Assistant Professor, Artificial Intelligence, Consortium on Trust in Media and Technology (69738)

Location:
Gainesville, FL
Open Date:
Jan 29, 2021
Description:

Join a Leading Team at the Gator Nation!

The University of Florida, ranked No. 6 best public university, has launched an initiative to become the world’s top university in the study and teaching of artificial intelligence. The centerpiece of this initiative is the acquisition of the most powerful supercomputer in U.S. higher education, which will be made available to all UF faculty. The UF College of Journalism and Communications has a strong foundation of AI work, particularly around identification and elimination of misinformation, trust in AI, equitable AI, human-machine communication.

The Opportunity

The College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida invites applications for a nine-month tenure-track assistant professor position focused on artificial intelligence in media and communication and practical application of techniques to use AI to build trust working with the College’s Consortium on Trust in Media and Technology. The appointment is to begin August 15, 2021.

The Opportunity for the Consortium on Trust in Media Technology is a multidisciplinary initiative based at the College of Journalism and Communications focused on studying how media and technology can become more trustworthy and developing programs to apply new knowledge and tools and create new policy and law.  This faculty member will work with the Consortium to examine the relationships between trust and AI. To learn more about the Consortium on Trust in Media and Technology, please click on the link: https://www.jou.ufl.edu/consortium-on-trust-in-media-and-technology/about-the-consortium/.

The College of Journalism and Communications (www.jou.ufl.edu) has 74 full-time faculty members teaching in four departments: Advertising, Journalism, Public Relations, and Telecommunication.  A recognized national leader in the field, the College is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). The College also houses a full-service communications agency, led by professionals and staffed by students. The University of Florida is a member of the Association of American Universities and is categorized in the Carnegie Commission's top tier of research universities. UF’s more than 52,000 students come from all 50 states and more than 100 countries.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The College of Journalism and Communication is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment, preeminent scholarship, cross-disciplinary education, superior skills development, and collaboration spanning the science and practice of communication to produce significant societal impact on a local, state, and global scale. To learn more about CJC IDE efforts, please click on the link: https://www.jou.ufl.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-about/.

We welcome nominations of and applications from anyone who would bring additional dimensions to the university’s research, teaching and clinical mission, including women, members of underrepresented groups, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The City of Gainesville

Gainesville (http://cityofgainesville.org) is home to Florida's largest and oldest university, and so is one of the state's centers of education, medicine, cultural events and athletics. The University of Florida and UF Health Shands Hospital are the leading employers in Gainesville and provide jobs for many residents of surrounding counties. Gainesville is also the largest city in Alachua County and is the county seat, with approximately 269,000 residents county-wide. It serves as the cultural, educational and commercial center for the north central Florida region. The city provides a full range of municipal services, including cultural and nature services and necessary administrative services to support these activities. Additionally, the city owns a regional transit system, a regional airport, and a 72-par championship golf course. Known for its preservation of historic buildings and the beauty of its natural surroundings, Gainesville's numerous parks, museums and lakes provide entertainment to thousands of visitors. Because of its beautiful landscape and urban "forest," Gainesville is one of the most attractive cities in Florida. The city is in a central location to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, providing easy access within a day’s drive to beaches, nature preserves, and water-based activities. Explore Gainesville in 60 Seconds.

Responsibilities and examples of work for a successful candidate include, but is not limited to:

• Conducting research in trust issues related to AI.
• Emphasizing research and practical applications.
• Collaborate with programs both within the College of Journalism and Communications and in partnership with academic units across UF.
• Testing applications through the College of Journalism and Communications’ media properties and other immersion venues.
• Working with faculty and students in media properties to identify opportunities and track results.
• Teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Engage in governance and other service activities.
• Demonstrate interest in contributing to online education, diversity, and the internationalization of the college and university.

AI@UF

Qualifications:

• Must possess an earned Ph.D. in communication, journalism, media or related field by August 2021 and a record of original scholarly research.
• Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated expertise in one or a combination of the following areas: machine learning and natural language processing and their application to journalism and communication; social media; ethics; multicultural communication. Professional experience in journalism is also preferred.
• Other qualifications include evidence of excellence in teaching, a publication record, potential to secure grant funding, and productivity and effectiveness in contributing to a collegial environment.

Application Instructions:

Applications must be submitted online via (https://dossier.interfolio.com/apply/83578).  Review of applications will begin March 8, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled. 

Applications must include an electronic copy of the following: 

• A letter of interest;
• Complete curriculum vitae
• Teaching evaluation data, where available, or evidence of teaching effectiveness;
• Names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three references.
• The Search Committee may request additional materials at a later time.

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered "official" if a designation of "Issued to Student" is visible.  Degrees earning from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).  If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call (352) 392-4621 or the Florida Relay System at (800) 955-8771 (TDD).  Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. 

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status in also aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotion, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits and training.

The “government in the sunshine” laws of Florida require that all documents relating to the search process, including letters of application/nomination and reference, be available for public inspection.