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The Schar School of Policy and Government and the School of Computing at George Mason University invite applications for a joint appointment faculty position in AI and Public Policy; the rank is open. George Mason University is hiring a cluster of faculty over the next several years to develop new research initiatives, courses, and programs in AI, Social Justice, and Public Policy. The successful candidate for this position will be one of the founding faculty for this cluster. The position will also help launch an undergraduate applied computer science and technology policy degree, a program created jointly by the two schools. We encourage applications from talented scholars with diverse backgrounds, particularly those who identify as members of an historically or systemically minoritized group, committed to contributing to an internationally recognized school of policy and government and a large and vibrant computer science department within a newly established school of computing.

We seek candidates with expertise in the interface between artificial intelligence, governance and policy, and social, behavioral or economic sciences, with very strong research records indicating continued high research productivity. We are interested in scholars who focus on social justice and the governance of AI and big data, with specialties including, but not limited to, ethical, legal, and social issues related to AI in a public policy context, privacy regulations for AI, and explainable AI. We prefer applicants with an established track record of securing external funding that will support transformative research and doctoral students; this is a requirement for applicants at the associate and full professor rank. The discipline for this hire is open, including but not limited to, economics, engineering, public policy, law, anthropology/sociology, geography, political science, public administration, and computer science.

The Schar School is known among U.S. policy schools for the breadth and interdisciplinarity of its scholarship and teaching. We have particular strengths in a number of subfields, including science and technology, international and homeland security, global health threats and transnational crime, drug and substance abuse policy and administration, immigration, regional economic policy, and non-profit management. The Schar School attracts students from every continent, while a dynamic, international faculty generates academic opportunities and research collaborations that span the globe. We currently have 1700 students and 63 tenure-line faculty members from many disciplines, including political science, economics, sociology, public administration, history, law, anthropology, regional science, engineering, and business. We boast impressive racial and ethnic diversity with 36% of our students coming from under-represented groups, and many students are first in their families to go to college.

The school has a long tradition of research and education in science and technology policy. We currently have several faculty members with expertise in this area, including comparative/global AI infrastructure regulations and policies, AI and Innovation; the equitable use of AI and big data; privacy implications of emerging technology; blockchain and cryptocurrency; cybercrime and cybersecurity, machine learning for healthcare/medicine, and smart cities and social justice.

Our graduate campus is located in Arlington, Virginia (15 minutes from downtown D.C.), which provides faculty with unparalleled access to policymakers. The school currently has more than $40 million in active research grants, and our research centers offer faculty the opportunity to engage with lawmakers, journalists, government leaders, and other academics to enhance the scope and impact of their research. On top of enrollment and research growth, the Schar School surged nine places in the U.S. News & World Report's 2023 Best Graduate Schools rankings, from 48th to 39th in the country. Six of our graduate programs are ranked in the top 25. Our nonprofit management program rose 14 spots, ranking 13th nationally in 2024.

The College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason University is comprised of the new School of Computing and the Volgenau School of Engineering. The College is a fast-growing force for innovation in research and education. Ranked nationally in the top 100 in both undergraduate and graduate education, the College boasts more than 9,100 students in 37 undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degree programs, including several first-in-the-nation offerings. Of the 271 full-time faculty who comprise the College, 91 are tenured, 59 are tenure-track, 89 are instructional faculty, and 32 are research faculty. As part of a nationally ranked research university, its research teams expended $75 million in sponsored research awards last year and have projects with over $400 million in current and anticipated awards. The College stands out for its leading research in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics engineering, cybersecurity engineering, biomedical imaging and devices, community-based healthcare, autonomous systems, 5G/Next G communications, systems architectures, computational biomedicine, advanced materials and manufacturing, sustainable infrastructure, and more. The College encourages multidisciplinary research and provides ample opportunity for faculty to work with other disciplines.

George Mason University is home to Virginia's largest and most diverse student body, and we rank among the most diverse universities in the nation. A leader in educating populations historically underrepresented in higher education, Mason produces more first-generation university graduates than any university in Virginia, and black and hispanic students graduate at a much higher rate than the national average. Mason's diversity is also reflected in our viewpoints and thinking, from the Carter School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution to the Antonin Scalia Law School.

The Commonwealth of Virginia announced a multi-year plan to invest in the growth of degree programs in computing, and George Mason University has committed to accelerate its plans to grow its capacity in computing and high-tech fields. Among the exciting initiatives being undertaken by the university are the launch of the Institute for Digital InnovAtion, a university think tank and incubator to serve the digital economy, and the expansion of its Mason Square (Arlington) campus with a planned 400,000 square foot building that will house this new institute. This state-of-the-art building in Arlington, an anchor for the Rosslyn-Ballston innovation corridor, is designed to support digital innovation, active learning, tech incubators, and collaboration with industry. These initiatives reflect hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment by Mason that will rapidly elevate the university's already leading national position in computing and related areas.

Applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/, complete and submit the online application, and upload a cover letter and CV. Candidates at the Assistant Professor level should also provide with their application a list of three professional references with contact information; senior candidates will be asked for references if they are short-listed. The position will remain open until filled, but for best consideration, applications should be completed by October 1, 2023.

George Mason University is an innovative and entrepreneurial Tier-1 research university. Over the past half-century, Mason has grown into the largest and most diverse university in the state. Mason is one of the few U.S. universities to have no marked disparity in graduation outcomes for students regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Great Careers Begin at Mason!

George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report

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