Assistant Professor in Technology and Society - AI and Societal Impacts
Position Overview:
The Department of Technology and Society (DTS) at Stony Brook University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position with an emphasis on the societal impacts of AI. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of technology, policy, and society, addressing some of the most pressing challenges in the fields of sustainability, climate change, and public engagement with emerging technologies. The successful candidate will join a dynamic department dedicated to advancing AI development and deployment in ways that prioritize societal well-being and address critical global challenges.
Areas of Interest:
We welcome applicants whose research addresses the role of AI in climate change mitigation, sustainable energy systems, public policy, and environmental justice, or those whose work explores the broader societal implications of AI technologies. Potential research areas include:
- AI and climate policy: How AI can support progressive policies for achieving carbon neutrality and advancing sustainable energy systems.
- Public engagement with AI: Addressing challenges like the NIMBY problem and understanding the gap between climate change awareness and personal action.
- Energy and Environmental Policy: Examining the societal implications of AI-driven energy systems, climate policy, waste and traffic management, and green building.
- Ethics and fairness: Ensuring AI-driven climate solutions are equitable, particularly for marginalized communities, and align with principles of environmental justice.
- Data privacy and trust: Examining the role of AI in data ethics as it applies to climate data, energy systems, and public trust in technology-driven solutions.
Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will lead innovative research addressing these areas of interest. They will develop interdisciplinary courses that integrate AI, technology, policy, and society, contributing to the department’s mission of preparing students to tackle emerging global challenges. The role includes pursuing external funding for impactful research, mentoring students at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and fostering collaborations with faculty across disciplines such as computer science, political science, sociology, and environmental sciences.
Qualifications:
Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant field, such as AI ethics, public policy, environmental science, sociology, political science, or computer science. They should have a strong research agenda focused on the societal impacts of AI, particularly in the context of climate change, sustainability, or public policy. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate potential for excellence in both research and teaching, as well as a clear commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.
The employment application can be found here. Contact Rita Reagan-Redko at rita.reagan-redko@stonybrook.edu or Marypat Taveras marypat.taveras@stonybrook.edu for more information.