Director, AI Institute

• Job Summary

Augusta University invites applications and nominations for the inaugural Director of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute, a university-wide strategic initiative designed to position Augusta University as a national leader in AI research, education, innovation, and community engagement. The AI Institute will serve as a collaborative hub connecting faculty, students, industry, government agencies, and community partners across disciplines to advance both the foundations and applications of artificial intelligence.

The Director will provide visionary leadership for the development, implementation, and growth of the AI Institute. The successful candidate will lead efforts to establish a nationally recognized research enterprise that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, promotes responsible and ethical AI innovation, develops new academic programs, and expands external research funding. The Director will work closely with academic leaders across all colleges and schools, as well as external stakeholders, to build strategic partnerships that advance Augusta Universitys mission in discovery, learning, community engagement, and innovation.

The Director will be expected to cultivate a collaborative culture that accelerates cutting-edge research, supports faculty success, enhances student opportunities, and contributes to Augusta Universitys strategic priorities, including growth in externally funded research and doctoral education. The position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of AI research and education at a comprehensive research university with strengths in health sciences, cybersecurity, computing, engineering, public service, and emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Institute Development

• Provide visionary leadership for the Artificial Intelligence Institute and establish a long-term strategic plan aligned with Augusta Universitys mission and strategic priorities.
• Define and communicate the Institutes vision, goals, and priorities in research, education, innovation, and community engagement.
• Establish and oversee Institute governance structures, advisory boards, policies, and operational frameworks.
• Develop performance metrics and evaluate Institute outcomes related to research productivity, educational impact, partnerships, and external funding.
• Represent the Institute and Augusta University at regional, national, and international meetings, conferences, and professional organizations.

Research Excellence and Innovation

• Lead the development of cutting-edge AI research programs spanning foundational AI and interdisciplinary AI applications.
• Foster collaborations among faculty, researchers, and students across AU colleges, schools, and disciplines.
• Promote ethical, responsible, secure, and trustworthy AI research and innovation.
• Support the development of research infrastructure, advanced computing resources, and technical capabilities necessary to advance AI research.
• Facilitate the translation of research discoveries into real-world applications, innovation, commercialization opportunities, and societal impact.

Faculty, Staff, and Academic Program Development

• Recruit, mentor, and support high-performing faculty, researchers, technical personnel, and administrative staff affiliated with the Institute.
• Cultivate an inclusive, collaborative, and high-achieving research environment.
• Support faculty success through research development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional growth opportunities.
• Lead and support the development of AI-related degree programs, certificates, workforce development initiatives, and continuing education programs.
• Promote student engagement, experiential learning, and research opportunities in artificial intelligence and related fields.

External Funding and Strategic Partnerships

• Position Augusta University as a recognized leader in AI research, education, and innovation.
• Develop and implement strategies to expand the Institutes external funding portfolio.
• Lead and support the preparation of major multidisciplinary grant proposals to federal agencies, foundations, industry partners, and other sponsors.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with industry, healthcare organizations, government agencies, national laboratories, and community stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for collaborative research, educational initiatives, and technology development with external partners.

Administrative and Financial Oversight

• Provide oversight of Institute operations, including personnel, budgets, facilities, infrastructure, and resource allocation.
• Ensure effective stewardship of Institute resources and compliance with university, state, federal, and sponsor requirements.
• Collaborate with university leadership, deans, department chairs, and administrative units to advance Institute priorities.
• Manage Institute growth and sustainability through strategic planning, resource development, and operational excellence.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the Institute.

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate (PhD, MD, DO, or equivalent terminal degree) in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Health Sciences, Information Sciences, Computational Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• Eligible for appointment at the rank of Professor at Augusta University.
• Demonstrated record of nationally recognized research accomplishments in artificial intelligence or a closely related field.
• Significant experience leading complex research, academic, or innovation initiatives.
• Demonstrated success securing substantial external funding from federal agencies, foundations, industry, or other sponsors.
• Evidence of successful leadership, management, and mentorship of faculty, researchers, staff, or multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborations across academic disciplines and with external stakeholders.
• Strong communication, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
• Commitment to ethical, responsible, and inclusive approaches to AI research, education, and innovation.

Tenure Upon Appointment (if applicable)

To be eligible for tenure upon appointment, the candidate must, at a minimum, be appointed as an Associate Professor or Professor, have been previously awarded tenure at another institution, and demonstrate a nationally recognized reputation consistent with Augusta University and Board of Regents policies.

The tenure status (on tenure track, tenure upon appointment, or not on tenure track) will be determined based on the qualifications of the final candidate and will be confirmed in the final offer along with position expectations.

Associate Professor - Mid level career faculty member with at least five years at the rank of Assistant Professor with background, education, and training consistent with the following position requirements.

Professor - Senior level career faculty member with at least five years at the rank of Associate Professor with background, education, and training consistent with the following position requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated record of leadership in artificial intelligence research, development, or deployment.
• Experience leading or directing an academic institute, research center, department, large research program, or comparable enterprise.
• Experience building interdisciplinary initiatives involving computing, health sciences, cybersecurity, engineering, public policy, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale collaborative proposals, including multi-institutional or center-level grants.
• Experience developing academic degree programs, certificates, workforce development initiatives, or online educational programs.
• Experience engaging with federal agencies, national laboratories, healthcare systems, industry partners, or government organizations.
• Record of translating research into innovation, commercialization, technology transfer, or societal impact.
• Experience advancing AI applications in healthcare, cybersecurity, public service, scientific discovery, or other strategic domains.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative research environment.
• Experience overseeing research infrastructure, advanced computing resources, or AI technology platforms.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

This position is fiscal year based and works year-round.

The intended work commitment or full-time equivalent (FTE) for this position is 1.0 and considered full-time.

Salary and compensation are commensurate with education, experience, and achievements. The salary is subject to availability of funds.

Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, 13 paid holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, generous retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options, and much more!

Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program.

Rank and salary are determined at the time of hire and are based on a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, education, credentials, specialty, training, etc. while also considering internal equity and market data.

Advancement through the faculty ranks at Augusta University is only through the annual Promotion and Tenure process in which faculty may apply if eligible (typically five-year increments). For more information on ranks, please review the Augusta University Promotion and Tenure Guidelines: https://www.augusta.edu/hr/faculty-supportser/procedures/augusta_university_promotion_tenure_guidelines_feb_2020.pdf

About Us

Augusta University is Georgias innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state. More than 12,000 students choose Augusta for educational opportunities at the center of Georgias cybersecurity hub and experiential learning that blends arts and application, humanities, and the health sciences. Augusta is home to Georgias only public academic health center, where groundbreaking research is creating a healthier, more prosperous Georgia, and world-class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today. Our mission and values make Augusta University an institution like no other.

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Location

Augusta University

Health Sciences Campus:

1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912

Conditions of Employment

All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University.

If applicable for the specific position based on the duties: the candidate will also need to have a credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.

Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle.

For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.

All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive [patient, student, employee, financial, business, etc.] information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicant from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.

How To Apply

To be considered an applicant for this position, you must apply online at http://www.augusta.edu/hr/jobs/.

Please upload a letter of interest, your Curriculum Vitae, Research Statement and a list of Professional References to be contacted once the applicants on narrowed (we will inform you).

Other Information

This position is also responsible for promoting a customer-friendly environment and providing superior service to our patients, students, faculty, and employees. "Augusta University is a patient-and family-centered care institution, where employees partner every day with patients and families for success."

Augusta University is a tobacco-free environment, and the use of any tobacco products on any part of the campus, both inside and outside, is strictly prohibited.