Position Overview

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT) seeks exceptional candidates to fill one tenured/tenure-track faculty position in the Min H. Kao Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) in areas related to the design and implementation of machine learning (ML) accelerators. This search is part of a cluster hire to add faculty across multiple departments with expertise in foundational artificial intelligence research that bridges the gap between human intelligence and artificial intelligence.  We are particularly interested in ML/AI hardware architectures, VLSI for AI, and the integration of AI-based computer systems. Strong candidates in electrical or computer engineering in areas not explicitly listed will also be considered.

The successful candidate will be expected to (1) conduct and publish scholarly research; (2) pursue funding to support an active research agenda; (3) teach undergraduate and graduate courses in electrical and/or computer engineering; (4) mentor graduate students; and (5) participate in departmental service.

The foundational AI cluster is part of the “It takes a Volunteer” cluster hiring initiative at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. This cluster aims to build a team of excellence from interdisciplinary areas, including computer science and engineering, biomedical engineering, neuro and cognitive science, and mathematics. As part of this institutional priority initiative, new hires will join a dynamic core group of collaborators with complementary experience and a shared interest in building a national reputation for excellence and innovation in foundational AI.

The ideal candidates for this cluster search should have a collaborative mindset and prioritize working with colleagues to realize shared research and educational achievements, including large-scale proposals, joint publications, and new transdisciplinary curricular programming. For early career faculty, the cluster offers a unique framework for professional development and mentorship within a rich transdisciplinary environment. The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to promote an atmosphere where all members of the university community feel welcome and can thrive.

Required Qualifications

• PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline at the time of appointment
• Effective, high-quality teaching skills
• Effectively mentor undergraduate and graduate students

For an Appointment at the Assistant Professor rank:

• Show potential for obtaining funding for the research programs
• Show potential for participation in interdisciplinary teams

For an Appointment at the Associate Professor rank:

• Expected to have conducted nationally/internationally recognized research works
• Show strong leadership potential

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience working in the convergent areas of:

• AI/ML and neuro-cognitive science
• AI/ML and dynamical system analysis
• Representation learning
• And uncertainty quantification with a tie to human intelligence

Application Instructions

The application deadline is November 7, 2025. Applications received after the deadline may be considered until the position is filled. Please submit the following items online in Interfolio to complete your application:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement
• Teaching Statement
• Names and Contact Information of Three References

Apply Now