The Department of Mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison invites applications for a tenure-track position (Assistant Professor) in the mathematical foundations of artificial intelligence beginning August 2026. This position is part of the Universitys RISE-AI strategic hiring initiative a campus-wide effort aimed at advancing UW-Madisons leadership in the development and application of cutting-edge AI.
We seek scholars who will develop a vigorous research program focused on the mathematical underpinnings of AI. We are interested in fundamental research that addresses key challenges in modern AI including but not limited to: core principles and rigorous analysis of current and emerging AI systems; societal impact; and AI to advance formal reasoning and scientific discovery.
The successful candidate will join a vibrant collaborative mathematics department and an interdisciplinary cohort of RISEAI hires across campus. The hire will be expected to establish an internationally recognized research program excel in teaching mathematics at the undergraduate and graduate levels contribute significantly to the development of innovative AI curricula across campus mentor students and engage in professional and university service.
The successful candidate will advance the educational mission of the College of Letters & Science that values prioritizes and actualizes evidence-based and student-centered teaching and (undergraduate student) mentoring. They will contribute to an environment that fosters engagement and a sense of belonging for faculty staff students and members of the broader community.
In the College of Letters & Science we provide a liberal arts education that is both broad and deep through excellent empathic teaching. We hire faculty who are interested in pursuing difficult questions making new discoveries and making an impact in their field. We reward excellent teaching and classroom innovation and we are committed to shared governance. Learn more about the L&S mission on our webpage: taught will include undergraduate and graduate levels. A strong commitment to excellence in instruction is expected.
This position is part of the Wisconsin Research Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative. Through accelerated and strategic faculty hiring research infrastructure enhancement interdisciplinary collaboration and increased student and educational opportunities RISE addresses complex societal challenges of importance to the state nation and world. Building on UW-Madisons strengths RISE expands the Universitys successful track record of connecting with communities and industry on collaborative solutions.
Over the next three academic years UW-Madison will substantially increase current hiring levels bringing 150 new RISE faculty to campus. Candidates hired through RISE will join a community of scholars working across disciplines schools and colleges on research teaching and outreach endeavors. The community will engage regularly in venues such as seminar series and colloquia to share ongoing projects and identify opportunities to work together. The University will support the community facilitating access to research infrastructure and funding to support broad and rich collaboration. Further information regarding RISE can be found at: is known for its interdisciplinary international character something that is evident through the many affiliations our faculty maintain with other units on campus as well as collaborations around the world. Located at the nexus of four beautiful lakes Madison the state capital consistently ranks among the top American cities for its quality of life and is well known for offering a small town feel in a medium sized city. Madison offers an ideal combination of natural beauty stimulating cultural events highly ranked schools and outdoor recreation.
The successful candidate as a member of the College of L&S will proactively contribute to support and advance the colleges commitment to equity among all aspects of their teaching mentoring research and addition to developing and maintaining a robust research portfolio in the area of AI the successful applicant will participate in interdisciplinary and collaborative efforts with other departments schools and colleges.
College of Letters & Science Department of Mathematics
Negotiable 9 months / ongoing / renewable
Candidates for tenure-track positions should exhibit evidence of outstanding research potential normally including significant contributions to the field beyond the doctoral dissertation. The successful candidate will demonstrate fostering or the ability to foster teaching learning mentoring departmental and research environments where all can thrive.
PhD in Mathematics or similar required by the start of appointment.
Apply online at Jobs at UW () under Job Requisition JR. Applications must be received both through UW-Madisons online application system and (job #27083) to be considered. Click the Apply Now button at Jobs at UW to start the application process.
Applicants should submit the following five (5) items to Jobs at UW:
1. a letter of application
2. curriculum vitae
3. a teaching statement
4. a mentoring statement
5. a research statement
Applicants must also complete the standard application including reference letters. Reference letters do not need to be uploaded to Jobs at UW.
Applications not submitted to both Jobs at UW and will not be considered.
For full consideration all materials must be received no later than 11:59pm on November 10 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please note that applicants will be evaluated based upon submitted application materials and therefore should speak to and include evidence of their qualifications. Application materials must clearly demonstrate the applicants dedication to excellence in student-centered teaching and mentoring. Additionally materials should showcase the applicants ability to purposefully plan their teaching practices evidenced through goals action plans reflection and related documentation. This portion of the application materials must be created by the applicant and may include supporting letters. It cannot be only in the form of letters and testimony by others.
Professor Leslie Smith
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