Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship – Arizona State University

The School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence (SCAI) at Arizona State University (ASU) invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar position in the area of augmented intelligence. We define augmented intelligence broadly as computer science research that lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence and human reasoning. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, artificial intelligence, machine learning, human-computer interaction, visualization, database systems, and cybersecurity.

SCAI is part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Here at SCAI, we envision a society where secure, accurate, and current information is ubiquitously available and data is seamlessly collected, managed, and converted into information that entertains individuals, empowers businesses and guides the decisions of both in their daily affairs. We envision our school as a community recognized by its colleagues internationally as a leader in envisioning and enabling the information-driven society and by students as a preferred location for acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to this vision.

SCAI has a strong track record of fostering an inclusive environment for our faculty (including research faculty), academic professionals, staff, and students. We have had broad representation across the National Science Foundation (NSF)-defined underrepresented populations in computing, including women, African Americans, Hispanics, and persons with disabilities. Our faculty have experience in establishing training programs for multidisciplinary junior scholars. These include NSF’s IGERT/NRT Program and the T32 Program from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

We also have strong research programs with participation from both SCAI faculty and researchers from other ASU including the Biodesign Institute, the Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation, the Global Security Initiative, etc. Many of SCAI’s research programs also include partners from renowned industry partners such as the Mayo Clinic and TGen, and, according to many quantitative metrics such as funding from competitive federal sources and impact of research as measured by publications in premier venues and their citations, our faculty have built a strong reputation with global visibility.

Furthermore, as we grow our outreach efforts, we will become a hub for broadly attracting aspiring Ph.D. students from underrepresented communities who are looking for an inclusive home to advance their career. Presidential Postdoctoral Fellows will be directly integrated into SCAI where they will work directly on interdisciplinary research with a diverse group of faculty, students, and industry partners who collaborate on projects to solve real-world computing problems. We will target areas of expertise that add to SCAI’s strategic research (Computing and Augmented Intelligence) focusing at the intersection of Computer Science and Industrial Engineering and enhance the inclusive culture in SCAI.

We seek applicants who will contribute to our programs and expand collaborations with existing faculty at ASU. Located in Tempe with easy access to the outdoors and urban amenities, ASU’s vibrant and innovative approaches to research and teaching are charting new paths in education and research in the public interest.

Primary job duties will include:

• Advancing research and developing a research agenda appropriate for a tenure-track academic position. This includes publishing peer-reviewed articles, presenting research at national and international conferences, and pursuing research funding.
• Pursuing teaching and/or other educational opportunities such as co-teaching, delivery of seminars, or other creative mentoring activities.

The postdoctoral scholars selected will join a cohort of 10-15 other postdoctoral scholars at ASU as part of the Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. The goal of the program is to support the career development of outstanding Ph.D. recipients with great potential for advancing the ASU Charter into a future tenure track appointment at ASU.

The program seeks applicants whose professional preparedness, experience, and accomplishments are informed by experiences working with and within groups historically underrepresented in higher education in the United States. Where pools of qualified applicants are strong, priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate, through prior actions and achievements, intentional and actioned commitment to inclusiveness.  Examples of such contributions are research or creative activity focused on empowering underserved populations; teaching, mentorship, and service that increases equitable access; and inclusion in fields where historically excluded populations are underrepresented.

SCAI has committed to provide individualized mentorship and career development to ensure each candidate is well prepared to succeed in a future tenure-track appointment. Career development and community building will also occur through programmatic support at the ASU Graduate College’s Postdoctoral Affairs Office.

About Arizona State University

ASU is a large, comprehensive, research university and for nearly two decades, has transformed into the “New American University,” one dedicated to the simultaneous pursuit of excellence, broad access to quality education, and meaningful societal impact. By our Charter and Design Aspirations, we center inclusion and success as values that drive the enterprise; adopt inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning as ways to address society’s greatest challenges; and develop innovative partnerships to produce master learners across the lifespan. To learn more about ASU, visit http://www.asu.edu.

Qualifications and Characteristics

Successful candidates will engage in scholarly research and may be asked to perform duties common to academic personnel including grant writing and teaching.

Minimum qualifications

• Earned doctorate in computer science, computer engineering or related discipline by the time of appointment
• Evidence of peer reviewed publications in computer science, computer engineering, or related fields
• Willing and able to engage in transdisciplinary research across Arizona State University
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse students, colleagues, community partners, and staff in a multicultural environment.

Desired qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to a collaborative, transdisciplinary approach to research
• Demonstrated potential for grant funding and high impact publications in areas related to augmented intelligence
• Evidence of excellence in mentorship, as appropriate to the candidate’s rank

This position is located at the Arizona State University at the Tempe campus. All postdoctoral fellowship positions are for one year. Options for an additional one or two years of funding or a transition to a tenure- track position may be offered, depending on each fellow’s progress and training needs. Faculty tenure track appointments will require a process of review within the designated tenure home unit.

Application deadline is October 15, 2023. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. To apply, visit https://hiring.engineering.asu.edu/ and select “apply now” next to the corresponding position. Candidates will be asked to create or use an existing Interfolio Dossier to submit the following:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications noted above
• Contact information for three references, including email addresses

Inquiries can be directed to Ross Maciejewski (rmacieje@asu.edu).

A background check is required for employment.

ASU is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. For more information on ASU’s policies, please see: https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and its complete non-discrimination statement at: https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/.

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