Assistant Research Professor in the Institute for Applied AI Innovation - The University of Texas at El Paso

Location: El Paso, TX Category: Office of Research and Innovation Posted On: Wed Mar 11 2026 Job Description:

UTEP invites applications for Assistant Research Professor positions within the Institute for Applied AI Innovation (AAII). These positions are funded through the UT System Regents' Research Excellence Program (RREP), a prestigious system-wide initiative established to elevate the national research standing of UT System's Emerging Research Universities. RREP aims to recruit promising research faculty of exceptional potential who demonstrate the capacity for nationally competitive extramural funding, graduate student mentorship, and transformative, transdisciplinary impact. We welcome applications from scholars across all academic disciplines whose work applies AI methods to challenges that intersect with AAII's mission. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to excellent research outcomes and to AAII's applied AI mission in one or more of the following areas:

• AI Models and Algorithms
• AI in Education and Workforce Development
• Border Logistics, Smart Infrastructure, and Supply Chain Systems
• Defense, Cybersecurity, and Secure AI Systems
• Economic Development, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
• Energy, Water, and Sustainability Solutions

Successful applicants will demonstrate the ability to conduct externally funded research, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, publish scholarly work at reputable venues, mentor students and research staff, and contribute to scalable applied AI solutions.

Job Requirements:

• Doctorate degree in one of the domains aligned with the AAII research areas, and a demonstrated expertise in the application of AI in the domain research area
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interdisciplinary teamwork skills
• Evidence of research productivity and potential to support externally funded projects

Additional Information:

In keeping with its access, excellence, and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or sexual orientation and gender in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee's or prospective employee's right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries-including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident-about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747-8358, by email at titleix@utep.edu, or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 312.

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu.

To the extent that this position involves research, work, or access to critical infrastructure as referenced in Executive Order GA-48, being hired for and continuing to be employed in this position requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.