Research Assistant Professor FRI Artificial Intelligence and Society

The First-year Research Immersion (FRI) program at Binghamton University invites applications for a three-year renewable, full time Research Assistant Professor (also known as the Research Educator) position, to begin August 2026. This is a unique 10-month non-tenure track faculty position that directly combines teaching and research to empower faculty to grow as research educators, leaders, mentors, and higher education professionals. 

This Research Educator will launch the new research stream entitled “Artificial Intelligence and Society”. We seek candidates whose research applies or analyzes artificial intelligence (AI) in ways that address real-world social, cultural, ethical, or economic challenges. The position is open to candidates from diverse academic backgrounds, provided they have a foundation in AI or computational methods, and an interest in examining AI’s broader societal impacts or leveraging AI to address societal challenges. Candidates must have completed a terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) by August 18, 2026.

Depending on the Research Educator’s expertise, the stream may investigate topics such as: 

• Using AI and machine learning to understand or address social challenges (e.g., health disparities, misinformation, sustainability)
• Evaluating the ethical, psychological, or cultural implications of AI applications
• Measuring the economic or sociological impact of AI integration
• Identifying, assessing, and mitigating bias in AI systems
• Exploring how governance, policy, and public perception influence the development and deployment of AI

We envision a multidisciplinary approach that draws on both technical AI skills and relevant domain expertise to use, inform, or develop AI systems for the public good. The stream will work closely with Binghamton University’s new Institute for AI and Society, funded by New York State’s initiative to advance the public good through AI education and innovation (Learn more about the Institute).

Research Educators are responsible for guiding first- and second-year student cohorts (~30 per cohort) through authentic research experiences and, in doing so, will help students develop the professional skills desired by graduate schools and employers. The Research Educator is expected to teach students via student-centered, active learning, and open-source education approaches. Within that high-impact learning environment, and alongside faculty stream collaborators, the Research Educator maintains and/or expands their own research program. More detail about the FRI program is available at our website: www.binghamton.edu/fri

Overall, FRI provides an excellent education and research training program with opportunities for continuation in the FRI program with expanded roles and responsibilities over time. Although non-tenurable, a promotion pathway is in place for Research Educators.

Responsibilities:

• Teaching & Mentorship 

• • Serve as instructor for stream FRI courses (Fall: FRI Semester 1 & FRI Semester 3; Spring: FRI Semester 2)
  • Continually develop, maintain and revise stream curriculum
  • Supervise, train & manage undergraduate peer mentors (UGPMs) 

• Research

• • Maintain research lab & budget
  • Perform research in conjunction with stream students 
  • Collaborate with faculty and relevant collaborators on research projects
  • Disseminate results

• Service

• • Participate in FRI program events & committees
  • Support students in continuing efforts and activities post-FRI program experience

• General
  • Attend and actively participate in FRI faculty/staff meetings 
  • Facilitate formative and summative assessments of the research stream and FRI students

• Professional Development

• Actively participate in research and educational professional development activities

The FRI research community empowers students to make scientific and personal discoveries while developing vital skills for success through four main value pillars: community, transferable-skills, personal impact, and discovery.

Requirements:

• PhD in a discipline matching the theme for the research stream by August 18, 2026.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more disciplines that align with the theme for the research stream.
• Advanced experimental design and technical skills that align with the research stream
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and timelines simultaneously with a high degree of organization, accuracy and efficiency
• Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively
• Effective professional and organizational skills
• Ability to problem solve, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks
• Ability to analyze and organize information and materials for a variety of research projects

Preferred:

• Minimum of two years of teaching experience in higher education (can be as a teaching assistant)
• Experience mentoring undergraduate researchers
• Experience supervising undergraduate and/or graduate teaching assistants
• Experience managing a research laboratory (i.e., physical space with equipment for a research program/project used by several people)

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. If you currently need sponsorship or will need it in the future to maintain employment authorization, you do not meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, please note that Binghamton University is not an E-Verify employer.

Applicant Instructions:
For a full position description and applicant instructions visit: https://binghamton.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=194938
Review of applications will begin January 16th and continue until the vacancy is filled.