Research Assistant Professor FRI Artificial Intelligence and Society

About Binghamton University:

Binghamton University is a premier public R1 research institution in the State University of New York (SUNY) system that unites more than 130 broadly interdisciplinary educational programs with some of the most vibrant research in the nation. Our unique character - shaped by our mission, outstanding academics, facilities, and community life - promotes extraordinary student success, research, and service;
Binghamton University is where our students, faculty and staff thrive.

Working at Binghamton University is more than about having a great job - it is about having the opportunity to flourish in an exciting, engaging environment. Our faculty and staff appreciate Binghamton's collegial and inclusive culture and its commitment to excellence, education, innovation, and civic engagement. Our diverse campus community contributes to our success.

Binghamton merges rigorous academics, distinguished faculty who value cutting-edge, and community-engaged research, teaching and service, exceptional staff, and ultramodern facilities to engage and challenge its 18,000+ students. Our high-achieving student body represents diverse experiences from first-generation college-goers to international students. Beyond their talent, these classmates share a desire to shape the future through technology, insight, intellectual exploration, and community service.

Job Description:

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:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./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…