Assistant Professor in Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence

Description

Job Summary

The University of Michigan-Dearborn invites applications for a faculty position (Assistant Professor) in the area of Cognitive Science and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) beginning in August 2026. This is an on-site, full-time tenure-track university appointment, at the level of assistant professor. The position entails a joint appointment in the Psychology Discipline within the Department of Behavioral Sciences in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters (CASL) and the Department of Industrial and the Manufacturing Systems Engineering discipline within the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS).  

AI has contributed to novel opportunities for innovative psychological research and university opportunities for new psychological applications. This rapidly developing research leverages generative AI models to study human cognition and develop applications to promote well-being, accelerate the pace of psychological research, and play a role in clinical services. Students are increasingly interested in AI education, and the next generation of graduates will require AI literacy, familiarity, and capacity to leverage AI within their professional roles. 

We invite applications from researchers whose work bridges technical and psychological dimensions of AI systems and applications. While the area of specialization is open, the successful candidate will contribute to the development of interdisciplinary research that bridges psychology, cognitive science, and engineering. They must demonstrate potential for securing external funding for research projects. They will capitalize on the university’s AI resources, such as the Dearborn Artificial Intelligence Research Center (DAIR), the Michigan Institute for Data Science (MIDAS), and the Advanced Research Computing (ARC). The successful candidate will also have opportunities for collaboration with AI Labs on campus.  

Tenure track faculty teach a 2-2 course load. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a new course focusing on AI and Cognitive Science, and will teach courses in Cognitive Psychology, Research Design, or Statistics. The faculty member will teach one course annually for CECS focusing on Human-Centered AI, AI and Ethics, or Research Methods. The position also involves supervising undergraduate and graduate student research projects, honors theses, or master's theses in both Psychology and CECS.

Campus and Community Information 

The University of Michigan-Dearborn was founded in 1959 on 200 acres of the original Henry Ford Estate in Dearborn, Michigan. As one of the three campuses of the University of Michigan, we serve over 8,000 students and provide high-quality undergraduate, graduate, professional, and continuing education programs that embody the prestige of the University of Michigan name. Our mission is rooted in commitment to the well-being and diversity of Metro Detroit, fostering a caring, dynamic, intellectual, and socially welcoming environment.

We distinguish ourselves by building and nurturing intentional, mutually beneficial partnerships with local industries, governments, and community organizations. Our faculty are recognized for their excellence in scholarship and teaching and are actively engaged in professional and academic service. UM-Dearborn offers ample opportunities for creative, collaborative research, practice-based learning, and community engagement through scholarly and educational partnerships.

Faculty have the privilege to work closely with their students, 47% of whom are first-generation college students, 46% Pell grant eligible, and 31% students of color. The average class size is 25 students, and 69% of classes have fewer than 30 students. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UM-Dearborn among the best regional universities in the Midwest. In 2024, UM-Dearborn was ranked the number one regional public university in Michigan and third in the Midwest. The university is also recognized on Forbes' list of America's Top Colleges. For more information, please visit our website at www.umdearborn.edu.

Dearborn is a vibrant and diverse community, centrally located within one of America’s largest business regions. The area provides a variety of urban, suburban, and rural environments within a reasonable commute, including Detroit, its suburbs, and Ann Arbor.

Qualifications

Required: A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a closely related field with demonstrated expertise at the intersection of AI and behavioral sciences.

Preferred: A record of research productivity, a clear research agenda, evidence of teaching effectiveness at the university level, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment. Experience in securing or potential for securing external grant funding is highly desirable.

Application Instructions

Applicants should send a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy and experience, evidence of teaching performance, a statement of research experience and interest, samples of representative papers, and three letters of recommendation.

The review of applications will begin on November 15th, 2025 but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

All applications must be submitted via Interfolio; applications submitted through careers.umich.edu will not be reviewed. 

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. information, call 734-764-1817.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this position, application requirements, or the application process please email Caleb Siefert at csiefert@umich.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Michigan-Dearborn shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. The University’s Non-Discrimination statement provides contact information for filing a complainant and the University’s Title IX Statement.