"Tenured/Tenure-Track Position Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (ML Accelerator Search) - Fall 2026"

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) seeks exceptional candidates to fill one tenured/tenure-track faculty position in the Min H. Kao Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) in areas related to the design and implementation of machine learning (ML) accelerators. This search is part of a cluster hire to add faculty across multiple departments with expertise in foundational artificial intelligence research that bridges the gap between human intelligence and artificial intelligence. We are particularly interested in ML/AI hardware architectures, VLSI for AI, and the integration of AI-based computer systems. Strong candidates in electrical or computer engineering in areas not explicitly listed will also be considered.

The successful candidate will be expected to (1) conduct and publish scholarly research; (2) pursue funding to support an active research agenda; (3) teach undergraduate and graduate courses in electrical and/or computer engineering; (4) mentor graduate students; and (5) participate in departmental service.

The foundational AI cluster is part of the "It takes a Volunteer" cluster hiring initiative at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. This cluster aims to build a team of excellence from interdisciplinary areas, including computer science and engineering, biomedical engineering, neuro and cognitive science, and mathematics. As part of this institutional priority initiative, new hires will join a dynamic core group of collaborators with complementary experience and a shared interest in building a national reputation for excellence and innovation in foundational AI.

The ideal candidates for this cluster search should have a collaborative mindset and prioritize working with colleagues to realize shared research and educational achievements, including large-scale proposals, joint publications, and new transdisciplinary curricular programming. For early career faculty, the cluster offers a unique framework for professional development and mentorship within a rich transdisciplinary environment.

Minimum Qualifications: A PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline at the time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications: Previous experience working in the convergent areas of AI/ML and neuro-cognitive science, AI/ML and dynamical system analysis, representation learning, and uncertainty quantification with a tie to human intelligence.

For an Appointment at the Assistant Professor rank: The candidate is expected to show potential for obtaining funding for the research programs, and for participation in interdisciplinary teams. The candidate is also expected to show effective, high-quality teaching skills, and the ability to effectively mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

For an Appointment at the Associate Professor rank: The candidate is expected to have conducted nationally/internationally recognized research works and show strong leadership potential. The candidate is also expected to show effective, high-quality teaching skills, and the ability to effectively mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

Applicants should electronically submit the following via Interfolio:

1. CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Teaching Statement
4. Research Statement
5. Representative publications
6. Three letters of recommendation.

Review of applications will begin November 7th, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Please submit your application by November 7th, 2025, to ensure full consideration. Please contact the search chair, Dr. Nicole McFarlane, (mcfarlane@utk.edu) if you have any questions.