, Psychological & Brain Sciences, and Statistics & Data Science. Faculty recruited through this process will join a vibrant cohort of faculty recruited in an earlier Rules of Life search undertaken to promote transdisciplinary collaboration and dialogue to explore fundamental questions regarding living systems and the physical world.

Life operates across a diversity of scales, from molecular-scale processes shaping cellular function to the delicate dynamic balance of our biosphere as a whole. System-level properties and processes are affected by interactions operating at all scales and between scales. Understanding these interconnected systems requires an interconnected and multidisciplinary research community. From AI-driven advances in protein structure and dynamics, to advanced imaging methods enabled by quantum sensing, to imaging and modeling the human brain and behavior, to developing entirely new mathematical and computational frameworks to achieve insight from complex data, transformative advances in life sciences will require the integrated efforts of scientists and scholars working across disciplinary boundaries. Moreover, these advances will be accelerated through the combination of artificial intelligence and machine learning with other experimental and computational approaches. Finally, advances in science and technology raise foundational questions about the nature of artificial and natural intelligence, and how they relate to conscious experience and human values.

We anticipate multiple hires to expand upon a successful Rules of Life cluster search and to create a robust hub of science researchers and philosophers using diverse yet interconnected methods to advance life sciences from molecular to ecological scales while also considering the relationship between AI and humanity. Preference will be given to applicants whose research combines AI-driven inquiry with experimental, computational, or data-science methods, and who demonstrate synergy with current areas of strength at Washington University. Joint applications exhibiting a high degree of potential for research collaboration will also be considered.

For more information about this search, specific AI-related themes and contacts for search-related questions, visit https://insideartsci.washu.edu/rules-of-life

Duties will include conducting research, teaching, advising students, and participating in departmental governance and university service. WashU aims to create an environment that encourages and supports wide-ranging exploration at the frontier of discovery by embracing diverse perspectives from individuals of all identities and backgrounds. We promote higher education and rigorous research as a fundamental component of an open, vibrant society. We strive to enhance the lives and livelihoods not only of our students, patients, and employees but also of the people of the greater St. Louis community and beyond. We do so by addressing scientific, social, economic, medical, and other challenges in the local, national, and international realms.

Qualifications

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Biology, Chemistry, Data Science, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, or a closely related field. Candidates for the rank of Associate or Full Professor should have an outstanding academic record of research, publication, teaching, and service commensurate with tenure at this rank.

Application Instructions

For fullest consideration, applications should be submitted by October 1, though review will continue until available positions are filled.

Applications should consist of a cover letter describing how the candidate's research or scholarship fits within the theme of the cluster; a detailed curriculum vitae; statements of research directions (3-5 pages), teaching interests (1 page), and contributions towards promoting positive mentoring, research culture, and/or community outreach (1 page); and contact information for at least three references (actual reference letters will only be requested after first round of review).