Applications, nominations sought for director of Institute for Physical Artificial Intelligence

Purdue is inviting applications and nominations for the position of director of the Institute for Physical Artificial Intelligence (IPAI). The Institute for Physical AI is a key pillar of a major presidential initiative, Purdue Computes, which connects faculty and students from across the institution to enable the university to advance to the forefront of the discipline with unparalleled excellence at scale. 

The university has committed to invest in 100 faculty lines and more than $100 million in research and learning facilities over the next five years, and the IPAI director will play a critical role in determining and leveraging how these Purdue Computes investments will propel the university to even higher levels. Reporting directly to the executive vice president for research, the IPAI director will build a world-leading program in AI that connects the virtual world with the physical world by leveraging Purdue’s signature strengths in computer science, engineering, agriculture, social, and life sciences.

The IPAI director will work closely with faculty, students and external partners to develop and implement a vision for IPAI that positions it as a world-class institute for research, education, and innovation in physical AI. The director will also be responsible for building and managing IPAI’s resources, including its budget, staff and facilities.

The successful candidate will catalyze innovation and disruption in the field that leads to scientific and/or technical breakthroughs. The successful candidate should possess: 

• A terminal degree (PhD or equivalent) in engineering, science, technology, education, computing, or related field.
• Accomplishments that merit appointment as a tenure-track or clinical faculty member.
• Demonstrated record of research in a related field.
• Experience in leading and managing interdisciplinary teams.
• A strong record of securing funding for research.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships with external entities, faculty, staff, and students in research, educational, and workforce development efforts.

Led by Dan DeLaurentis, vice president, Discovery Park District Institutes, the search committee will begin reviewing candidates on Feb. 26 and will continue until the position is filled. 

The position announcement and application link are available online. Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of interest that highlight the applicant’s personal vision for IPAI and relevant leadership experience. Nominations may be submitted through Qualtrics.

Questions regarding the position or the application process may be directed to Stephanie Ferguson, executive recruiter, at fergus52@purdue.edu. All submissions will be kept confidential during the search process.