Cluster hire in AI for Modeling the Physical World and Living Systems

About the Role

Washington University in St. Louis invites applications for multiple tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor as part of a +AI cluster search spanning the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Philosophy, Physics, Psychological & Brain Sciences, and Statistics & Data Science.

Faculty recruited through this process will join a vibrant cohort established by an earlier Rules of Life search, aimed at promoting transdisciplinary collaboration to explore fundamental questions regarding living systems and the physical world. Life operates across diverse scales—from molecular processes shaping cellular function to the dynamic balance of our biosphere. System-level properties are influenced by interactions at all scales, requiring an interconnected, multidisciplinary research community.

Transformative advances in life sciences—such as AI-driven protein structure and dynamics, quantum sensing-enabled imaging, modeling the human brain and behavior, and developing new computational frameworks for complex data—will depend on integrated efforts across disciplinary boundaries. These advances will be accelerated by combining artificial intelligence and machine learning with experimental and computational approaches. Additionally, these scientific and technological developments raise foundational questions about artificial and natural intelligence, consciousness, and human values.

We anticipate multiple hires to expand upon the successful Rules of Life cluster and create a robust hub of researchers and philosophers using diverse yet interconnected methods to advance life sciences from molecular to ecological scales while examining the relationship between AI and humanity.

Preference will be given to applicants whose research combines AI-driven inquiry with experimental, computational, or data-science methods and demonstrates synergy with current strengths at Washington University. Joint applications exhibiting strong potential for research collaboration will also be considered.

For more information, visit https://insideartsci.washu.edu/rules-of-life.

Responsibilities

• Conducting independent and collaborative research
• Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses
• Advising students
• Participating in departmental governance and university service

Institutional Values

Washington University is committed to fostering an environment that encourages wide-ranging exploration at the frontier of discovery by embracing diverse perspectives from individuals of all identities and backgrounds. The university promotes higher education and rigorous research as fundamental to an open, vibrant society and strives to enhance lives and livelihoods within the St. Louis community and beyond. This mission addresses scientific, social, economic, medical, and other challenges at local, national, and international levels.