Professor and Chair, Computer & Information Science & Engineering

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

Applications are invited for the position of Professor and Chair of the Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering (CISE) in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering (HWCOE) at the University of Florida (UF). This is an internal only search for current HWCOE Faculty at the rank of Professor or higher. UF is currently ranked as one of the top 10 best public universities, 7th according to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report of Best Colleges, and is recognized by Forbes as one of 10 public “New Ivies” for producing exceptional graduates. UF educates over 55,000 students, with steady growth of enrollment over the past 10 years. UF is a formidable research enterprise ranked in the top 15 of all public institutions. In 2024, UF Research reached $1.14 billion in Awards and $1.26 billion in Total Expenditures. At the University of Florida, one mission drives all of our research and scholarly activities – to make a difference in the state, the nation, and the world through the discovery of new knowledge and the translation of this knowledge to impact, all within a framework that educates and develops the next generation of discoverers, thinkers and doers. At the University of Florida’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, we are more than just one of the largest engineering programs in the nation—we are a dynamic force driving the future. Our faculty and students thrive in a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment, continuously pushing the frontiers of knowledge and innovation. We bring together minds from 11 departments, 15 degree programs, and over 20 centers and institutes, fostering unparalleled collaboration and creativity. As a cornerstone of UF’s AI University Initiative, partnered with NVIDIA, Gator Engineers are not just leading the Fourth Industrial Revolution; we are actively shaping it. The University of Florida's Department of Computer and Information Science and Engineering is one of the largest departments within the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. With a robust and rapidly growing student body that includes nearly 2,600 undergraduate students, over 450 master's students, and 165 PhD students, the department is thriving with high demand and significant growth, particularly in its highly ranked and burgeoning online program. The CISE Department currently has 55 faculty members. Tenured and tenure-track faculty include 6 Assistants, 16 Associates, and 19 Full Professors, including 18 Career Award winners and 18 IEEE/ACM/AAAS fellows. Nontenure track instructional faculty comprise 5 Assistant Instructional Professors, 6 Associate Instructional Professors and 1 Full Instructional Professor. UF CISE has a robust extramural funding portfolio of over 121 active awards, exceeding $31.5M, supported by federal (e.g., NSF, NIH, and DOD), state, and industry. The department's research strengths are in the areas of (1) Artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing; (2) Computing foundations, algorithms, modeling, bioinformatics, visualization; (3) Human-centered computing, design, software engineering; (4) Information security, networks, systems; and (5) Teaching track, computing core curriculum, tracks and certificates. The faculty exemplifies research excellence, boasting a roster of externally recognized experts, including Fellows in ACM, IEEE, AAAS, and members of the National Science Board. Junior faculty have achieved notable success with CAREER awards, and the department has secured substantial grants, including an AI-related center and NSF Frontier funding. Faculty, staff, and students exhibit a strong commitment to education and innovation with robust collaboration, engagement, and representation. The department’s infrastructure has substantially grown through UF’s global investment in AI. UF CISE has a new headquarters with state-of-the-art labs and collaborative spaces, complemented by advanced computing and computational resources via UF’s HiPerGator. Strong industry partnerships underscore the department's commitment to practical application and student career development, highlighted by hosting the largest career fair on campus. These efforts are strongly supported by the department’s Industrial Advisory Board, a driving force behind industry alignment and strategic planning. Additionally, notable efforts are in place for continued growth, including an exciting expansion in Jacksonville.

Requirements

Applicants must be a current HWCOE Faculty at the rank of Professor or higher
hold a doctorate in CISE or a closely related discipline
possess a record of distinguished scholarship and external research funding, along with excellence in teaching, commensurate with appointment at the Full Professor level
Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to high academic standards, leadership, and effective communication skills.
They should have robust experience in mentorship, encouraging a wide range of perspectives, and expanding sponsored research programs.
A forward-looking view of the role of engineering education and research in society is essential, as is a commitment to shared governance and the professional development of others.
Experience with external engagement and development, such as industry partnerships, alumni outreach, fundraising, is also expected.

Responsibilities

developing, with faculty, a compelling vision for advancement of the department in education and research programs
fostering a collaborative and collegial departmental environment
facilitating/mentoring scholarly and professional growth of faculty, particularly early-career members
recruiting and retaining a faculty and student body
committing to shared governance
enhancing working partnerships with other UF colleges, departments and administrations as well as industry and government agencies
engaging with corporate, governmental, alumni and other private stakeholders to elevate visibility and support

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