Salary: See Position Description
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number:
Agency: University of South Carolina
Opening Date: 11/09/2026
Closing Date: 12/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Your application must be submitted online at https://apptrkr.com/9947701
Class Code:: UP03
Position Number:: 9947701
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: Unclassified
Job Responsibilities
Director of the AI Ethics & Law Initiative & Senior Research Associate Department: LAW School of Law Advertised Salary Range: Part/Full Time: Full Time Advertised Job Summary The Director of the AI Ethics & Law Initiative and Senior Research Associate is a full-time academic staff position that will support the launch and day-to-day operation of the newly established AI Ethics & Law Initiative ("Initiative") and its AI Law Lab. The Initiative advances a human-centered and ethically grounded approach to AI in law by developing training for students, faculty, staff, and practitioners, supporting responsible AI policy and practice within the School of Law, and engaging the South Carolina legal community through programming and outreach. Embedded within the Initiative, the AI Law Lab operates as an internal program focused on AI experimentation and applied research. The Director will lead the Lab directly and ensure that Lab projects advance the Initiative's broader mission, programming, and partnerships. The Director reports to the Faculty Director of the AI Ethics & Law Initiative and serves as the primary operational lead for the Initiative. In close coordination with the Faculty Director, the School of Law faculty, and the Dean's Office, the Director will translate the School of Law's AI-related strategic priorities into programming, training, policies, and partnerships, ensuring that students, faculty, staff, and the South Carolina legal community are equipped to navigate an AI-driven future through a human-centered and ethical lens. The Director will lead the operations and implementation of the Initiative. While the Faculty Director provides academic leadership and strategic direction, the Director will run day-to-day operations, including project planning and delivery, timelines, communications, and administrative coordination, to ensure consistent execution of Initiative priorities. Within this role, the Director's work will center on the Initiative's three core functions: - Educating and supporting students on the ethical and practical challenges and opportunities presented by AI, including ensuring access to AI resources and training across the School of Law. - Supporting faculty with AI training and thoughtful deployment of AI tools within the School of Law's curriculum and related academic and professional programs. - Serving as a practical resource to the South Carolina legal community on the ethical use of AI in the legal profession, including education, guidance, and connections to relevant School of Law expertise.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities - Legal Knowledge: Knowledge (or demonstrated capacity to rapidly develop working knowledge) of legal ethics and professional responsibility issues implicated by AI, including the Rules of Professional Conduct, and familiarity with procedural and doctrinal issues affecting AI-assisted legal work. - Communication: Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills, with the ability to accurately analyze and communicate complex AI legal issues. - Professionalism: Ability to work autonomously with high initiative while thriving in a collaborative, team-oriented environment. - Technical Proficiency: Excellent computer proficiency and an understanding of and interest in AI technologies. - Academic Record: A strong record demonstrating potential to develop and deliver high-quality training and teaching in a professional school environment (e.g., law school, graduate/professional programs, or comparable settings).
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications - A J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school or a terminal/advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., Ph.D., M.S.) with substantial demonstrated experience in AI, computer science, information science, or a related discipline, and the ability to apply legal/ethical frameworks relevant to the practice of law. - Prior experience presenting on issues involving AI, technology, and/or the law. - Demonstrated ability to identify, develop, and implement innovative programs that benefit a law school or legal organization. - Practical experience with AI deployment strategies. - Proven ability to maintain effective working relationships with a diverse constituency of students, faculty, staff, and members of the Bar.
Additional Comments
Job Close Date 12/20/2026 Special Instructions to Applicant Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by December 20, 0026 The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to: - Health and Life Insurance - Retirement Programs - Paid Tuition - Dependent Scholarships - Annual Leave - Sick Leave - 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday) - Paid Parental Leave - Professional Development Opportunities To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/9947701
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
