"Associate Professor: AI, Health Disparities, and Environmental Health"

Job Details

Howard University

Joint Faculty Appointment: AI, Health Disparities, and Environmental Health

Howard University invites applications for a tenure-line faculty position at the rank of Associate Professor, as part of a cluster hiring initiative focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its application to address health disparities.

About the Initiative

The AI Cluster Initiative aims to recruit scholars with expertise and research interests in the areas of social and environmental determinants of health and health disparities. This initiative is jointly led by College of Medicine in partnership with the School of Social Work and the Department of Earth, Environment, and Equity (E3) in the College of Arts and Sciences. To address the dearth of AI research studies in health, especially for minoritized communities, this cluster faculty hire will consist of a faculty member, who will collaborate on an interdisciplinary team to advance research projects.

Position Details

A successful candidate will utilize AI methods and tools to address social and environmental health challenges. We seek outstanding applicants with a demonstrated track record of excellence in research and teaching. The successful candidate is expected to develop robust, extramurally funded research programs in their areas of expertise, actively participate in both schools’ teaching missions (School of Social Work and College of Arts and Sciences), and mentor undergraduate and graduate students. Research expertise in social and environmental determinants of health, biostatistics, data analysis, machine learning and/or other artificial intelligence techniques is desired. This scholar will partner with other AI Cluster hires in the College of Medicine to develop coursework that can be taught across the social work and environmental health/justice/science curriculums. Evidence of interest and success in mentoring students from minoritized backgrounds is highly desired. This position will reside in either the School of Social Work or the College of Arts and Sciences’ E3 Department, with a joint appointment in the other unit.

Why Join Howard University?

Howard University is a premier Historically Black College and University (HBCU) institution with a longstanding commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service. Currently, it is the only HBCU classified as and R1 research-intensive university. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to:

• Be at the forefront of interdisciplinary research combining AI and healthcare. Join a vibrant academic community committed to addressing health disparities and advancing social impact. Access robust resources, including collaborations with the Howard University Hospital.

Required Qualifications

• Terminal degree in one of the areas specified
• Master of Social Work (MSW) or Ph.D. in Social Work, or related field, both from an accredited institution
• Masters of Environmental Science, or Ph.D. in Environmental Science, or similar field, both from an accredited institution
• Record of scholarship, teaching, and professional service commensurate with the rank of associate professor
• Demonstrated expertise AI methods and tools to address social and environmental health challenges and health disparities
• Evidence of successful grant writing

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit the following, in a consolidated, single PDF:

1. Cover letter addressing qualifications listed above Curriculum vitae Two-page statement of research accomplishments, interests, and future plans Two-page statement of teaching experience and philosophy Names and contact information for at least three references who will provide letters upon request from the search committee

Completed applications should be addressed to the Co-Chairs of the search committee, Dean Sheara Jennings and Dr. Janelle Burke, and submitted electronically to HealthAIFacultySearch@howard.edu. Screening will begin on December 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. The desired starting date is August 1, 2026.