Assistant or Associate Professor in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Writing

Position Title:
Assistant or Associate Professor in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Writing

Appointment Type:
Faculty

Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of English in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or tenured Associate Professor in Artificial Intelligence and Writing, with a strong background in applied linguistics and/or rhetoric and professional communication. We seek a faculty member who specializes in the development and/or use of writing-, communication- and language-related artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The ideal applicant will have an established or emerging research agenda focusing on AI with expertise relevant to natural language processing, generative AI, or a related area. We are especially interested in scholars who are applying AI in innovative ways for the teaching and assessment of writing, communication, and/or language learning.

At the undergraduate level, the faculty member will teach basic courses in English, Linguistics, Technical Communication, and/or Composition (according to specialty), and contribute to emerging course offerings integrating AI-assisted technologies. At the graduate level, the faculty member will have the opportunity to teach courses in Applied Linguistics and Technology and/or Rhetoric and Professional Communication (according to specialty), and possibly contribute to interdisciplinary programs, such as Human Computer Interaction. Potential graduate courses include seminars on AI-assisted technologies and generative AI for writing, the capacities and limits of AI for writing and composition, language-based analytics, automated dialogue systems, and speech-driven user interfaces, as well as courses on programming for NLP, computational text analysis, statistical analysis of language, and rhetoric and professional communication, or other areas related to the candidate’s expertise.

The successful candidate would join a community of faculty in applied linguistics and rhetoric and professional communication who are exploring the uses and implications of AI. This faculty member will strengthen cross-disciplinary efforts in an area of excellence in the Department of English—the use of technology for teaching and assessing writing. In addition, the faculty member will have opportunities to forge connections with campus-wide strategic initiatives, including new degrees of the future and initiatives concerning communication with the public on matters of their well-being including cybersecurity, sustainability, or human health.

The position begins August 16, 2024.

All faculty members are expected to exhibit and convey good citizenship within the program, the department, college, and university activities and collegial interactions, and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior. This position is part of a strategic initiative to build Iowa State’s research strength and degree programs in key areas, including advanced computing and cybersecurity .

Required Minimum Qualifications:

PhD in applied linguistics, communication, computational linguistics, English, natural language processing, rhetoric and professional communication, or a related field conferred by time of appointment

For consideration at the Associate Professor rank with tenure, candidates must also meet the university standards for appointment to the rank, including nationally recognized contributions to scholarship in their area of expertise and demonstrated effectiveness in teaching

Preferred Qualifications:

Established or emerging research agenda in the development/use of language-related artificial intelligence applications

Demonstrated excellence in teaching and/or assessing writing at the college level

Demonstrated ability or potential to apply AI in innovative ways for the teaching and assessment of writing, communication, and/or language learning

Existing record and/or potential for interdisciplinary collaboration

Demonstrated ability or potential to develop a high-impact, externally funded research program

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of English at Iowa State University offers two PhD programs in Applied Linguistics and Technology and Rhetoric and Professional Communication. As leaders in the advanced study of technology use in language learning and assessment, the Applied Linguistics and Technology program is the ideal context for developing expertise in the development and use of language-related AI applications. The Rhetoric and Professional Communication program integrates contemporary coursework with a foundation in rhetoric that directly informs the study of composition and professional communication. Both curricular areas support the department’s ISUComm (a university-wide communication-across-the-curriculum initiative) and English language learning programs.

The department also offers an MFA in Creative Writing and Environment, as well as MA degrees in English (Literature); Rhetoric, Composition, and Professional Communication; and TESL/Applied Linguistics. At the undergraduate level, the Department offers BA degree programs in English, English Education, and Linguistics, and a BS in Technical Communication. For more information, see http://www.engl.iastate.edu/ .

ISU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples, is dedicated to work-life balance through an array of policies, and is an NSF ADVANCE institution.

Department Unit/Website:

https://engl.iastate.edu/

Proposed Start Date:
August 16, 2024

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
09 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae

2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter that addresses the required and preferred qualifications

3) Contact Information for Three References

4) Research-based Writing Sample

For guaranteed consideration, applications should be received by November 1, 2023, but will be accepted until the position is filled.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans;
• Generous leave plans;
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa);
• Life insurance and long-term disability;
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts;
• Employee Assistance Program;
• Wellbeing program.

Original Posting Date:
September 27, 2023

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:
R13056