Job Description

Job Description

The Virginia Tech Institute for Advanced Computing (IAC) and the Department of Computer Science invite applications for a faculty position at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and related areas. Virginia Tech was founded in 1872 as a land-grant institution and has been long recognized for its tradition of innovation and public service. The IAC is a significant aspect of Virginia Tech's strategic vision for the future of technology and is located in the university’s new 11-story Academic Building One in the greater Washington, D.C. area. The successful candidate will serve as core faculty in the IAC, with a tenure home in the Department of Computer Science.

Launched in May 2025, the IAC is a rapidly growing initiative and a cornerstone of Virginia Tech’s strategic expansion in the D.C. region. It currently includes 19 award-winning faculty members and over 500 graduate students, with plans to grow to 50 faculty and 1,500 students. The IAC supports interdisciplinary research in AI/ML, Quantum Computing, Wireless Technologies, Computer Systems, and HCI, and fosters a collegial environment with a strong tradition of both foundational and applied research, collaboration, and innovative teaching.

We seek a visionary leader to shape the future of human-centered computing at Virginia Tech and beyond. The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with the Center for Human-Computer Interaction (CHCI)—one of the nation’s first HCI research centers, comprising nearly 80 faculty who regularly publish at leading venues such as CHI, CSCW, UIST, and IEEE VR. Collaborations are encouraged across Virginia Tech’s Alexandria and Blacksburg campuses, including with the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT) and the Sanghani Center for AI and Data Analytics, as well as with partners in industry, government, and non-profit sectors.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD or PhD-equivalent doctoral degree in computer science or a closely related field, a rank-appropriate record of research and academic achievement, and a commitment to interdisciplinary work and graduate instruction. Tenured and tenure-track faculty are expected to establish internationally recognized research programs, mentor graduate students, teach effectively, and contribute to university and professional service. Occasional travel to conferences and related events is expected.

Applicants must apply online at jobs.vt.edu. Application materials should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least three references. Candidates must also submit two separate statements (up to 3 pages each):

A research statement
A teaching and mentoring philosophy

Review of applications will begin on September 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. For questions, contact Dr. Kurt Luther at [email protected].

As a land-grant university, Virginia Tech embraces its mission to advance knowledge and innovation in service to society. In alignment with Virginia Tech’s motto, Ut Prosim ("That I May Serve"), the IAC is committed to impactful research, education, and service that improves lives and communities locally and globally.

Required Qualifications

- An earned PhD or PhD-equivalent doctoral degree in Computer Science or closely related field at the time of the appointment and a rank-appropriate record of scholarship and service in computing research.
- Ability to contribute to the department's teaching mission at the graduate level.
- A proven record of academic accomplishments and a proven ability to work collaboratively.
- A commitment to interdisciplinary research and instruction
- A willingness to expand disciplinary boundaries to address complex technical and societal challenges.

Preferred Qualifications

- Demonstrated interest in collaborative research in HCI, AI, intelligent interfaces, social computing, computational social science, and related areas.
- Demonstrated ability and willingness to work collaboratively with faculty from a variety of disciplines.
- Recognition of research excellence as demonstrated by, e.g., best paper or society awards.
- Established record of collaboration with industry, government, nonprofits and/or other non-academic partners, entrepreneurial engagement, and technology transfer.