Full Professor & AI Research and Innovation Institute Inaugural Executive Director - Grand Valley State University

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 Responsibilities

Develop and execute a bold long-term vision for the institute

Build internationally visible research programs in AI and AI-driven discovery

Recruit and mentor world-class faculty, researchers, and doctoral students

Position GVSU and VAI as global leaders in AI research and innovation

Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and societal impact

Advance the translation of AI discoveries into real-world solutions that improve human health and well-being

Institute Leadership

Define and execute an ambitious vision for a world-class AI research and innovation institute

Lead a multidisciplinary research enterprise spanning AI, computing, and life sciences

Establish AIRAI as a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence

Shape institute strategy, governance, and long-term sustainability

Cultivate a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and inclusion

Represent the institute globally through partnerships, conferences, and strategic initiatives

Research Development

Build externally funded research programs in Core AI (ML, systems, multimodal AI) and AI applications (biomedical, life sciences, health, and beyond)

Secure funding from NSF, NIH (AI for biomedical research), industry and foundations

Faculty & Team Building

Recruit and develop exceptional talent across:

Foundational AI

AI systems and infrastructure

AI + biomedical sciences

AI + health

AI + emerging domains

Build a vibrant intellectual community that encourages:

Scientific excellence

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Entrepreneurship and technology transfer

Responsible and human-centered AI innovation

Partnerships & Ecosystem Building

Strengthen collaboration with Van Andel Institute

Build partnerships with healthcare systems, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and AI and technology organizations

Required Qualifications and Education

Ph.D. and 10+ years of experience leading research teams in AI or related areas

Demonstrated interest in advancing AI research in biomedical, life sciences, or societal challenges

Record of excellence consistent with appointment at the rank of Full Professor

Strong research record in AI, machine learning, or related areas

Demonstrated success in securing external funding