Director of the AI Ethics & Law Initiative & Senior Research Associate

Posting number: 9947701

Department: University of South Carolina

Job classification: Director

Posting type: Open

Categories: Management

Summary

Director of the AI Ethics & Law Initiative & Senior Research Associate Department: LAW School of Law Advertised Salary Range: Part/Full Time: Full Time About UofSC From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond. Inclusive Excellence Statement Advertised Job Summary The Director of the AI Ethics & Law Initiative and Senior Research Associate is a full-time academic staff position that will support the launch and day-to-day operation of the newly established AI Ethics & Law Initiative (“Initiative”) and its AI Law Lab. The Initiative advances a human-centered and ethically grounded approach to AI in law by developing training for students, faculty, staff, and practitioners, supporting responsible AI policy and practice within the School of Law, and engaging the South Carolina legal community through programming and outreach. Embedded within the Initiative, the AI Law Lab operates as an internal program focused on AI experimentation and applied research. The Director will lead the Lab directly and ensure that Lab projects advance the Initiative's broader mission, programming, and partnerships. The Director reports to the Faculty Director of the AI Ethics & Law Initiative and serves as the primary operational lead for the Initiative. In close coordination with the Faculty Director, the School of Law faculty, and the Dean's Office, the Director will translate the School of Law's AI-related strategic priorities into programming, training, policies, and partnerships, ensuring that students, faculty, staff, and the South Carolina legal community are equipped to navigate an AI-driven future through a human-centered and ethical lens. The Director will lead the operations and implementation of the Initiative. While the Faculty Director provides academic leadership and strategic direction, the Director will run day-to-day operations, including project planning and delivery, timelines, communications, and administrative coordination, to ensure consistent execution of Initiative priorities. Within this role, the Director's work will center on the Initiative's three core functions: - Educating and supporting students on the ethical and practical challenges and opportunities presented by AI, including ensuring access to AI resources and training across the School of Law. - Supporting faculty with AI training and thoughtful deployment of AI tools within the School of Law's curriculum and related academic and professional programs. - Serving as a practical resource to the South Carolina legal community on the ethical use of AI in the legal profession, including education, guidance, and connections to relevant School of Law expertise. 

Examples of duties

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities - Legal Knowledge: Knowledge (or demonstrated capacity to rapidly develop working knowledge) of legal ethics and professional responsibility issues implicated by AI, including the Rules of Professional Conduct, and familiarity with procedural and doctrinal issues affecting AI-assisted legal work. - Communication: Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills, with the ability to accurately analyze and communicate complex AI legal issues. - Professionalism: Ability to work autonomously with high initiative while thriving in a collaborative, team-oriented environment. - Technical Proficiency: Excellent computer proficiency and an understanding of and interest in AI technologies. - Academic Record: A strong record demonstrating potential to develop and deliver high-quality training and teaching in a professional school environment (e.g., law school, graduate/professional programs, or comparable settings). 

Qualifications

 Preferred Qualifications - A J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school or a terminal/advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., Ph.D., M.S.) with substantial demonstrated experience in AI, computer science, information science, or a related discipline, and the ability to apply legal/ethical frameworks relevant to the practice of law. - Prior experience presenting on issues involving AI, technology, and/or the law. - Demonstrated ability to identify, develop, and implement innovative programs that benefit a law school or legal organization. - Practical experience with AI deployment strategies. - Proven ability to maintain effective working relationships with a diverse constituency of students, faculty, staff, and members of the Bar. 

Supplemental information

Job Close Date 12/20/2026 Special Instructions to Applicant Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by December 20, 0026 The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to: - Health and Life Insurance - Retirement Programs - Paid Tuition - Dependent Scholarships - Annual Leave - Sick Leave - 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday) - Paid Parental Leave - Professional Development Opportunities Clickhttps://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsc.edu%2Fabout%2Foffices_and_divisions%2Fhuman_resources%2Fcareers%2Findex.php&data=05%7C01%7CKURTRS%40email.sc.edu%7Ceca45df616784275e15908dab2a706ac%7C4b2a4b19d135420e8bb2b1cd238998cc%7C0%7C0%7C638018727680845870%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=j6sQGvabHDZHDmRBFwMrq8P8QCuDmChuJ%2FH5%2F8hDRUw%3D&reserved=0 to learn more about why you should work at USC. To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/9947701 EEO Statement The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. je-9e0e829a7c21437aa614be0726c7ad75