Virginia Tech is seeking a strategic leader and experienced engineer to develop, integrate and scale AI technologies across the university. The position will play a crucial role in fostering AI innovation, accelerating adoption and building an AI-centric culture across the university. This role also involves coordinating cross-functional teams to implement AI technologies, facilitating pilot programs, and fostering innovation that aligns with the institution's strategic objectives. The AI Architect will also be responsible for the development and integration of cutting-edge AI models, including Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems, to advance the university’s research, educational, and operational goals.

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic AI Coordination: Develop and lead the university’s AI strategy, advising leadership and ensuring alignment with institutional goals and governance.

AI Research & Development: Design and implement AI models, collaborating with faculty to integrate emerging technologies while ensuring ethical and responsible AI use.

Pilot & Innovation Programs: Manage AI pilot projects, working with research and instructional teams to test, refine, and scale innovative AI-driven solutions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with departments to identify AI opportunities, integrate solutions, and build communities of practice for AI researchers and staff.

Capacity Building and Training: Lead AI training and workshops to build literacy, while securing funding and resources to support institutional AI initiatives.

Continuous Improvement: Monitor AI trends, assess tools, and refine strategies based on data-driven insights to enhance AI capabilities and impact.

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field.

• Proven track record in AI system architecture, machine learning, or data science, including experience with RAG models and NLP technologies.

• Experience managing large-scale AI projects or teams, especially in a collaborative or academic setting.

• Strong proficiency in AI technologies, machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch), AI integration via APIs, LLM gateways/proxys, and programming languages (e.g., Python, Java).

• Experience with AI ethics, privacy considerations, and governance frameworks.

• Excellent project management, leadership, and communication skills.

• Ability to translate complex AI concepts to a wide range of stakeholders, from technical experts to university administrators.

About Virginia Tech

As the commonwealth’s most comprehensive university and a leading research institution, Virginia Tech offers about 280 undergraduate, graduate, and first professional degree programs to more than 37,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students across the commonwealth and manages a research portfolio of close to $600 million. The university fulfills its role as a land-grant institution by fostering a collaborative environment that integrates technology into all disciplines, so that the Virginia Tech community can serve as a force for positive change around the commonwealth, the country, and the world. Through experiential learning, future-focused research, and an inclusive, spirited culture, Virginia Tech strives to accomplish the charge of its motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). Virginia Tech has a 2,600-acre main campus in Blacksburg, Virginia; a significant presence across the commonwealth, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, and sites in Newport News and Richmond; educational and research facilities across the state; a study-abroad site in Switzerland; and an 1,800- acre agricultur...e research farm near the main campus. The campus proper is located in the New River Valley and is 38 miles southwest of Roanoke.

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