Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Scientist (25 Hours/12 Months)

Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business is seeking a grant-funded, part-time AI Research Scientist to support the Defense Innovation Network Assistant initiative. The role conducts applied research and develops, evaluates, and deploys scalable AI solutions involving machine learning, natural language processing, retrieval-augmented generation, intelligent agents, knowledge graphs, speech technologies, and decision support systems, while collaborating with research partners and mentoring students.

Responsibilities:

• Research, develop, validate, and deploy AI models, algorithms, and data pipelines for processing large-scale structured and unstructured datasets using machine learning, natural language processing, semantic search, and knowledge graph technologies
• Design, implement, optimize, and maintain secure, scalable, and high-performance AI solutions across cloud and hybrid computing environments, including Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
• Develop, enhance, and maintain retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) frameworks to improve information retrieval, contextual reasoning, and intelligent recommendations
• Design and implement solutions utilizing knowledge graphs, vector databases, vector search technologies, and related architectures to support advanced decision support systems and intelligent applications
• Lead the development, fine-tuning, evaluation, benchmarking, and optimization of large language models (LLMs) and other AI technologies to support research and operational objectives
• Design, build, and deploy AI-powered agents capable of executing workflows, automating complex tasks, and delivering context-aware insights and recommendations
• Develop, integrate, and maintain Speech-to-Text (STT), Text-to-Speech (TTS), and related conversational AI technologies and APIs
• Implement secure AI development practices, data governance controls, privacy safeguards, and cybersecurity measures supporting sensitive and enterprise-level environments
• Collaborate with faculty, software engineers, data scientists, students, and external stakeholders to advance sponsored research initiatives and develop innovative AI-enabled solutions
• Conduct applied research, evaluate emerging AI technologies, and identify opportunities for innovation, process improvement, and technology advancement
• Prepare technical reports, research summaries, presentations, publications, and other project deliverables required by funding agencies, sponsors, University leadership, and project stakeholders
• Maintain compliance with grant requirements, University policies, research protocols, data security standards, and applicable regulatory requirements governing sponsored research activities
• Assist with proposal development, grant support activities, and sponsored research initiatives as assigned
• Mentor student researchers, graduate assistants, and project team members by providing technical guidance, research mentoring, and professional development support
• Contribute to scholarly dissemination activities, including publications, presentations, conferences, technical demonstrations, and other research communication efforts, as appropriate
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned in support of departmental, grant, and University objectives