Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor of Learning Sciences – RISE-AI (Artificial Intelligence)

University of Wisconsin Madison • Madison, WI

11d • Onsite

About The Position

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 (CSCS) 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. 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/

Requirements

• 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.
• For appointment at the rank of Associate or full Professor, a record of research project management experience, including directing work that is multidisciplinary and multi-institutional
• For appointment at the rank of Associate or full Professor, 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.
• For appointment at the rank of Associate or full Professor, evidence of appropriate research, teaching, and mentoring, including successful receipt of extramural funding.

Nice To Haves

• Work with Generative AI, Large Language Models, multimodal models, agentic systems, and human-AI interaction is preferred.
• Scholarship focused on innovations in artificial intelligence in the context of theories and methods of the Learning Sciences.
• Scholarship centered in the Learning Sciences that uses state-of-the-art artificial intelligence.
• 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 (CSCS) 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

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

• Competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance
• Tax-advantaged savings accounts
• Participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree