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
- Experience leading research initiatives or teams
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated success building or scaling research centers,
institutes, or large collaborative initiatives
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams across institutions
or sectors
- Record of mentoring faculty, post-docs and graduate students
toward research excellence
- Experience translating research into societal, or economic
impact
- Evidence of national or international scientific
leadership
- Vision for shaping the future of AI research and graduate
education
How to Apply:
Applicants should submit:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of research
- Statement of leadership vision (AI Research and Innovation
Institute + Ph.D. program)
- Complete contact information for 3 references
The system will allow you to attach up to 5 documents
electronically.
If you have questions about the position or the posting, please
contact Alison Hodgson
hodgsoal@gvsu.edu. If you
need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at
hro@gvsu.edu.
Application Deadline:
Candidate review will begin the week of September 14, 2026 and
continue until the position is filled. This posting may be closed
at any time at the discretion of the University.
About Grand Rapids and the Medical Mile
Grand Rapids is rapidly establishing itself as a national center
for healthcare innovation, life sciences, and advanced
technologies. Anchored by the internationally recognized Medical
Mile, the region hosts a unique concentration of research
institutes, healthcare systems, entrepreneurs, and industry
partners committed to accelerating scientific discovery and
improving human health. This dynamic ecosystem creates exceptional
opportunities to translate AI breakthroughs into real-world impact,
positioning the AI Research and Innovation Institute at the nexus
of artificial intelligence, biomedical innovation, and economic
development.
Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all
the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident
metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots,
theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown
is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and
natural areas.
About College of Computing at GVSU
The College of Computing at GVSU is a fast-growing, forward-looking
academic unit built on the principle that computing is a shared
infrastructure across all disciplines. Over the past few years, the
College has experienced significant and accelerating growth in
research capacity and activity, including:
- Strategic hiring of AI-focused faculty across multiple
domains
- Expansion of externally funded research in artificial
intelligence, cybersecurity, and applied computing
- Development of interdisciplinary research initiatives aligned
with industry and societal needs
- Increasing engagement with federal agencies, industry partners,
and regional innovation ecosystems
This momentum reflects a deliberate shift toward becoming a
research-active, impact-driven computing college, with growing
expectations and support for:
- Grant-funded research and scholarly output
- Interdisciplinary collaboration (Computing + X)
- Translational and applied innovation
The launch of the Ph.D. in Computing marks a historic milestone and
further accelerates this trajectory, positioning the College as a
key driver of AI research and talent development in the
region.
About the Ph.D. in Computing
In partnership with VAI, the institute will leverage:
- Advanced computing and data infrastructure
- World-class biomedical and life science research
environments
The Ph.D. in Computing is:
- Fully funded program
- Providing deep training in core AI and machine learning
- Offering pathways into AI applications in biomedical and other
high-impact domains
- Including co-advising across institutions
About Van Andel Institute (VAI)
Van Andel Institute is a world-class independent biomedical
research and science education organization committed to improving
the health and enhancing the lives of current and future
generations. The Institute combines significant internal
investment, advanced technological platforms, and a culture of
collaboration to enable high-impact discovery, specifically with
strengths in:
- Cancer biology and epigenetics
- Neurodegenerative disease research
- Metabolism and Nutritional Programming
- Structural biology and advanced imaging (e.g., cryo-EM)
- World-class Core Technologies and Services.
VAI's research impact is reflected in independent rankings: in
2026, VAI ranked No. 3 among North American nonprofit research
organizations for biological sciences on the 2026 Nature Index
Research Leaders list.
VAI brings:
- World-class research faculty and laboratories
- A strong track record of high-impact scientific discovery
- A graduate education ecosystem in biomedical sciences
- A culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific
excellence
This partnership enables a rare integration of:
- Advanced AI and computational methods (GVSU)
- Cutting-edge biomedical research (VAI)
Vision for the AI Research and Innovation Institute
The AI Research and Innovation Institute aspires to become a
world-class destination for artificial intelligence research and
education by:
- Advancing foundational AI and next-generation computational
methods
- Accelerating discoveries in biomedical and life sciences
- Creating transformative AI solutions for society
- Training the next generation of AI scientists and
innovators
- Catalyzing economic development and entrepreneurship in the
region and beyond
The institute will leverage the complementary strengths of GVSU's
rapidly growing computing ecosystem and VAI's internationally
recognized biomedical research enterprise to create an
unprecedented environment for AI-driven discovery.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to
perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical
stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The
requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill
and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions. The information contained in this job description is for
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by
the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit
discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide
reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities upon request. See
www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD
Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or
1-800-833-7833 (out of State).
Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal
Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity
for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
University policy extends protections to additional
identities.
To apply, visit https://gvsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Grand-Rapids-MI-Health-Campus/Full-Professor---AI-Research-and-Innovation-Institute-Inaugural-Executive-Director---College-of-Computing_R104793
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