"Chair, Department of Technology, AI and Society"

The College of Engineering & Applied Sciences (CEAS) at Stony Brook University seeks a strategic leader with a broad and exciting vision of the role of engineering-driven technologies in society to serve as the Chair of the newly reconfigured/resourced Department of Technology, AI, and Society (DTAS). DTAS, one of nine CEAS departments, has received a $5M investment from New York State to create one of the country’s most compelling interdisciplinary AI and technology departments. Serving a renewable five-year term, the Department Chair will be appointed as a full-time tenured faculty member in DTAS, with possible joint appointment in another academic department. They will provide sustained strategic leadership of the department while remaining active in research.

The Department of Technology, AI & Society (DTAS)

The Department of Technology, AI, and Society (DTAS) at Stony Brook is a bold new interdisciplinary academic that builds upon the expertise of the existing Department of Technology and Society, fostering collaboration and interdisciplinary research among scholars and practitioners across all colleges and schools, as well as the University’s new $15M AI Innovation Institute (AI3). Currently (FY 2025-2026), the department houses five tenure-line faculty and five lecturers as well as two administrative staff. The department is actively developing innovative undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students to critically analyze and ethically engage with technologies across multiple disciplines.

Strategic Opportunities

The three-year growth plan for the department as established in the funding proposal sees it growing to six tenure-line appointed fully in the department (including its new chair), 14 faculty with 50% or >50% appointments outside DTAS, seven lecturers, two post-docs, and three staff. Assuming that DTAS’ new chair joins the department in the 2025-2026 academic year, they will direct the exciting growth of the department, its research, its academic programs, and its engagement across and beyond the University.

Qualifications

An earned doctorate in a field appropriate for a faculty appointment in the College of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Ten (10) years of teaching and research experience or equivalent industry experience. A scholarly record deserving appointment as tenured full professor at Stony Brook University. A proven track record of scholarship and the ability to support a vibrant research program along with an outstanding record of professional achievement. Excellent leadership and management skills suitable to lead a world-class research and education program. Demonstrated academic leadership experience and a commitment to collaborative, synergistic leadership that cultivates a respectful and supportive environment for faculty, staff, students across all levels. A record of successful administrative experience managing personnel, budgets, and department or center/institute or school/college academic operations is preferred.

Senior researchers from industry or government with a proven track record of scholarship and professional leadership but limited academic experience are also encouraged to apply.

The Chair will be a proven, entrepreneurial leader who can inspire faculty, staff, and students in a shared governance environment. They will have the ability to collaboratively develop a compelling vision to establish DTAS as a hub for AI research and education and as a site of innovation, teaching, and translation. They will have strong skills for mentoring junior faculty and will promote the interests of the entire department. Fundraising experience is preferred but not required.

Appointment terms

The Chair will serve a renewable five-year term subject to an appropriately rigorous periodic review. Elements of the appointment such as underlying faculty salary, teaching load, outside engagements, and summer compensation are negotiable. The Chair will have an underlying faculty position as a tenured full professor. Academic year faculty salary is commensurate with experience and rank; the department chair also receives an administrative supplement and can negotiate other elements of their total compensation package including research support.