AI Architect
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Job no: 532309
Work type: Administrative & Professional
Senior management: Vice President-Info Technology
Department: IT Governance Planning and Strategy
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia, Hybrid
Categories: Information Systems / Technology
Virginia Tech is seeking a strategic leader and experienced engineer to develop, integrate and scale AI technologies across the university. The position will play a crucial role in fostering AI innovation, accelerating adoption and building an AI-centric culture across the university. This role also involves coordinating cross-functional teams to implement AI technologies, facilitating pilot programs, and fostering innovation that aligns with the institution's strategic objectives. The AI Architect will also be responsible for the development and integration of cutting-edge AI models, including Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems, to advance the university’s research, educational, and operational goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic AI Coordination:
- Develop and lead the university’s AI strategy, advising leadership and ensuring alignment with institutional goals and governance.
AI Research & Development:
- Design and implement AI models, collaborating with faculty to integrate emerging technologies while ensuring ethical and responsible AI use.
Pilot & Innovation Programs:
- Manage AI pilot projects, working with research and instructional teams to test, refine, and scale innovative AI-driven solutions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Partner with departments to identify AI opportunities, integrate solutions, and build communities of practice for AI researchers and staff.
Capacity Building and Training:
- Lead AI training and workshops to build literacy, while securing funding and resources to support institutional AI initiatives.
Continuous Improvement:
- Monitor AI trends, assess tools, and refine strategies based on data-driven insights to enhance AI capabilities and impact.
- Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field.
- Proven track record in AI system architecture, machine learning, or data science, including experience with RAG models and NLP technologies.
- Experience managing large-scale AI projects or teams, especially in a collaborative or academic setting.
- Familiarity with the application of AI in higher education or research environments is a plus.
- Strong proficiency in AI technologies, machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch), AI integration via APIs, LLM gateways/proxys, and programming languages (e.g., Python, Java).
- Experience with AI ethics, privacy considerations, and governance frameworks.
- Excellent project management, leadership, and communication skills.
- Ability to translate complex AI concepts to a wide range of stakeholders, from technical experts to university administrators.
- Familiarity with the academic landscape and the specific challenges facing universities.
- Experience in developing and scaling AI-driven applications in research, operations or administrative contexts.
- Strong ability to drive innovation and inspire a culture of continuous improvement and exploration.
- Knowledge of cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) for AI deployment and scaling.
Commensurate with Experience
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact IT Human Resources at ithr@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
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