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

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The Opportunity

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.

How to Apply

Jeremy Duff and Lauren McCaghren with Greenwood Asher & Associates are assisting The University of Virginia in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. Application materials should include:

• A cover letter of interest that includes a summary of your research plans, your administrative experience, your teaching interests and experience
• A current résumé/curriculum vitae

We strongly encourage submitting application materials as separate PDF attachments. 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.

All application materials should be submitted to the Greenwood Asher & Associates team via e-mail at: laurenmccaghren@greenwoodsearch.com.