Assistant Professor in Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence
Content + Source + Freshness • 14 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
Moderate value position due to its joint appointment and interdisciplinary nature, but challenges in securing funding and navigating dual departments may be present.
- Interdisciplinary assistant professor role at University of Michigan-Dearborn
- Focus on integrating AI in cognitive science research
- Encouragement for grant funding and innovative teaching
Pros
- Access to advanced research facilities and resources
- Collaborative environment combining psychology and engineering
- Opportunity to contribute to emerging AI applications in psychology
Cons
- Requires navigating dual departmental structures
- Demands strong grant writing and research funding skills
- Possible teaching load across different disciplines
Who it's for
Early to Mid-Career • On-site
Good fit
- Candidates with a research interest in AI and psychology
- Academics eager to work in collaborative settings
- Individuals looking to engage students in their research
Not recommended for
- Those interested only in pure theoretical research
- Candidates uncomfortable with teaching commitments
- Individuals lacking a robust interdisciplinary background
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
How to Apply
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 to the Interfolio link
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.
If you have questions about this position, application requirements, or the application process please email Caleb Siefert at [email protected].
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.
Who We Are
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.
Required Qualifications*
- 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.
Desired Qualifications*
- 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.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
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 are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
