Assistant Professor Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Optimization for
Machine Learning The Ohio State University Columbus,Ohio Department:
College of Engineering:
Integrated Systems Engineering The Integrated Systems Engineering (ISE) andElectrical and Computer Engineering (ECE; http://ise.osu.
edu/ and https:
//ece.osu.edu/ ) at The Ohio State University invite applications for an assistantprofessor tenure-track appointment in the area of Optimization for Machine Learning. The research area must complement the current researchportfolio. This position will start as early as August 15, 2027. The candidate is expected to hold a 70% appointment in the ISE Departmentand 30% appointment in the ECE Department. Immigration/visa sponsorship may be available in limited situations, but all decisionsconcerning immigration/visa sponsorship will depend on an evaluation of complexity and risk. We will not engage in immigration sponsorshipfor this position for individuals subject to the J-1 two-year home residency requirement or who will require consular processing for a visato come to the United States to begin work at the university. Position Overview The successful candidate is expected todevelop a rigorous research program in Optimization for Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), with Operations Research(OR) providing foundational methods and tools. While all aspects of Optimization for ML/AI are considered, special areas of interest includefoundational research in the following areas: Stochastic, zeroth-order, first-order, and adaptive methods for large-scale andnonconvex problems, Bilevel, multilevel, hierarchical, and sequential optimization as it relates to ML and AI, Integratedlearning and optimization using stochastic, mixed-integer or other optimization methods, Distributed, federated, andcommunication-efficient optimization, Trustworthy, privacy-aware, and robust AI optimization. The successful candidateis also expected to obtain funding, teach courses, and mentor students. Performance Objectives Conducthigh-quality high-impact research in the domain of Optimization for Machine Learning, Operations Research, Artificial Intelligence, andother areas of interest within ISE and ECE Publish the outcomes of the research in high-impact journals andconferences Demonstrate potential to secure funding to support research program Demonstrate potential to interact with otherresearchers, research institutes, and/or external partners to advance research Teach undergraduate and graduate courses within ISEand ECE Advise undergraduate and graduate students in ISE and ECE towards successful completion of their degreeprograms Support the department functions through departmental, college and university service An attitude conducive of goodcitizenship, including a commitment to interact with others in a professional, ethical, and constructive fashion Educationand Experience Requirements Ideal candidates will demonstrate significant AI expertise as a core element of their scholarship whetherthrough the creation of new AI methods or novel use of AI techniques that materially advance knowledge, methods, or practice in theirdiscipline. For this search, "AI" is defined broadly but with a primary focus on optimization methodologies for AI/ML and AI-enableddecision-making. It includes (but is not limited to) Optimization for/with ML, Integrated Learning and Optimization, Reinforcement Learning,Deep Learning, Probabilistic Modeling, Trustworthy/Responsible AI (fairness, safety, privacy, robustness, interpretability), AI for DecisionMaking, Human-Centered AI, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Computer Vision, Control and Robotics, Scientific/Physics-Informed ML, AISystems and Infrastructure, and Data-Driven AI advancements in and across disciplines. In addition to the disciplinary requirementsfor potential selection as a faculty, a qualified candidate will develop, advance, or rigorously evaluate AI methods, lead AI-centeredapplications that produce generalizable methodological advances (e.g., new algorithms, models, evaluation frameworks, datasets/benchmarks,or system designs), design/adapt AI approaches to solve previously intractable questions in a domain leading to generalizable insightsadvancements. Routine use of off-the-shelf AI tools that does not produce methodological innovation, or field-advancing knowledge isnot sufficient for an AI faculty hire for this initiative.
Required:
A Ph. D. in Industrial and SystemsEngineering, Operations Research, Management Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field Evidence of demonstratedefforts in research, teaching, and/or outreach and engagement that reflect Ohio State's Shared Values Evidence of researchpublications in top journals and conferences within the fields of interest. Potential to attract and mentor graduatestudents Potential to teach and supervise undergraduate students from all backgrounds Demonstrated ability to be aconscientious member of the university and/or research community Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with desire andability to work constructively, decisively, and collegially with external and internal colleagues in multi-disciplinary settings
Desired:
Exposure to interdisciplinary education and collaborative research Postdoctoral research experienceor industrial R&D in fields of interest Prior teaching and mentoring experience in academic or professional settings Additional Information The final offer for this position will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications andexperience. Salary and start-up packages are negotiated by the department chair and may vary depending on individual circumstances. Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you acomprehensive benefits package. How to Apply For questions regarding this position, please contact Search Committee ChairProf. Güzin Bayraksan at bayraksan.1@osu.edu .
Application review:
Reviewof applications will begin on November 16, 2026. To apply, please visit: https://apply.interfolio.com/195349 The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans anddisability.