Stony Brook University, Department of Technology, AI and Society

Position ID:

3646-DTAS [#27373]

Position Title:

Chair, Department of Technology, AI and Society

Position Type:

Administration

Position Location:

Stony Brook, New York 11794, United States of America

Subject Areas:

AI, Technology, Data

Appl Deadline:

2025/11/15 11:59PM help popup

* (posted 2025/10/15, listed until 2026/04/15)

Position Description:

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.

For the full position description, please contact Jeffrey Stafford at jeffrey.stafford@opuspartners.net.

To Apply

Stony Brook University is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is safe, accessible, and free of all forms of discrimination, sexual misconduct or research misconduct, among other infractions. In support of this commitment, certain candidates for employment will be required to disclose such employment-related misconduct findings and pending investigations or proceedings, and final candidates for certain faculty and staff positions will authorize their current and previous employer(s) from the last seven (7) years to disclose such information to the University. Employment is contingent on your full and complete disclosure on these matters. In the event that you fail to disclose any such matter or in the event of an unsatisfactory outcome of the disclosure and review process, an offer of employment may be revoked at SBU's sole discretion. If SBU becomes aware of a failure to disclose or misrepresentation of any such matter after your employment commences, you may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

The selected candidate must successfully clear a background investigation.

In accordance with the Title II Crime Awareness and Security Act, a copy of Stony Brook’s crime statistics is available upon request by calling (631) 632- 6350. It can also be viewed online at the University Police website at http://www.stonybrook.edu/police.

Stony Brook has retained Opus Partners (opuspartners.net) to support this recruitment. Craig Smith, Senior Partner, and Jeffrey Stafford, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Applications, inquiries, and nominations should be sent to jeffrey.stafford@opuspartners.net. The search process will unfold with the greatest possible attention to candidate confidentiality. Required application materials include a CV and cover letter. Finalists in the search process will provide at least three (3) contact references who can speak to their leadership and administrative abilities, their management record, and their integrity. Stony Brook University values an inclusive, welcoming environment and will seek a leader who is committed to promoting these values. Candidates can read more about Stony Brook's efforts here. We encourage candidates to address in their cover letters how they have promoted these values in their career and/or how they would plan to do so in this role.

This national search will continue until the best possible appointment can be made. For full consideration, candidates should complete their dossiers by November 15, 2025. Review of applications will begin shortly thereafter.

We are not accepting applications for this job through MathJobs.Org right now. Please see the job description above on how to apply.

Contact: Jeffrey Stafford

Email: email address

Postal Mail:

: 127 Engineering DriveStony Brook, NY 11794-2200

Web Page: https://www.stonybrook.edu/ceas/