Assistant Professor in Applied Linguistics and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
Full-Time
Competitive
OfficeAssociate
The Department of English in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Applied Linguistics and Artificial Intelligence (AI). We seek a faculty member who specializes in at least one of the following areas: the use of AI and language-generating technologies in first- and second- language learning, teaching, or assessment; linguistics-based qualitative and quantitative research on the humanlike language generated by AI; the study of generative AI in human-computer language interaction; or the role of language in the subjective experience of generative AI users. The ideal applicant will have an established or emerging research agenda focusing on AI with expertise relevant to natural language processing (NLP), generative AI, applied linguistics, or a related area. We are especially interested in scholars who are using AI in innovative ways in applied linguistics.
At the undergraduate level, the faculty member will teach general courses in linguistics and applied linguistics, courses that serve as electives in the university’s minor in Applied Artificial Intelligence, and new course offerings that integrate AI technologies into linguistics. At the graduate level, the faculty member will have the opportunity to teach courses in applied linguistics and technology, and may contribute to interdisciplinary programs such as Human Computer Interaction, depending on area of specialization. Potential graduate courses include seminars on AI-assisted technologies and generative AI for language learning and assessment, language-based analytics, automated dialogue systems, and speech-driven user interfaces, as well as courses on programming for NLP, computational and/or corpus-based text analysis, statistical analysis of language, or other areas related to the candidate’s expertise.
The successful candidate will join a community of faculty in applied linguistics who are exploring the uses and implications of AI in the field. This faculty member will strengthen cross-disciplinary efforts in an area of excellence in the Department of English—the use of technology for teaching, assessing, and researching language. In addition, the faculty member will have opportunities to forge connections with faculty from other department programs specializing in AI, as well contribute to campus-wide strategic initiatives related to trusted innovation and artificial intelligence.
The position begins August 16, 2027.
All faculty members are expected to exhibit and convey good citizenship within the program, the department, college, and university activities and collegial interactions, and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
PhD in applied linguistics, linguistics, natural language processing, computational linguistics, or a related field conferred by time of appointment.
Established or emerging applied linguistic research agenda in the development and/or use of artificial intelligence applications;
Demonstrated ability or potential to apply AI in innovative ways for the teaching, assessment, and/or analysis of language;
Potential to contribute to the teaching needs of the undergraduate and graduate programs in linguistics and applied linguistics;
Experience in teaching and/or assessing language/communication at the college level;
Existing record of and/or substantive potential for interdisciplinary collaboration;
Demonstrated ability or potential to develop a high-impact, externally funded research program
The Department of English at Iowa State University offers a PhD program in Applied Linguistics and Technology, an MA program in Teaching English as a Second Language/Applied Linguistics, and a BA in Linguistics. As leaders in the advanced study of technology use in language learning and assessment, the Applied Linguistics and Technology program is the ideal context for developing expertise in the development and use of language-related AI applications.
In addition to applied linguistics, the Department of English administers graduate and undergraduate programs in English literature, English Education, Rhetoric and Professional Communication, Technical Communication, and Creative Writing. The Department is a growing locus of AI-related expertise, and this position is part of a strategic initiative to further build Iowa State’s research strength and degree programs in key areas.
The Department of English is committed to its faculty, staff and students that enrich University objectives in the areas of research, teaching, and service. For more information, see http://www.engl.iastate.edu/.
ISU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples, is dedicated to work-life balance through an array of policies and is an NSF ADVANCE institution.
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of application/cover Letter that addresses the required and preferred qualifications
3) Please attached the following required materials as one document/PDF
A research statement (maximum 2 pages) that provides a summary of accomplishments and interests in AI for applied linguistics
A teaching statement (maximum 2 pages) that discusses specific undergraduate and graduate courses the candidate would like to teach (existing ISU courses and potential new courses)
4) Contact information for three references
5) Research-based writing sample (for co-authored writing samples, please include a brief description of the candidate’s contributions to the manuscript)
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
For guaranteed consideration, applications should be received by August 16, 2026, but will be accepted until the position is filled.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.