Department/Organization
204461 - Physics

Rank
Associate/Full Professor

Position Summary
The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences invites applications for three Associate or Full Professor rank tenured/tenure-track positions at the interface of Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning and Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry and Geological Sciences, as part of a machine-learning focused cluster hire, with the expected starting date of August 2024.

Detailed Position Information
The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences invites applications for three Associate or Full Professor rank tenured/tenure-track positions at the interface of Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning and Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry and Geological Sciences, as part of a machine-learning focused cluster hire, with the expected starting date of August 2024. The first three positions will be in the following areas:

• Physics/Astronomy in the Department of Physics and Astronomy
• Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Geosciences in the Department of Geological Sciences

Successful candidates for the first position “Machine Learning/AI in Physics or Astronomy” will be expected to augment the department's strengths in the areas of experimental and theoretical high-energy particle physics, observational astronomy and astroparticle physics, theoretical astrophysics, theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics, and precision timing. The successful candidate will work on the development and application of machine learning/AI techniques in one or more of these areas. More information about the department can be found on the department’s website www.physics.ua.edu.

Successful candidates for the second position “Machine Learning/AI in Chemistry” will combine computational approaches with ML/AI to develop new models to predict the properties including reactivity of molecules and materials. Emphasis will be given to candidates that overlap with and enhance departmental strengths in our core areas of chemistry and biochemistry. These areas include protein structure and properties, medicinal chemistry, synthesis, and photochemistry. Additional areas of interest include novel chemicals and materials for catalysis, energy conversion and storage, and chemical sensing, as well as chemical spectroscopy image analysis. More information about the department can be found on the department’s website www.chemistry.ua.edu.

Successful candidates for the third position “Machine Learning/AI in Geosciences” can specialize in any subdiscipline of the Geosciences. The department has strengths in geophysics, tectonics, water resources, and geochemistry, and ongoing relationships with the Geological Survey of Alabama, Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH), and Alabama Water Institute. The successful candidate’s research will focus on the development and application of machine learning/AI techniques in one of these strengths or at the boundary between geosciences and other natural sciences. More information about the department can be found at www.geo.ua.edu.

The successful candidates will have an opportunity to interact with each other and additional UA faculty across campus that are active in AI. They will be further expected to take advantage of a new $96 million-dollar High Performance Computing and Data Center that will come online in 2024-2025.

The minimum qualifications for these positions are a Ph.D. or equivalent, postdoctoral experience, scholarly publications, and experience with modern techniques in physics and machine learning. Candidates for this position are expected to have an outstanding research record and exhibit potential for effective teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The successful candidate is expected to develop a high quality, externally funded research program, as well as teach and mentor at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Candidates with prestigious achievements in their field and exceptional national and international reputations will be eligible for consideration for significant endowment support through appointment as a Shelby Distinguished Professor, https://provost.ua.edu/Shelby/.

The review of applications will begin January 2, 2024, and the review will continue until the position is filled. Applications should consist of a curriculum vitae, including descriptions of the applicant’s accomplishments, research interests and teaching philosophy, and a list of publications with citation counts. Applicants should also arrange for at least three letters of recommendation to be sent electronically to aisearch@ua.edu.

The University of Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer and actively seeks diversity among its employees. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. 


For additional information, contact the search committee chair, Prof. Sergei Gleyzer (sgleyzer@ua.edu).

Minimum Qualifications
The minimum qualifications for these positions are a Ph.D. or equivalent, postdoctoral experience, scholarly publications, and experience with modern techniques in physics and machine learning. Candidates for this position are expected to have an outstanding research record and exhibit potential for effective teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The successful candidate is expected to develop a high quality, externally funded research program, as well as teach and mentor at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Instructions and Required Materials for Application
The review of applications will begin January 2, 2024, and the review will continue until the position is filled. Applications should consist of a curriculum vitae, including descriptions of the applicant’s accomplishments, research interests and teaching philosophy, and a list of publications with citation counts. Applicants should also arrange for at least three letters of recommendation to be sent electronically to aisearch@ua.edu. For additional information, contact the search committee chair, Prof. Sergei Gleyzer (sgleyzer@ua.edu).

About the Division/College/School
The College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Alabama offers an exciting and dynamic environment for faculty seeking to make an impact in their field and in the lives of the innovators and changemakers of tomorrow.

As the largest college at The University, we house over 8000 students and 1000 faculty and staff across our 25 departments.

With nationally recognized programs and award-winning faculty, our College has positioned itself as a leader in higher education. Our facilities and resources include state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and performance venues, providing students with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for research and creative expression.

The College is committed to the liberal arts philosophy that fosters creative and critical thinking and a lifetime of learning.

About the University
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus.

A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. The University of Alabama has R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and is among the top doctoral research universities in the United States.

As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.

About Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa is so much more than a college town.

It's a vibrant community that’s filled with legendary history. Located along the Black Warrior River, the city features a walkable downtown that’s complete with live music, locally owned shops, outdoor spaces to explore and local restaurants to meet every palate. With a geography ranging from suburban to rural, the area offers a variety of housing options along with excellent public and private schools and a wealth of recreational and entertainment options.

With a metro area population of 235,000, the Druid City lies about an hour southwest of Birmingham, in west-central Alabama. It’s within a few hours’ drive of Gulf Coast beaches and major cities like Nashville, New Orleans and Atlanta, making it a great base for growing better acquainted with the South’s finest offerings.

Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf

About University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

As the state’s flagship university, The University of Alabama family has always focused on being the best. After all, we are The Capstone of Higher Education. Founded in 1831 as the state’s first public college, The University of Alabama is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service. We provide a creative, nurturing campus environment where our students can become the best individuals possible, learn from the best and brightest faculty, and make a positive difference in the community, the state and the world. You’ll like what you find here. Become part of The University of Alabama family.

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