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53590 Open Rank Professor in Technology-Enhanced Immersive Learning
The Simmons School of Education & Human Development invites applications for an open rank, full time tenured/tenure track faculty position in the Technology-Enhanced Immersive Learning (TEIL) cluster. The TEIL cluster focus areas include learning sciences, artificial intelligence, machine learning and technology-enhanced learning, learning analytics assessment and behavior change. The position will also be in the Technology and Learning area within the SMU Data Science cluster. This position provides a unique opportunity to join and to shape a vibrant research and education community situated in an increasingly diverse and globally connected university and is available the Fall of 2024.
The TEIL cluster is designed to enhance SMU’s internationally recognized strengths in data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning and learning analytics as applied to video game development, game-based and immersive learning, the use of immersive technologies for assessment, behavior change and social emotional learning, literacy, special education, bilingual/ESL education, urban education and STEM. SMU’s well-funded faculty benefit from a host of resources dedicated to facilitating interdisciplinary work across the University including at Data Science Institute, Center for VR Learning Innovation, AT&T Center for Virtualization, SMU Guildhall, Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute, and Family Research Center. Learn more at https://www.smu.edu/Simmons/Research/Key-Research-Areas.
Cluster faculty hires represent SMU’s ambitious focus on strengthening the university’s research impact by developing large-scale collaborative research projects that address some of humankind’s most daunting challenges. In addition to faculty recruitment in the TEIL cluster, SMU recently completed faculty hires in the Data Science and the Earth Hazards and National Security clusters with plans to soon launch faculty recruitment in an additional cluster area.
Candidates
We seek candidates at all levels with experience investigating or applying artificial intelligence, machine learning and learning analytics to improve learning outcomes and/or increase the scalability of instructional practices. Application areas include immersive learning, instruction, and assessment using augmented reality, virtual reality, mixed reality, motion capture and game-based learning technologies.
The appointment may be at the rank of full or associate professor with tenure or tenure-track assistant professor based upon qualifications. Candidates for full professor should be internationally-recognized scholars with demonstrated leadership skills and experience. Candidates for associate professor should be nationally-recognized scholars. Candidates for assistant professor should be outstanding scholars. All should have a strong record of empirical studies and external funding.
Qualifications
Successful applicants will have:
a) an earned doctorate in a field aligned with artificial intelligence, machine learning or learning analytics and technology-enhanced immersive learning
b) ongoing record of scholarly work
c) experience developing and/or sustaining collaborative partnerships and interdisciplinary initiatives
d) a track record of obtaining external funding for research at the full or associate level or a track record of seeking external funding for research at the assistant level
e) demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusiveness
f) demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary research
g) excellence in teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses
h) evidence of ongoing service to professional organizations
i) demonstrated mentorship of doctoral students and junior faculty at the full or associate level, or demonstrated mentorship of undergraduate and doctoral students at the assistant level.
Application Process
Applicants are requested to submit:
1) cover letter detailing research, teaching, administrative and leadership experience and indicating desired rank for faculty appointment
2) a statement highlighting the candidate’s demonstrable commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
3) curriculum vitae
4) copies of 3 representative scholarly publications
5) names, affiliations, and contact information for three references. Reference will only be contacted if the candidate advances to the on-campus interview stage.
All materials should be submitted electronically on Interfolio: http://apply.interfolio.com/127963
Review of applications will begin on October 16, 2023 and the position will remain open until filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.
For questions about the search submission process or position, contact Dr. Eric G. Bing (ebing@smu.edu) or Dr. Tony Cuevas (acuevas@smu.edu), Search Committee Co-Chairs.
About the Simmons School of Education & Human Development at Southern Methodist University
Faculty will receive a primary academic appointment at SMU’s Simmons School of Education & Human Development. It is among the top 15 ranked private graduate schools of education in the United States and among the top 3 of public and private schools of education in Texas. The SMU Simmons School of Education & Human Development is a catalyst for discovery and innovation that transforms social conditions and advances human potential through excellence in research, teaching, and community outreach. Find out more at https://www.smu.edu/Simmons
SMU hosts powerful high-performance computing facilities with computational ability of 630 teraflops, 11,088 CPU cores, 116.5 TB of total memory with no usage fee for research and education purposes. SMU is also home to one of the fastest and most powerful academic supercomputers in the nation, ManeFrame II. Maneframe II is currently being upgraded to include an NVIDIA DGX SuperPod with a theoretical performance of 100 PFLOPS for AI calculations. SMU will be one of only two universities in the U.S. to have a DGX SuperPod and it will be available to all SMU faculty and graduate students.
SMU researchers are part of an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community of internationally recognized scholars committed to diversity, equity and inclusion across the university in education, humanities, sciences, business, the arts, engineering, law, and theology. SMU is committed to inclusive teaching and opportunities for mentoring diverse students at graduate and undergraduate levels, and offers excellent benefits including full same-sex domestic partner benefits. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds. Explore SMU at http://www.smu.edu.
The City of Dallas is one of the nation’s most cosmopolitan commercial and cultural centers, and the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex is the fourth largest in the US. A great many publicly traded corporations are headquartered in DFW, with nine Fortune 500 companies based within Dallas. The DFW airport was the fourth-busiest airport in the world in 2020, and travel to nearly anywhere in the world is extremely convenient, often by direct flight. Dallas’ quality of life is exceptional, with a relatively low cost of living and a variety of housing options from high-rise, urban apartments to country-style single-family homes. A full range of professional sports teams, popular to highbrow music venues, a lively and innovative restaurant scene, and more make Dallas an extremely livable city.
SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.