Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Tenure-Track Faculty Opening in AI and Computing Systems at Rice University

Position Description

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University, located in Houston, TX, seeks applications for one tenure-track Assistant Professor position in AI and Computing Systems with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. This faculty position is part of the university's AI cluster faculty hiring initiative, which is organized around Foundational AI, AI for Applications, and Responsible AI.

We interpret AI and Computing Systems broadly. The area spans the theory, algorithms, and models of AI; the engineered systems that sense, communicate, and act using AI; and the computing systems that make AI possible. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

Foundations of AI, including learning theory, optimization algorithms, statistical and probabilistic methods, generative models, and reinforcement learning.

AI algorithms and models, including efficient and compact models, foundation models, graph and geometric learning, physics-informed and scientific machine learning, federated and distributed learning, and robust, trustworthy, and privacy-preserving AI.

AI-enabled engineered systems, including sensing systems such as computational sensing and imaging, inverse problems, and neuromorphic and edge sensing; communication systems such as AI-native wireless, next-generation networks, and learned communication systems; and action systems such as robotics, autonomous systems, learning-based control, embodied AI, and cyber-physical systems.

Computing systems for AI, including hardware accelerators and hardware-software co-design; energy-efficient computing; in-memory, analog, and neuromorphic computing; distributed, cloud, and disaggregated systems for training and inference; compilers and runtimes; embedded and edge AI; secure and privacy-preserving systems; and AI for the design and optimization of computing systems.

These areas should not be considered limiting, and any candidate whose work advances AI and computing systems, broadly defined, is encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will develop the tools, frameworks, and theoretical understanding that colleagues across the university and the world will deploy in their research.

The selected candidate will be expected to teach and develop undergraduate and graduate courses within their expertise; perform high-quality research in their specialized area and present findings from their research in peer-reviewed publications and conferences; establish a strong research program supported by extramural funding; be involved in service to the university and broader scientific community; and collaborate with faculty in diverse disciplines. The successful candidate will be required to have a strong commitment to teaching, advising, and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds.

We welcome the fullness of diversity to Rice. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Also, in our candidate pools, we seek to attract greater representation of women, scholars of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who have historically been underrepresented in electrical and computer engineering; attract students from a wide range of countries and backgrounds; accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff varied in background and thought; and maintain an environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our community.

About the School of Engineering and Computing

Rice University's George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing is a top-ranked program that empowers the next generation of leaders with strong technical and communication skills, creative problem solving and the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

About Rice University

Rice University is a private, comprehensive research university located in the heart of Houston's dynamic Museum District and adjacent to the Texas Medical Center. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across eight schools and has a student body of approximately 4,000 undergraduate and 3,000 graduate students. Rice consistently ranks among the top 20 national universities and the top 10 in undergraduate teaching (US News & World Report); its endowment ranks among the top 20 of US universities.

All candidates must have earned a Ph.D. degree in electrical and computer engineering, computer science, or a related field conferred by the year employment commences and professional experience consistent with the position rank. All applicants should demonstrate excellence in scholarship, teaching, and collegial service.

For full consideration, applications should be received by December 21, 2026. Review will continue until the position is filled.

To apply, please submit the following materials through Interfolio: (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) research statement (up to 5 pages), and (4) statement of teaching philosophy (up to 2 pages).

In addition, candidates will be asked to provide the names and contact information for 3-5 references, who will be solicited for letters of recommendation at the time of application.

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

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Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering