William L. Polk Jr. and Carolyn K. Polk Jefferson Scholars Foundation Distinguished University Professorship

The College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences at the University of Virginia seeks an eminent scholar for the William L. Polk Jr. and Carolyn K. Polk Jefferson Scholars Foundation Distinguished University Professorship in Artificial Intelligence and Democratic Futures. This position will draw on UVa’s long-standing intellectual leadership in the study of democracy while contributing to emergent expertise in AI.

UVA seeks a scholar whose work addresses the implications of AI for democratic institutions and/or employs the tools of AI and machine learning to enhance understanding of democratic processes and practices. Relevant expertise might include the regulation and governance of AI in media; investigative and data-based journalism on AI; misinformation and disinformation; the use of AI in the design of democratic institutions (e.g. redistricting plans) or judicial processes. Most broadly, UVA’s goal is to identify a superlative scholar whose research and teaching engage the roles of responsible AI in shaping knowledge acquisition, civic engagement, and democratic participation, with an understanding of both the promise and the limitations of AI. UVA particularly encourages applications from scholars whose disciplinary areas include one or more of the following: Economics, Media Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology and Statistics.

Faculty selected for the Professorship must meet the University’s minimum criteria for an eminent scholar professorship. In addition, the University will attempt to identify candidates who meet the following criteria desired by the Foundation and its benefactors:

• National and international recognition as scholar and leader;
• Demonstrated excellence as a teacher;
• Strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaborations; and
• Willingness to participate actively in the Foundation’s community as outlined in the JSF MOU.

How to Apply

Greenwood Asher & Associates is assisting The University of Virginia in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. Confidential inquiries, nominations and application materials should be directed to Greenwood Asher and Associates. For a full application package, please submit a CV as well as cover letter of interest that includes a summary of your research plans, your administrative experience, your teaching interests and experience.

Submission of application materials as PDF attachments is strongly encouraged. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will begin February 3, 2025, and will continue until an appointment is made.

Please direct inquiries, nominations and application materials to:

Search Manager

Jeremy Duff

jeremyduff@greenwoodsearch.com

Consultant

Lauren McCaghren

laurenmccaghren@greenwoodsearch.com

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