Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor of Learning Sciences – RISE-AI – University of Wisconsin–Madison

Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor of Learning Sciences – RISE-AI – University of Wisconsin–Madison

• Institution: University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison)

• Academic Unit: School of Education | Department of Educational Psychology (Learning Sciences Program Area)

• Requisition Number: JR10013380

• Strategic Initiative: Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE-AI)

• Academic Rank: Open Rank (Advanced Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor preferred)

• Appointment Type: Full-Time, Tenure-Track / Tenured (9-Month Academic Appointment)

• Compensation: Negotiable (commensurate with qualifications and experience; comprehensive benefits including WRS pension)

• Work Location: Madison, Wisconsin, United States (On-site)

• Application Deadline: September 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CDT (Open until filled)

• Anticipated Start Date: August 16, 2027

Overview of Role

The Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison invites applications for an open-rank tenure-track/tenured faculty position in Learning Sciences focused on Artificial Intelligence (RISE-AI) starting August 16, 2027.

Both the School of Education and the Department of Educational Psychology are consistently ranked #1 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. This faculty search is part of the campus-wide RISE-AI Initiative, a multi-year effort to hire 150 new interdisciplinary faculty to translate artificial intelligence breakthroughs into real-world educational and societal solutions.

Research Tracks & Focus Areas

Candidates are sought whose research, training, and instruction integrate AI and the Learning Sciences across either (or both) tracks:

• Track 1: Innovations in artificial intelligence within the context of theories and methods of the Learning Sciences.

• Track 2: Learning Sciences scholarship utilizing state-of-the-art artificial intelligence.

Key areas of interest include:

• Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), multimodal models, agentic systems, and human-AI interaction.

• Designing and investigating AI-driven learning, instruction, and assessment in formal classrooms and informal environments.

• Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) and collaborative reasoning tools powered by AI.

• Augmenting human cognition, decision-making, and problem-solving through AI collaboration.

• Ethical, societal, data privacy, bias, and equity implications of AI in education.

Qualifications & Candidate Profile

• Required Education: Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Psychology, Education, Learning Sciences, Machine Learning, or a closely related discipline conferred by August 16, 2027.

• Scholarship & Funding:

  • Proven track record (or clear developing potential for Assistant rank) of peer-reviewed publications in premier journals and conference proceedings.

  • Demonstrated history of, or strong potential for, securing competitive extramural grant funding.

• Teaching & Mentorship: Demonstrated commitment to exemplary teaching and research advising at both graduate and undergraduate levels.

• Senior Rank Requirements (Associate / Full Professor): Substantial nationally recognized record of scholarship, successful multidisciplinary project management, continuous extramural funding, and achievements meeting UW–Madison tenure criteria.

Remuneration & Benefits

• Competitive 9-month salary with summer support potential.

• Full state benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and tax-advantaged savings accounts.

• Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension plan.

• Access to shared research infrastructure and cross-campus collaboration funding via the RISE-AI Collaboration HQ.

Application Checklist & Required Documents

Applicants must apply through UW–Madison's online portal and upload a single PDF containing:

1. Letter of Interest / Cover Letter

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

3. Research Statement

4. Teaching Statement

5. Three (3) Representative Publications / Samples of Scholarship

6. Contact Information for Three (3) Professional References (Letters of reference will be requested later for advancing candidates)

7. Signed Authorization to Release Information Form (Institutional misconduct reference check)

Application Process & Inquiries

• 🔗 Online Application Portal: Apply via UW-Madison Jobs (Req #JR10013380)

• 📧 Search Committee Chair: Dr. Mitch Nathan, Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor (mnathan@wisc.edu | 608-263-0563)

• 🌐 RISE-AI Initiative Details: rise.wisc.edu/rise-ai

• 📅 Priority Deadline: September 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CDT

🌐 wisc.edu