Emory University seeks to recruit an eminent scholar for the inaugural James W. Wagner Chair in Ethics created with the support of the university’s board of trustees to honor and recognize Emory President James W. Wagner (2003-2016) for his “commitment to education and life at Emory.” This is an endowed chair faculty position with a focus on the ethics of artificial intelligence or AI.

Emory desires a leading scholar who works in AI ethics, governance, responsible AI, or other fields concerned with the implications of artificial intelligence in public and private settings. As organizations increasingly rely on AI and as novel applications emerge, ethically committed institutions like Emory will have the responsibility of articulating values that can help guide development and respond to emerging challenges. The Wagner Chair scholar is expected to be comfortable with public scholarship and be able to credibly engage AI theorists and developers to influence the dialogue at the intersection of AI and ethics.

At Emory, the field of ethics is conceived comprehensively to encompass humanistic, natural scientific, and social scientific inquiry, as well the professions. The Wagner Chair scholar is expected to have a history of productive, multi-disciplinary research and teaching and an ability to work across units and schools. Given the significance of AI research in academia and industry, this position is open to scholars with backgrounds in industry as well as academia.

Emory as well as Atlanta is already home to a broad range of AI research and applications. The University features a large and well-integrated Center for Ethics that brings together ethics scholars from around campus, including some already working in AI ethics. The Wagner Chair therefore will enter an existing community with the task of deepening its ties and helping it grow—and growth is on the horizon. Emory is launching a major initiative in AI generally, and is committed to recruiting and hiring 40-60 AI researchers across the university. The Wagner Chair recruitment is therefore consistent with a major initiative in AI that seeks to put Emory at the heart of the AI revolution as it intersects with business, health, law, humanities and social justice applications. Atlanta is fast emerging as a dynamic center for technology and computing with its dynamic, business friendly climate and a diverse and well-qualified workforce.   

Applicants should have an earned Ph.D. (or equivalent terminal degree) in a relevant field with a scholarly record and trajectory that is consistent with the ability to attain tenure at a major research university.

How to Apply

Emory University is conducting a confidential search with the support of Greenwood/Asher Associates. For more information about the process and to submit nominations and/or application materials, please contact:

Ms. Jeanie Andrews: jeanieandrews@greenwoodsearch.com

Ms. Lauren McCaghren: laurenmccaghren@greenwoodsearch.com

Applications should include:

• CV
• Letter of interest
• Links to top three representative publications
• Targeted statement (up to 1000 words) on the role of the ethics of AI in a university setting and the major challenges and opportunities for the field. Statements should be prepared for a preliminary blind review by the search advisory committee and thus should avoid immediately identifiable references.
• Potential (semi)finalists may be contacted for references and evidence of strong teaching as available

For full consideration, applicant materials should ideally be received by the priority deadline of January 31, 2022.

Emory Supports a Diverse and Inclusive Culture

Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one-week advance notice is preferred.

The material presented in this leadership profile should be relied on for informational purposes only. This material has been copied, compiled, or quoted in part from Emory University documents and personal interviews and is believed to be reliable. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, the original source documents and factual situations govern.