Position Title: Assistant Professor

Employee Classification: LC Faculty TT/TN 9m

College/Division: Arts and Sciences College

Department: 330000-ARTS AND SCIENCES COLLEGE

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate with qualifications

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  Assistant Professor – Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI)
New Mexico State University invites applications for three tenure-track Assistant Professor positions in Applied AI (9-month appointments). Faculty will join an interdisciplinary cluster hire and be affiliated with the new Institute for Applied Practice in AI and Machine Learning.

Classification Summary:
New Mexico State University (NMSU) invites applications for three full-time, 9-month tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor in Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI). These positions are part of an interdisciplinary cluster hire aimed at addressing critical challenges through innovative applications of AI. Faculty hired through this initiative will hold appointments in the College of Arts and Sciences (or another college most aligned with their academic background upon hire) and will be affiliated with the new Institute for Applied Practice in AI and Machine Learning. This effort supports NMSU’s strategic priorities in research, innovation, and public impact—especially in domains such as Computer Science, Agriculture, Advanced Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, Sociology, and Critical Infrastructures.

Classification Standard Duties:
Faculty in this position are responsible for conducting high-impact research in applied AI, securing external funding, and teaching undergraduate and graduate-level courses. Additional responsibilities include advising and mentoring students, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, contributing to curriculum development, participating in outreach and service activities, and engaging in strategic initiatives aligned with AI applications and societal benefit. Faculty are expected to contribute to NMSU’s mission to advance innovation and address regional and global challenges through research and education.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Education: Earned Ph.D. in a field relevant to artificial intelligence or machine learning by the time of hire.
Experience:
Evidence of scholarly productivity in AI or machine learning.
Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and student mentoring.
Strong potential (or demonstrated record) for obtaining external research funding.
Additional Qualifications:
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary academic environment.
Preferred experience includes engagement with industry/government, responsible AI practices, and support of diverse student populations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge: Advanced understanding of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques and their application across domains.
Skills: Ability to conduct independent research and produce scholarly outputs in AI or related fields.
Abilities: Integrate AI into applied domains such as agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and supply chain systems.
Teaching & Curriculum Development

Knowledge: Familiarity with modern instructional techniques in AI and interdisciplinary teaching approaches.
Skills: Capable of developing and delivering engaging undergraduate and graduate courses.
Abilities: Design curricula that integrate real-world AI applications and mentor diverse student populations.
Collaboration & Innovation

Knowledge: Understanding of interdisciplinary research practices and team-based science.
Skills: Effective communication and collaboration across academic and industry stakeholders.
Abilities: Build and sustain productive partnerships and research networks within and beyond the university.
Student Success & Service

Knowledge: Academic advising practices and student support strategies.
Skills: Mentorship of students at all levels in research and career development.
Abilities: Foster inclusive learning environments and support institutional goals of student success and engagement.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Faculty in this position are expected to:
Conduct innovative, externally funded research in applied artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in AI and its applications, contributing to curriculum development.
Collaborate with faculty across disciplines to integrate AI into real-world application domains such as precision agriculture, sustainability, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
Advise and mentor students at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels.
Engage in professional and institutional service, including outreach, committee participation, and strategic initiatives.
Actively contribute to the goals of the Institute for Applied Practice in AI and Machine Learning and promote NMSU’s role as a leader in AI innovation for the state and region

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Enrico Pontelli, 575-646-2001, epontell@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.