We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative professional for a dual appointment role, with 50% effort as Lead Data Scientist and 50% effort as a faculty member. This unique position combines leadership in the application of Generative AI for higher education with academic responsibilities, including teaching, research, student advising, and academic service. The Lead Data Scientist role will include (i) 20% development and support of Generative AI infrastructure under an established Advanced Computing and Analytics Laboratory (ACAL) which is supported by SACS and the Enterprise Data and Analytics division (EDA), (ii) 20% securing funding and administering contracts for Generative AI initiatives, and (iii) 10% collaboration and training in partnership with SACS faculty and EDA staff. The Assistant/Associate Professor of Computer Science and Data Science role will include (i) 25% teaching computer science, data science and biomedical data science courses, advising and mentoring School of Applied Computational Sciences (SACS) students, and developing instructional methods that will reflect best practices in pedagogy, (ii) 20% research utilizing data science techniques, and (iii) 5% service, demonstrating the ability to work collaboratively with SACS faculty and staff.

Essential Functions (Duties and Responsibilities) – Assign a percentage to each essential function (equal to 100%):

• Generative AI Leadership: Lead the strategic integration and application of Generative AI tools and methodologies in higher education. Drive innovation in teaching, learning, and institutional operations using Generative AI technologies.
• Technical Support and Infrastructure: Oversee the development, deployment, and maintenance of technical infrastructure to support Generative AI initiatives. Ensure the scalability, reliability, and security of AI systems tailored for academic and administrative use.
• Generative AI Tools: Design and implement AI tools to enhance student learning, administrative efficiencies, and data-driven decision-making. Collaborate with academic and administrative units to identify use cases for Generative AI and provide technical support.
• Research and Development: Stay abreast of emerging trends in Generative AI and higher education.
• Lead and contribute to cross-institutional collaborations and partnerships in AI research and implementation.

20%

• Funding and Contracts: Identify and pursue opportunities to secure funding from private, state, and federal sources for Generative AI initiatives. Develop and manage contracts related to Generative AI applications in higher education. Build relationships with funding agencies, corporate partners, and other stakeholders to support institutional AI goals.

20%

• Collaboration and Training: Partner with faculty, staff, and administrators to promote awareness and adoption of Generative AI technologies. Develop and deliver training programs for stakeholders on best practices and ethical use of AI.

10%

• Integrate technology effectively and appropriately into the teaching and learning process.
• Interact with students, other educators and educational institution representatives, and the public in a professional manner.
• Plan, evaluate and revise curricula, course content and course materials and methods for courses within the SACS
• Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students
• Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues

25%

• Lead and supervise students in academic research utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques.
• Keep abreast of development in your field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences
• Develop and deploy impactful and socially-responsible scientific knowledge and practical technologies that empower society to improve the quality of life
• Work collaboratively across university departments.
• Participate and lead grant writing/submission, scholarly publications in refereed journals, and research design.

20%

• Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues
• Participate in campus and community events

5%

=100%

                                                                                                                                       

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, R, or equivalent.
• Experience with AI frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to ethical and equitable AI practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound judgment and maturity, exemplified by consistent professionalism in working with individuals at all levels, both internally and externally.

Education and Experience:

• Earned Doctorate degree in computer science or data science with emphasis in artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques.
• Demonstrated expertise in Generative AI and its applications. Proven track record of research, teaching, and leadership in academic or industry settings.
• Publication track record commensurate with career path history timeline.
• Ability to develop, lead, and obtain external funding in research within 4 years.

  Environmental Conditions and Physical Demands

• Usual office environment.
• Manual dexterity
• Visual and auditory acuity
• Able to sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time

• About Meharry, SACS and EDA

  Meharry Medical College is a global academic health sciences center advancing health equity through innovative research, transformative education, exceptional and compassionate health services and policy-influencing thought leadership. True to its legacy, Meharry empowers diverse populations to improve the well-being of humankind. As it approaches its 150th anniversary, the College is experiencing growth in support and its reputation, most recently evidenced by a gift of $175 million from the Bloomberg Philanthropies.

  The School of Applied Computational Sciences (SACS) was founded in 2021, at the time the first new Meharry school in 80 years. The school has enjoyed significant grant support –– exceeding $12 million in the most recent fiscal year –– from the National Science Foundation, Health Resources and Services Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the National Institutes of Health. Similarly, the School has enjoyed strong growth in enrollment for its master’s and doctoral programs for the Departments of Computer Science and Data Science and Biomedical Data Science. SACS department of Computer Science & Data Science is actively working to build a strong infrastructure and prepare diverse talented and dedicated workforce for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Cybersecurity-related services. Its research focuses on STEM areas that include AI/ML, cybersecurity, image processing, geospatial data analysis, computational biology, big data analytics, energy systems, genomics, edge-cloud computing, and IoTs.

  The Enterprise Data and Analytics Division (EDA) provides the data collection, management and analytics services that are essential for Meharry Medical College’s strategic data-centric vision to be a leader in data-driven, health equity-focused research. The EDA champions a data-driven culture across the Meharry enterprise with data services that advance the College’s work to improve understanding of Social Determinants of Health, clinical research, and advance health equity through research, education, health services and policy leadership. The EDA also serves businesses in any industry as a consulting partner with data expertise, providing both data-driven strategies and the tools to implement them.