Associate Professor or Professor, Director of the Arts and Humanities Artificial Intelligence Institute

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Job Title: Associate Professor or Professor, Director of the Arts and Humanities Artificial Intelligence Institute
Department: Arts and Sciences | Office of the Deans

James Mitchell Endowed Chair and Arts & Humanities Artificial Intelligence Institute Center Director

Rank: Advanced Associate Professor or Professor

College of Arts and Sciences

Position Overview

The Ohio State University seeks the James Mitchell Endowed Chair who will be a center director to provide ambitious and innovative leadership for its newly established Arts and Humanities Artificial Intelligence Institute (AHAII). The aim is to make Ohio State a national hub in the conversation about what it means to be human in the age of AI. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027. The director will serve as the administrative head of an emerging and thriving institute, with oversight of facilities, budget, and strategic direction. In addition to their role as the institute leader and administrator, the director will also be a dedicated teacher and distinguished scholar, with a record of accomplishment to merit a tenure-track appointment in an Arts or Humanities department as an advanced Associate Professor or Professor.

The new director is expected to foster a collegial and interdisciplinary culture among a community of faculty, staff, and students from varied disciplinary backgrounds. They will be an advocate for the institute and its affiliated faculty and students, providing support and mentorship for scholarly activity while amplifying the voice of the arts and humanities in conversations around AI. Applying their knowledge in developing approaches, manifestations, and discourse tied to matters of AI, the director will guide institute affiliates, outreach endeavors, and student education. The director will have the opportunity to shape renovation plans for AHAII in Hughes Hall, a historic building on the oval and future home of our English Department. The director should be poised to engage with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to build collaborations with arts and humanities departments and interdisciplinary initiatives across the College of Arts and Sciences and the broader university community, Ohio State's five regional campuses, and community organizations in Ohio and beyond.

The successful candidate will be a dedicated educator and a recognized scholar and/or practitioner with expertise in one or more scholarly areas involving artificial intelligence and arts or humanities and will have a 50% FTE (Full Time Equivalent) faculty appointment in an appointment in one of the 21 Arts and Humanities departments in the College of Arts and Sciences with the other 50% FTE appointment as AHAII director.

Performance Objectives

• To provide steady yet innovative leadership to AHAII.
• To support fundraising efforts in partnership with OSU Advancement.
• Initiating and partnering on writing grants and exploring industry connections to support AHAII.
• To manage budgets, resources, and space for the institute.
• To coordinate arts, humanities, and artificial intelligence initiatives in teaching, scholarship, and engagement in and beyond the college.
• To help faculty, students, and staff thrive in their roles through leadership, mentoring, and professional development.
• To advocate for the institute to units around the university, community, and broader academic field.
• To lead engagement efforts with communities and public/private organizations in and beyond Central Ohio.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

• Applicants are expected to have an appropriate terminal degree in an area of specialty sufficient to warrant appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor with tenure.
• National/international record of scholarly or artistic achievement in AI, arts and/or humanities commensurate with the position of advanced Associate Professor or Professor at the Ohio State University, including a distinguished record of creative or scholarly achievement, teaching excellence at the post-secondary level, and professional service; and evidence of continued excellence in creative and/or scholarly achievement. Equivalent outstanding achievement in industry will also be considered.
• Demonstrated and effective leadership and administrative experience in academia.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate positive work relationships with students, colleagues, and staff.
• Experience in leading and the ability to work successfully across disciplines within a diverse and complex organization.
• Experience with interdisciplinary collaborations, for example those with other academic units, community partners, and professional academic/arts and humanities organizations.

Desired:

• Experience in fundraising, budgeting, and management.
• Experience managing an academic program, department, or center.

Additional Information

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit your application electronically via Workday https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Associate-Professor-or-Professor--Director-of-the-Arts-and-Humanities-Artificial-Intelligence-Institute_R159362-1.

Application deadline closes on November 1, 2026.

Application materials consist of the following required elements: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and separate research and teaching statements. Inquiries may be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Professor Chris Coleman (coleman.1299@osu.edu).

You will be presented with the opportunity to attach up to THREE documents in the Application Documents section. Please include the following:

• Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 3-4 page letter, which should include a summary of your leadership experience, overview of your teaching and research and/or creative scholarship, and your philosophy on AI with regards to the Arts and Humanities
• Attachment 2: CV (Curriculum Vitae): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, leadership experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications.
• Attachment 3: Research Statement: Summary of your past research/creative accomplishments, current work, and proposal for your future research plan as a faculty member.

You may be asked for names and contact information for three reference letters at a later date.

Additional Information:

The College

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success.

Center Information

AHAII was created in 2025 to coordinate, accelerate, and extend the reach of research, creative work, and public engagement centered on artificial intelligence. This focused hub serves as a vital advocate for the centrality of humanity in every conversation about the shape and use of AI. It builds on more than three-years of activity from more than two dozen interdisciplinary faculty working groups that have explored innovative uses of AI in arts and humanities research; the changing meanings of authorship and creativity; and the ethical, ecological, and social consequences of AI technologies. That work has, among other things, resulted in three new credentials that can be pursued alongside any undergraduate major: certificates in “AI and the Arts” (forthcoming); in “AI, Language, and Mind”; and in “AI, Ethics, and Society.” AHAII will be housed in Hughes Hall as soon as it reopens. Hughes, dedicated in 1949, is the former home to the School of Music and the final significant project in our Arts District. When renovated, it will have a new glass annex facing the Oval, and be home to the Department of English as well as AHAII, linking together our arts and humanities departments.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. Beyond its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position

Location: University Hall (0339)
Position Type: Regular
Scheduled Hours: 40
Shift: First Shift

The Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate’s employer’s policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate’s appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

Organization

About The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University, one of the biggest and most comprehensive universities in the country, creates experiences that bring together expertise, ideas and resources to improve communities locally and globally.

Ohio State is regularly honored as one of the nation’s top 20 public universities. With campuses and research centers throughout the state, the institution’s unrivaled depth and breadth advance innovation, health care and research within Ohio’s communities. For more than 150 years, Ohio State has inspired the next generation of leaders, discovering groundbreaking medical breakthroughs and finding solutions to the problems the world is facing now.

Ohio State also has a top-rated academic medical center and a premier cancer hospital and research center.

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Explore our Extensive Benefits

Ohio State provides access to opportunities and resources for all employees. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.

· WORK-LIFE: Flexible and remote work arrangements where applicable, child care program, and access to educational, athletic and cultural events.

· RETIREMENT: State pension and alternative options with competitive employer contributions, as well as optional supplemental plans.

· HEALTH: Medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, life insurance, flexible spending accounts and wellness programming.

· TIME OFF: Paid vacation and sick time, parental and medical leave plus 11 paid holidays. Short and long-term disability options also available.

· FINANCIAL: Tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, adoption assistance, and discounts with preferred vendors and university partners.

· WELLNESS: Lifestyle spending account, employee assistance program, health reimbursement account, and employee wellness program.