Full Professor & AI Research and Innovation Institute Inaugural Executive Director - College of Computing

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and the Van Andel Institute (VAI) invite applications for a Full Professor and Inaugural Executive Director to lead the newly established AI Research and Innovation Institute (AIRAI), a strategic partnership between GVSU’s College of Computing and the Van Andel Institute.The Executive Director will serve as the founding scientific and strategic leader of the AI Research and Innovation Institute, guiding its growth into a globally recognized center of excellence in artificial intelligence. The Full Professor position will be housed in GVSU’s College of Computing, with an adjunct appointment at the Van Andel Institute. Tenure may be offered at hire based on the candidate's qualifications. The Executive Director reports to the Dean of the GVSU College of Computing.The successful candidate will be an accomplished scholar and visionary leader with the ability to inspire researchers across disciplines, attract major investments, and build high-impact collaborations spanning academia, industry, healthcare, and government. We welcome candidates with deep expertise in machine learning (theory or applied), AI systems and infrastructure, computer vision, NLP or multimodal AI, data science and large-scale AI. We also seek candidates working at the intersection of AI and computational biology/bioinformatics, genomics, epigenomics, systems biology, clinical and/or translational research.Salary & Benefits: Minimum 9-month academic year base salary of $185,000, commensurate with experience Additional compensation is available for summer responsibilities associated with serving as the Executive Director of the AI Research and Innovation Institute. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire. Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute a bold long-term vision for the instituteBuild internationally visible research programs in AI and AI-driven discoveryRecruit and mentor world-class faculty, researchers, and doctoral studentsPosition GVSU and VAI as global leaders in AI research and innovationFoster a culture of excellence, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and societal impactAdvance the translation of AI discoveries into real-world solutions that improve human health and well-beingInstitute LeadershipDefine and execute an ambitious vision for a world-class AI research and innovation instituteLead a multidisciplinary research enterprise spanning AI, computing, and life sciencesEstablish AIRAI as a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellenceShape institute strategy, governance, and long-term sustainabilityCultivate a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and inclusionRepresent the institute globally through partnerships, conferences, and strategic initiativesResearch DevelopmentBuild externally funded researc...