Tenure-Track Assistant/Associate Professor, AI Applications in Advanced Manufacturing

Tenure Track Assistant/Early Associate Professor in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applications in Advanced Manufacturing

The Ohio State University

Columbus, Ohio

Department:

College of Engineering | Integrated Systems Engineering

College of Engineering

The Department of Integrated Systems Engineering (https://ise.osu.edu/; ISE) and the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (https://mae.osu.edu/; MAE) at The Ohio State University invite applications for a joint Tenure Track Assistant Professor appointment in Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Advanced Manufacturing. Although appointment at the Assistant Professor is preferred, early career Associate Professors will be considered. The research area must complement the current research portfolios. This position will start as early as Fall 2027.

Immigration/visa sponsorship may be available in limited situations, but all decisions concerning immigration/visa sponsorship will depend on an evaluation of complexity and risk. We will not engage in immigration sponsorship for this position for individuals subject to the J-1 two-year home residency requirement or who will require consular processing for a visa to come to the United States to begin work at the university.

AI at The Ohio State University

AI is reshaping education and research, and Ohio State is at the forefront of this transformation, unlocking exponential possibilities when AI is fused with different fields. The university is committed to excellence in artificial intelligence and advancing the university’s role as a national and global leader in AI-driven discovery, education, and societal impact. In support of this commitment, Ohio State will hire 100 new tenure-track faculty with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) over five years to drive innovation and create a central hub, the AI(X) Hub, to provide resources and foster collaboration.

This university-wide hub will span 15 colleges and unlock the exponential possibilities that emerge when AI is fused with expertise across six strategic pillars (X): foundations, health, engineering and sciences, agriculture, cybersecurity, and trustworthy AI. The AI(X) Hub will cultivate an innovation ecosystem where cross-disciplinary synergies fuel breakthroughs with profound societal impact by:

• Creating a dynamic intellectual hub to harness Ohio State’s vast expertise where AI scientists and domain experts across the university can collaborate to accelerate groundbreaking research and transformative innovation
• Advancing fundamental AI research to push the boundaries of AI
• Establishing a collaborative hub that unites researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders
• Developing cutting-edge AI products that reach billions and drive meaningful change
• Delivering solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges
• Empowering the next generation of AI leaders through accessible AI education, mentorship, and skill development for all Ohio State learners

In addition to the AI(X) Hub, three AI Faculty Cohorts have been created: Foundational AI, Applied AI and Responsible AI, and Cybersecurity. The Foundational AI Cohort will primarily focus on elevating the theoretical, mathematical, and algorithmic underpinnings of AI. The Applied AI Cohort will primarily focus on harnessing AI to revolutionize the translation of ideas to real-world solutions for Ohio and beyond. The Responsible AI and Cybersecurity Cohort will primarily focus on ensuring ethical innovation and safeguarding digital landscapes for a secure future.

Position Overview

Research and Development Responsibilities:

• The successful candidate is expected to obtain funding and perform research related to applications of artificial intelligence in advanced manufacturing. The candidate will develop methods to monitor predict, optimize, control or automate manufacturing processes and operations, Research is anticipated to include meaningful connection to physical manufacturing systems, such as equipment, sensors, materials, process data, digital twins, automation and control. The successful candidate is expected to hold a 25% appointment in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE)
• While all aspects of advanced manufacturing are open, special areas of interest include:
• Applied artificial intelligence methods and machine learning (ML) in manufacturing processes.
• Autonomy, digital twins, and process simulation.
• Sensor fusion and data-driven process monitoring/control.
• Development of advanced hardware systems for manufacturing.
• It is expected that the individual will publish scholarly papers in peer-reviewed journals and will provide significant national/international service. A Ph.D. in engineering is required.

Teaching Responsibilities:

• The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction in AI/ML methodology, intelligent manufacturing systems, and related methodology within ISE and MAE.

Performance Objectives

• Demonstrate potential of excellent teaching both at the undergraduate and graduate level
• Demonstrate the national and international recognition of his or her research contributions by publications in peer reviewed journals and conferences.
• Demonstrate potential to secure funding to support research program
• Demonstrate potential to interact with other researchers and university leaders.
• Support the department functions through departmental, college and university service.

Education and Experience Requirements

Ideal candidates will demonstrate significant AI expertise as a core element of their scholarship whether through the creation of new AI methods or novel use of AI techniques that materially advance knowledge, methods, or practice in their discipline.

For this search, “AI” includes (but is not limited to) Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Optimization for/with ML, Probabilistic Modeling, Trustworthy/responsible AI (fairness, safety, privacy, robustness, interpretability), Human-centered AI, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Computer Vision, Robotics, Scientific/Physics-informed Machine Learning (ML), AI Systems and Infrastructure, Domain-driven AI advancements in and across disciplines.

In addition to the disciplinary requirements for potential selection as a faculty, a qualified candidate will develop, advance, or rigorously evaluate AI methods, lead AI-centered applications that produce generalizable methodological advances (e.g., new algorithms, models, evaluation frameworks, datasets/benchmarks, or system designs), design/adapt AI approaches to solve previously intractable questions in a domain leading to generalizable insights advancements.

Routine use of off-the-shelf AI tools that do not produce methodological innovation, or field-advancing knowledge is not sufficient for an AI faculty hire for this initiative.

Required:

• Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering or related areas.
• Demonstrated expertise in AI/ML, together with a substantial research connection to advanced manufacturing, manufacturing processes, and/or manufacturing systems.
• Strong record of publications in peer reviewed conference and journals
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required, with a focus on working constructively, decisively, and collegially with both external and internal colleagues and interdisciplinary teams.
• The candidate should possess mentoring skills.

Desired:

• A commitment to interdisciplinary education and collaborative research
• A familiarity working with campus administrators and leaders
• A history of engaging in industrial partnerships and external fundraising

Additional Information

The final offer for this position will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Salary and start-up packages are negotiated by the department chair and may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.

Department Information

The Department of Integrated Systems Engineering (ISE) offers degrees in industrial and systems engineering (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.). These degrees focus on the manufacturing, design, operations, and management of complex systems, providing students with a blend of technical, management and human-centered skills. The department has faculty doing cutting edge research in human systems integration, operations research, and manufacturing. The department has 50 faculty and staff, and graduates about 150 undergraduates and 30 graduate students per year.

The College of Engineering

Faculty Development: The Ohio State University and the College of Engineering are committed to support and develop faculty as well as the work-life balance of its faculty. These resources include The Engineering Faculty Mentoring Program, the Better Research through Better Mentoring program, and an institutional membership to the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning. To learn more visit: https://engineering.osu.edu/faculty-development. Learn more about the College of Engineering, the university and Columbus here.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

Grounded in Ohio State University’s Shared Values, our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression. IOhio State promotes a culture of work-life balance through institutionalized policies, programs, and resources that help faculty, staff, and their families thrive both professionally and personally.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. Beyond its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.

Application Instructions

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit your application and all required materials (list below) electronically via: https://apply.interfolio.com/195056

Please be aware that you will not be able to edit your application after you submit it (this includes application materials).

Please include all and only the following required application materials in the Application Documents section:

• Cover Letter: 1-2 page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity.
• CV (Curriculum Vitae)/Resume (do not include pictures in your CV/resume): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications. Please list your home and e-mail addresses.
• Teaching Statement. Write 1-2 pages, single spaced narrative that includes:
• A personal vision for teaching and learning.
• A description of teaching strategies or approaches for which you received training or have implemented.
• Justification for those strategies, focusing on evidence-based practice, highlighting how to achieve an effective learning environment for all students regardless of their backgrounds, expectations, and needs.
• Research Statement. Write 1-2 pages, single spaced narrative that includes:
• Your research questions and their importance; how your research contributes to your field
• Research plan and future research directions
• Identify potential collaborations and funding sources
• Broader impacts of your research (the potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes)
• Plan for student engagement in your research program.
• Mentoring Statement. Write 1-2 pages, single spaced narrative that includes:
• Your mentoring philosophy
• Describe previous mentoring training and/or experience
• State mentoring skills you consider fundamental, including those necessary to effectively mentor students from any cultural background.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Professor Jose M. Castro Search Committee Chair at 614-378-0719 or preferable by email at castro.38@osu.edu.

Application review:

Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2026.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.