Assistant Professor of Mathematics (RISE-AI)

The Department of Mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison invites applications for a tenure-track position (Assistant Professor) in the mathematical foundations of artificial intelligence, beginning August 2026. This position is part of the University's RISE-AI strategic hiring initiative, a campus-wide effort aimed at advancing UW-Madison's leadership in the development and application of cutting-edge AI.

We seek scholars who will develop a vigorous research program focused on the mathematical underpinnings of AI. We are interested in fundamental research that addresses key challenges in modern AI, including but not limited to: core principles and rigorous analysis of current and emerging AI systems; societal impact; and AI to advance formal reasoning and scientific discovery.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant, collaborative mathematics department and an interdisciplinary cohort of RISEAI hires across campus. The hire will be expected to establish an internationally recognized research program, excel in teaching mathematics at the undergraduate and graduate levels, contribute significantly to the development of innovative AI curricula across campus, mentor students, and engage in professional and university service.

The successful candidate will advance the educational mission of the College of Letters & Science that values, prioritizes, and actualizes evidence-based and student-centered teaching and (undergraduate student) mentoring. They will contribute to an environment that fosters engagement and a sense of belonging for faculty, staff, students and members of the broader community.

In the College of Letters & Science, we provide a liberal arts education that is both broad and deep through excellent, empathic teaching. We hire faculty who are interested in pursuing difficult questions, making new discoveries, and making an impact in their field. We reward excellent teaching and classroom innovation, and we are committed to shared governance. Learn more about the L&S mission on our webpage: https://ls.wisc.edu/about/mission.

Courses taught will include undergraduate and graduate levels. A strong commitment to excellence in instruction is expected.

This position is part of the Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative. Through accelerated and strategic faculty hiring, research infrastructure enhancement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and increased student and educational opportunities, RISE addresses complex societal challenges of importance to the state, nation and world. Building on UW-Madison's strengths, RISE expands the University's successful track record of connecting with communities and industry on collaborative solutions.

Over the next three academic years, UW-Madison will substantially increase current hiring levels, bringing 150 new RISE faculty to campus. Candidates hired through RISE will join a community of scholars working across disciplines, schools and colleges on research, teaching and outreach endeavors. The community will engage regularly in venues such as seminar series and colloquia to share ongoing projects and identify opportunities to work together. The University will support the community, facilitating access to research infrastructure, and funding to support broad and rich collaboration. Further information regarding RISE can be found at: https://rise.wisc.edu/.

UW-Madison is known for its interdisciplinary, international character, something that is evident through the many affiliations our faculty maintain with other units on campus as well as collaborations around the world. Located at the nexus of four beautiful lakes, Madison, the state capital, consistently ranks among the top American cities for its quality of life and is well known for offering a small town feel in a medium sized city. Madison offers an ideal combination of natural beauty, stimulating cultural events, highly ranked schools and outdoor recreation.

The successful candidate, as a member of the College of L&S, will proactively contribute to, support, and advance the college's commitment to equity among all aspects of their teaching, mentoring, research, and service. In addition to developing and maintaining a robust research portfolio in the area of AI, the successful applicant will participate in interdisciplinary and collaborative efforts with other departments, schools and colleges.

College of Letters & Science, Department of Mathematics

Negotiable - 9 months / ongoing / renewable

Candidates for tenure-track positions should exhibit evidence of outstanding research potential, normally including significant contributions to the field beyond the doctoral dissertation. The successful candidate will demonstrate fostering or the ability to foster teaching, learning, mentoring, departmental, and research environments where all can thrive.

PhD in Mathematics or similar required by the start of appointment.

Apply online at Jobs at UW (http://jobs.wisc.edu) under Job Requisition JR10004505. Applications must be received both through UW-Madison's online application system and mathjobs.org (job #27083) to be considered. Click the "Apply Now" button at Jobs at UW to start the application process.

Applicants should submit the following five (5) items to Jobs at UW:

1. a letter of application
2. curriculum vitae
3. a teaching statement
4. a mentoring statement
5. a research statement

Applicants must also complete the standard mathjobs.org application, including reference letters. Reference letters do not need to be uploaded to Jobs at UW.

Applications not submitted to both Jobs at UW and mathjobs.org will not be considered.

For full consideration, all materials must be received no later than 11:59pm on November 10, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please note that applicants will be evaluated based upon submitted application materials and therefore should speak to and include evidence of their qualifications. Application materials must clearly demonstrate the applicant's dedication to excellence in student-centered teaching and mentoring. Additionally, materials should showcase the applicant's ability to purposefully plan their teaching practices, evidenced through goals, action plans, reflection, and related documentation. This portion of the application materials must be created by the applicant and may include supporting letters. It cannot be only in the form of letters and testimony by others.

Professor Leslie Smith

lsmith@math.wisc.edu / 608-263-3057

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.