Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and the Van Andel Institute (VAI) invite applications for a Full Professor and Inaugural Executive Director to lead the newly established AI Research and Innovation Institute (AIRAI), a strategic partnership between GVSU's College of Computing and the Van Andel Institute.
The Executive Director will serve as the founding scientific and strategic leader of the AI Research and Innovation Institute, guiding its growth into a globally recognized center of excellence in artificial intelligence. The Full Professor position will be housed in GVSU's College of Computing, with an adjunct appointment at the Van Andel Institute. Tenure may be offered at hire based on the candidate's qualifications. The Executive Director reports to the Dean of the GVSU College of Computing.
The successful candidate will be an accomplished scholar and visionary leader with the ability to inspire researchers across disciplines, attract major investments, and build high-impact collaborations spanning academia, industry, healthcare, and government. We welcome candidates with deep expertise in machine learning (theory or applied), AI systems and infrastructure, computer vision, NLP or multimodal AI, data science and large-scale AI. We also seek candidates working at the intersection of AI and computational biology/bioinformatics, genomics, epigenomics, systems biology, clinical and/or translational research.
Salary & Benefits:Minimum starting salary of $150,000, commensurate with experience
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and execute a bold long-term vision for the institute
- Build internationally visible research programs in AI and AI-driven discovery
- Recruit and mentor world-class faculty, researchers, and doctoral students
- Position GVSU and VAI as global leaders in AI research and innovation
- Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and societal impact
- Advance the translation of AI discoveries into real-world solutions that improve human health and well-being
Institute Leadership- Define and execute an ambitious vision for a world-class AI research and innovation institute
- Lead a multidisciplinary research enterprise spanning AI, computing, and life sciences
- Establish AIRAI as a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence
- Shape institute strategy, governance, and long-term sustainability
- Cultivate a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and inclusion
- Represent the institute globally through partnerships, conferences, and strategic initiatives
Research Development- Build externally funded research programs in Core AI (ML, systems, multimodal AI) and AI applications (biomedical, life sciences, health, and beyond)
- Secure funding from NSF, NIH (AI for biomedical research), industry and foundations
Faculty & Team BuildingRecruit and develop exceptional talent across:
- Foundational AI
- AI systems and infrastructure
- AI + biomedical sciences
- AI + health
- AI + emerging domains
Build a vibrant intellectual community that encourages:
- Scientific excellence
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Entrepreneurship and technology transfer
- Responsible and human-centered AI innovation
Partnerships & Ecosystem Building- Strengthen collaboration with Van Andel Institute
- Build partnerships with healthcare systems, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and AI and technology organizations
Required Qualifications and Education- Ph.D. and 10+ years of experience leading research teams in AI or related areas
- Demonstrated interest in advancing AI research in biomedical, life sciences, or societal challenges
- Record of excellence consistent with appointment at the rank of Full Professor
- Strong research record in AI, machine learning, or related areas
- Demonstrated success in securing external funding
- Experience leading research initiatives or teams
Preferred Qualifications - Demonstrated success building or scaling research centers, institutes, or large collaborative initiatives
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams across institutions or sectors
- Record of mentoring faculty, post-docs and graduate students toward research excellence
- Experience translating research into societal, or economic impact
- Evidence of national or international scientific leadership
- Vision for shaping the future of AI research and graduate education
How to Apply: Applicants should submit:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of research
- Statement of leadership vision (AI Research and Innovation Institute + Ph.D. program)
- Complete contact information for 3 references
The system will allow you to attach up to 5 documents electronically.
If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Alison Hodgson hodgsoal@gvsu.edu. If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu.
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin August 10, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
