Assistant Professor

The Division of Computer Science and Engineering (www.cse.lsu.edu) at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Reinforcement Learning (RL). We are especially interested in researchers making fundamental contributions to deep RL as it pertains to foundation models. LSU is Louisiana's flagship public land-grant R1 research university and is investing substantially in advanced computing and artificial intelligence. CSE faculty maintain a vigorous research enterprise with millions of dollars in externally funded research from federal, state, and industry sponsors, publish in prestigious peer-reviewed venues, and mentor M.S. and Ph.D. researchers. The Division has had two NSF CAREER Award recipients in 2026 alone, reflecting its strong momentum and commitment to early-career faculty success. Fifteen specialized research laboratories support research across AI, cybersecurity, computing systems, and emerging technologies. Collaborative opportunities span electrical and computer engineering, mathematics, science, healthcare, and LSU's E. J. Ourso College of Business, as well as the Center for Computation and Technology. LSU High-Performance Computing offers advanced computational and storage resources, and the Division also encourages research translation, startup activity, and industry partnerships.

This is an especially exciting time for AI at LSU. In Fall 2026, LSU launched Louisiana's first Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, expanding education in machine learning, reinforcement learning, autonomous systems, foundation models, AI security, and responsible AI. A newly developed Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence, created with LSU's E. J. Ourso College of Business, is awaiting approval and has not yet launched. Together with existing M.S. and Ph.D. programs, these efforts support a growing research, teaching, and workforce-development ecosystem, including statewide AI literacy initiatives and interdisciplinary industry-engaged projects. The Division's ABET-accredited computer science program and nationally recognized cybersecurity program—designated an NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations—provide additional strength. CSE offers undergraduate concentrations in cybersecurity, software engineering, cloud computing and networking, and data science and analytics. New faculty can help shape AI coursework, research directions, and graduate training at a time of increasing enrollment and research activity.

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.