Probabilistic Modeling Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Overview
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Utah State University (USU) invites applications for a 9-month tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the Mathematics of Artificial Intelligence, with a starting date of August 1, 2026. We seek candidates whose research bridges mathematical foundations and computational methods to advance AI methodology and applications.
This position is inherently interdisciplinary. We seek candidates who demonstrate potential for strong synergies with the department's existing research strengths in Applied/MathBio, Statistics and Machine Learning, Analysis/PDE, and Discrete Math. Candidates should also be able to partner broadly with researchers across campus such as those in the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Center, School of Computing, engineering, natural sciences, agriculture, natural resources, and social sciences.
Ideal candidates will have a robust mathematical background and have expertise in one or more of the following areas (not exhaustive):

• Uncertainty quantification, stochastic analysis, or probabilistic modeling
• Statistical learning theory, high dimensional inference, or generalization/robustness
• PDEs, dynamical systems, or stochastic differential equations especially as they interact with learning
• Graph and network methods, algorithmic combinatorics, discrete optimization, or network science
• Principled methods for interpretability, certification, fairness, or robustness in AI.

Ideal candidates should also show interest in principled quantitative approaches to large-scale data from genetics, networks, or environmental systems. Preference will be given to applicants with potential to (a) attract external funding (e.g. NSF, NIH, DOE, DoD, etc.), (b) engage in multi-investigator or cross-unit proposals, (c) foster collaborations with industry, government labs, or domain scientists, and (d) contribute strongly to national or international programs in trustworthy and foundational AI.
Responsibilities

• Research: Develop an independent and externally funded research program at the interface of mathematics and AI.
• Teaching: Deliver undergraduate core mathematics courses (1000-3000 levels), courses within the interdisciplinary/applied mathematics graduate core (see USU General Catalog at https://catalog.usu.edu/ and search courses with prefix MATH, numbered 5000+), and develop advanced courses in AI, machine learning, computational mathematics, and data science.
• Mentorship: supervise graduate students (PhD and MS, including the Industrial Math MS) and undergraduate students in programs including AI/data science and computational math.
• Collaboration: establish and maintain synergies across campus (e.g. computing, engineering, life sciences, natural resources, social sciences) and contribute to campus-level AI/data science initiatives.
• Service: departmental, college, and professional service consistent with expectations for a tenure-track faculty member.

The position is 50% research, 45% teaching and 5% service, with expectations that over time, the candidate will increase external funding, expand collaborative reach, and help build curricular strength in computational mathematics and data science.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Research record of excellence at the interface of mathematics and AI/ML.
• Evidence of, or potential for, strong teaching and mentoring across diverse student populations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with biological, ecological, and environmental scientists.
• Postdoctoral or equivalent training.
• Experience with external research funding and collaborative proposals.
• Evidence of, or potential for, collaborations with industry, government labs, or domain scientists.
• Evidence of, or potential for, contributions to national or international programs on trustworthy and foundational AI.

Required Documents
Review of applications begins on December 15th, 2025, with the position open until filled. For more information please contact search committee chair Dr. Luis Gordillo (luis.gordillo@usu.edu).
Applicants should submit the following:

1. Curriculum vitae (upload at the beginning of application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV")
2. Cover letter addressing fit with the mission of this position and existing departmental strengths to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10"
3. Research statement to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10"
4. Teaching statement/philosophy to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10"
5. At least three letters of recommendation (to be submitted via MathJobs link below), with at least one addressing the applicant's teaching experience and potential

All application materials, except for reference letters, must be provided through the USU Jobs site: https://careers-usu.icims.com/jobs/9612/assistant-professor-in-the-mathematics-of-ai/job
Reference letters must be provided via MathJobs at https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/list/27318.
**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**
Advertised Salary
Minimum $85,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent benefits
ADA
Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.
College/Department Highlights
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is committed to delivering advanced quantitative and analytic skills for professionals in education, industry, and research through classroom instruction as well as practical and research experiences. The Department is one of the largest departments at USU, with over 50 faculty members, 60 Master's and PhD students, and 300 undergraduate majors. The College of Arts and Sciences and USU's Research Office makes significant investments in faculty development, including startup packages, faculty seed grants, and proposal development assistance.
USU is located in Logan, Utah, a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 1.5 hours north of Salt Lake City, and just minutes from the Cache National Forest. Its location puts us close to Utah's vibrant tech economy, as well as recreation opportunities in Utah's abundant national and state parks and monuments. Please see the department jobs website to view other available faculty and post-doc positions in the department.
University Highlights
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah's premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.
USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State's 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.
Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies' long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women's volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women's soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.
Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university's ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.
*updated 12/2025
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In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
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In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.
The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU's non-discrimination policies:
Matthew Pinner
Executive Director
Civil Rights & Title IX Office
matthew.pinner@usu.edu
435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
Cody Carmichael
Title IX Coordinator
cody.carmichael@usu.edu
435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:
U.S. Department of Education
Denver Regional Office
303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
800-421-3481 | OCR@ed.gov
*updated 10/2025