Full Professor & AI Research and Innovation Institute Inaugural Executive Director - College of Computing
About The Position
Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and the Van Andel Institute (VAI) are seeking a Full Professor and Inaugural Executive Director to lead the newly established AI Research and Innovation Institute (AIRAI). This role involves serving as the founding scientific and strategic leader, guiding the institute's growth into a globally recognized center of excellence in artificial intelligence. The Full Professor position will be based in GVSU’s College of Computing, with an adjunct appointment at VAI. The Executive Director reports to the Dean of the GVSU College of Computing. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with expertise in AI, machine learning, computer vision, NLP, data science, and/or AI at the intersection of computational biology, genomics, systems biology, and clinical research. The role requires inspiring researchers, attracting investments, and building collaborations across academia, industry, healthcare, and government.
Requirements
- 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
Nice To Haves
- 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
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
- 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
- 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
- Recruit and develop exceptional talent across Foundational AI, AI systems and infrastructure, AI + biomedical sciences, AI + health, and AI + emerging domains
- Build a vibrant intellectual community that encourages scientific excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, entrepreneurship and technology transfer, and responsible and human-centered AI innovation
- Strengthen collaboration with Van Andel Institute
- Build partnerships with healthcare systems, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and AI and technology organizations
Benefits
- Minimum 9-month academic year base salary of $185,000, commensurate with experience
- Additional compensation is available for summer responsibilities associated with serving as the Executive Director of the AI Research and Innovation Institute
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
