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.

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 researc