Assistant Professor - Human-Centered Robotics and Assistive Systems

robotics, assistive robotics and caregiving, brain-computer interfaces, or related areas of embodied AI are encouraged to apply. The Presidential Frontier Faculty program is a university-wide strategic initiative to recruit outstanding early-career scholars in frontier research areas. This position is anchored in the Department of Computer Science (tenure home) and involves cross-college collaboration with the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (Cullen College of Engineering) and the Department of Health Systems and Population Health Sciences (Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine). The position carries a competitive salary and a substantial start-up package. The department is seeking exceptional candidates with the potential for exceptional research, excellence in teaching, and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students. Candidates must demonstrate an outstanding scholarly record of research, exhibited by high-impact peer-reviewed publications and a forward-looking, vigorous research agenda that will secure competitive, external funding as Principal Investigator (PI). The anticipated start date for this position is Fall 2027. Applicants must possess an earned doctorate in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related scientific field before September 1, 2027. Located in Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States, UH is a Carnegie Tier One public research university located on a park-like campus a few minutes from the Houston city center. The university has embarked on an exciting period of research growth, a rising reputation, and committed leadership. The Department of Computer Science is home to a dynamic and interdisciplinary group of 30+ full-time faculty members and over 2000+ students across its BS, MS, and PhD programs. The department has a strong emphasis on research in fundamental and applied computer science including AI, machine learning, computer vision, graphics and visualization, robotics, systems, distributed algorithms, and scientific and biomedical computing. Research in the department is and has been funded by numerous agencies, including the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the U.S. Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Justice, Energy, and Transportation. Houston is a large city, with world-class theaters, museums, restaurants, and thrilling sports teams. It offers affordable housing and enjoys a low cost of living. The university is close to the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world, offering rich opportunities for collaboration in health-related robotics research, as well as a large industrial base and NASA. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Pre-application inquiries are welcome, and prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the search committee chair, Dr. Pam Qian, at pqian@central.uh.edu . Employees are expected to have a home address in the state of Texas for the duration of their appointments. Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of the final candidates. All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. Individuals conducting research in critical infrastructure areas (i.e., communication infrastructure systems, cybersecurity systems, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment systems, and/or water treatment facilities) are subject to regular review to ensure the security and integrity of the research is maintained. The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.