The University of California, Berkeley is inviting applications for a prestigious tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Artificial Intelligence for Biology. Jointly hosted by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) and the Center for Computational Biology (CCB), this opportunity is designed for outstanding researchers developing cutting-edge AI and machine learning methods to solve complex biological challenges.
The position offers a competitive 9-month academic salary ranging from USD 111,400 to USD 163,200, with the possibility of higher compensation through off-scale salary arrangements. The successful candidate is expected to begin on 1 July 2027 at UC Berkeley in California, United States.
About the Faculty Position
UC Berkeley seeks an early-career scholar whose research bridges artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational biology, and biological sciences. The appointment is tenure-track at the Assistant Professor level and includes opportunities to collaborate across multiple interdisciplinary institutes and research initiatives within the university.
The EECS Department is internationally recognized for excellence in computer science, electrical engineering, data science, and interdisciplinary innovation, while the Center for Computational Biology brings together researchers from more than a dozen academic departments to advance computational approaches in biology.
This appointment is ideal for researchers interested in creating broadly applicable AI methodologies capable of transforming biological discovery.
Research Areas of Interest
Applicants should demonstrate expertise in innovative AI or machine learning research that advances the understanding of biological systems. Relevant research areas include:
- AI and ML for predicting cellular phenotypes and biological responses
- Modeling interactions between proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecules
- Genotype-to-phenotype prediction across molecular and organismal scales
- Genome and biomolecule engineering using AI
- Computational genomics and multimodal biological data analysis
- Integration of single-cell, spatial, imaging, and large-scale biological datasets
- Novel machine learning methods for complex biological data
Researchers developing foundational AI methods with broad biological applications are particularly encouraged to apply.
Salary, Location and Benefits
The successful candidate will be based in Berkeley, California, and will join one of the world’s leading public research universities.
Key employment benefits include:
- Salary of USD 111,400–163,200 for the academic year
- Opportunity for additional off-scale compensation
- Tenure-track faculty appointment
- Access to world-class research infrastructure
- Interdisciplinary collaboration across EECS, CCB, and UC Berkeley institutes
- Faculty support for relocation and dual-career families
UC Berkeley also provides resources supporting faculty with family responsibilities, including relocation assistance and partner career support.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following academic requirements at the time of application:
- Completion of a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree, or
- Current enrollment in a doctoral degree program leading to completion
Preference will be given to applicants whose research focuses on AI and machine learning methods that significantly advance biological understanding. The university also values candidates with demonstrated excellence in research, teaching, mentoring, and academic service.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit a complete online application containing the following materials:
- Cover letter
- Updated curriculum vitae with publications
- Research statement (maximum five pages excluding references)
- Teaching and mentoring statement
- Three significant publications with impact summaries and PDF links
- Signed Authorization to Release Information form
- Three confidential letters of recommendation
Reference letters should be uploaded as early as possible through the UC Berkeley recruitment portal.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This recruitment represents one of the most competitive faculty opportunities in AI for Biology globally. UC Berkeley continues to lead advances in artificial intelligence, computational genomics, and interdisciplinary biological research, making it an exceptional destination for emerging scholars seeking long-term academic careers.
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to establish an independent research program while collaborating with internationally renowned experts across engineering, data science, medicine, and life sciences.
How to Strengthen an Application
Competitive applicants should demonstrate:
- A strong publication record in high-impact journals or conferences
- Innovative AI or machine learning methodology with biological applications
- Clear future research vision with interdisciplinary impact
- Evidence of effective teaching and inclusive mentoring
- Meaningful collaborations and scientific leadership
A well-structured research statement that highlights both prior achievements and future research directions will be particularly important during the selection process.
Application Deadline
Applications are currently open and will receive full consideration if submitted by:
| Application Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 25 September 2026 |
| Final & Review Deadline | 9 November 2026 (11:59 PM Pacific Time) |
| Expected Start Date | 1 July 2027 |
Candidates should submit all required documents before the deadline to ensure full consideration.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official UC Berkeley Academic Personnel Recruit portal. Applicants interested in multiple UC Berkeley faculty positions should submit a separate application for each advertised vacancy.
UC Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering excellence through research, teaching, inclusion, and interdisciplinary innovation.
