AI Across the domains - Applications Open for a New Faculty Cohort

The Office of Responsible AI (ORAI) and the Arizona Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Society (AI²S) are inviting applications from University of Arizona faculty for the inaugural cohort of Associate Directors AI in a Domain — a new category of domain-focused faculty leadership roles launching in Summer/Fall 2026. The deadline to apply is May 20, 2026.

Associate Directors AI in a Domain serve as the connective tissue between AI²S and ORAI’s cross-disciplinary AI mission and the distinct expertise, cultures, and opportunities of their disciplinary community. These are not technical AI positions — we are looking for disciplinary leaders who understand AI’s implications for their field and are committed to shaping how U of A engages with those implications.

Appointment details:

• Appointment type: Faculty Affiliate — Leadership Role (no tenure impact)
• Term: Two years, renewable by mutual agreement
• Time commitment: Approximately 8 hours per week (protected service time)
• Compensation: Annual stipend + dedicated support funds
• Start date: Summer 2026 (flexible by agreement)
• Reports to: Senior Director, AI²S / CAIO Office

We are recruiting Associate Directors AI in a Domain across all domains for the 2026–2028 cohort. We welcome applications from faculty at all ranks — Assistant, Associate, Full, and Research Professor — who bring:

• A current U of A faculty appointment
• Demonstrated interest in or engagement with AI, machine learning, data science, or computational methods in research, teaching, or service within their domain
• Strong collegial networks within their domain community at the U of A
• Commitment to responsible AI and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Capacity to dedicate approximately 5-8 hours per week to this role

What ORAI and AI²S provide:

• Annual stipend and dedicated support funds for advancing teaching or research in the AI and Domain area.
• Access to the U of A enterprise AI platform (AWS Bedrock) and computing resources
• Onboarding, orientation, and ongoing strategic support from AI²S and ORAI leadership
• Staff support from AI²S research AI engineers and data scientists for domain projects
• Visibility through AI²S and ORAI communications
• A peer network with other AI Associate Directors for cross-domain collaboration

How to Apply

Apply by the deadline of May 20, 2026 and submit the following materials using this Qualtrics form:

• Letter of interest (1 page max) — your domain AI vision, relevant experience, and how you would advance AI in your discipline at U of A
• Current curriculum vitae
• Brief statement (1 page) — how you would approach building faculty community and external partnerships in your domain
• Letter of support from your department head or dean

Note: Deadline to apply is May 20, 2026.

We welcome informal inquiries from prospective applicants prior to submission. Please contact the ORAI and AI²S office with questions or visit responsibleai.arizona.edu.