AI Research Scientist Posting Number req26590
Department Office of Responsible AI
Department Website Link https://responsibleai.arizona.edu/ORAI
Location Tucson Campus
Address Tucson, AZ USA
Duties & Responsibilities Advanced AI/ML Development & Technical Consulting
- Develop, validate, and deploy advanced statistical, machine learning, and deep learning predictive models to generate actionable insights for institutional and research stakeholders.
- Design and implement Natural Language Processing (NLP) pipelines, text vectorization methods, and unstructured data workflows to extract strategic value from large-scale textual datasets and institutional documents.
- Serve as an internal consultant for campus researchers and units, advising on model selection, feature engineering, fine-tuning LLMs with custom datasets, validation frameworks, and production deployment strategies.
- Systematically evaluate model performance utilizing advanced testing and verification frameworks to ensure accuracy, stability, and operational efficiency.
Educational Programming, Curriculum Design & Assessment
- Design, implement, and facilitate high-impact AI/ML, data science, and generative AI training programs, workshops, and self-paced learning modules tailored for various university audiences (faculty, staff, and students).
- Create rigorous educational materials focused on applied machine learning, prompt engineering frameworks, transformer dynamics, and responsible AI development.
- Establish institutional benchmarks and best practices for AI/ML education that seamlessly align with the Office of Responsible AI (ORAI) governance principles.
- Deploy robust formative and summative learning assessment tools to measure AI literacy gains, track training efficacy, and continuously refine programming to reflect evolving industry standards.
Responsible AI, Governance & Strategic Alignment
- Operationalize responsible AI practices across the institution, directly guiding stakeholders on algorithmic bias mitigation, model reproducibility, transparency, and data privacy.
- Partner with colleges, research units, and administrative divisions to identify emerging AI/ML needs, influence data governance policies, and develop collaborative, data-driven solutions.
- Translate highly complex, technical AI/ML and NLP concepts into accessible, strategic guidance and executive summaries for university leadership and non-technical audiences.
- Contribute actively to AI strategy alignment and knowledge exchange with external and internal academic, research, and industry partners.
Grant Writing & Program Sustainability
- Draft and co-author high-quality, multidisciplinary grant proposals and technical funding applications to secure external resources for programmatic sustainability.
- Partner with cross-functional campus investigators to seamlessly integrate technical data specifications, AI/ML research objectives, budget justifications, and educational project milestones into compelling reviewer narratives.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: - Comprehensive understanding of AI ethics, including bias mitigation, model reproducibility, transparency, data governance, and policy compliance.
- Skilled in drafting high-quality, multidisciplinary grant proposals.
- Skilled in utilizing real-world case studies, accessible analogies, and practical applications to help understand and ethically apply AI tools.
This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required. Master's Degree required.
- Minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience with demystifying advanced AI/ML concepts - such as deep learning, predictive modeling, and algorithmic bias - for non-technical audiences.
- Experience in planning, delivering, and managing high-impact synchronous workshops and self-paced learning modules for various university audiences - faculty, staff, and students.
FLSA Exempt
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week 40
Job FTE 1.0
Work Calendar Fiscal
Job Category Research
Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay $86,870 - $112,932
Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade 11
Compensation Guidance The
Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The
Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level PC4
Job Family Research & Data Analysis
Job Function Research
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies 1
Target Hire Date Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates Julie Emms |
[email protected] Open Date 7/22/2026
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant 
