The NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research is committed to creating new knowledge about the root causes of poverty, developing evidence-based interventions to address its consequences, and rapidly translating research findings into action through policy and best practices. 

We are seeking to recruit a new member of our team to lead research initiatives for the Institute and with a special focus on our newly launched Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub. The AI Hub at McSilver has been established to investigate how artificial intelligence-driven systems can be used to equitably address poverty and challenges relating to race and public health, and to provide thought leadership on the implications. The AI Hub at NYU McSilver will address a dearth of information about how AI can impact the lives of people in marginalized communities. Among the hub's initial areas of focus will be building on the institute's work to answer whether AI can be used to better predict suicide rates and behaviors by race, geography, income and other demographic variables, with other innovative public health research and interventions to follow.  

Reporting to the Executive Director, and working in collaboration with the executive and senior leadership teams, the Senior Director for Research will lend their expertise and leadership to oversee all AI research activities at the NYU McSilver Institute, including but not limited to: study oversight, proposal development and implementation, manuscript preparation, coordination with the AI data analytic team, and strategic planning for the continued growth and expansion of research and evaluation projects. They will work with faculty and students on research projects, and  will be responsible for the pursuit, development, and expansion of research-oriented activities with strategic partners and funders. 

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the cultivation, development, implementation, and growth of all AI-related research activities to advance the institute's impact and mission

• Develop and implement a strategic vision and a related action plan for the development and funding of research and evaluation efforts, and for the upgrading and acquisition of research-related processes and infrastructure

• Contribute to the thought leadership of the institute's research initiatives, and collaborate on AI research with faculty and students affiliated with the AI Hub.

• PhD or equivalent qualifications in public health, social sciences, computer science, or health sciences

• Minimum of eight (8) years of research and evaluation experience, and a minimum three (3) years of leadership experience in a nonprofit, government, academic, or philanthropic setting

• Experience performing research in artificial intelligence and machine learning with an emphasis in natural language processing. Also experience with developing machine learning models using Python.

• Demonstrated understanding of research models, methodology, and processes 

• Demonstrated experience in building and/or managing a high-performing team for translational and/or applied research

• Comprehensive working knowledge of program planning, organizational structure, budgeting, administrative operations, and fundraising in the context of a university environment

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and compile complex data for decision making, policy changes, and identifying potential opportunities for growth and innovation

• Ability to compose reports, presentations, and written communication in an organized, logical, and concise manner.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to represent the organization externally across a wide range or stakeholders and constituencies  

• Ability to successfully navigate in a fast-paced, outcomes-driven environment. 

Preferred Experiences:

• Strong relationship builder with the ability to find common ground, build consensus and strengthen collaboration among diverse stakeholders. 

• Leadership accomplishments in research and research funding

• Experience directing the development and expansion of a practice-based implementation research and/or evaluation program 

• Experience in systems thinking and/or health equity

• Experience in developing and expanding data science projects, collaboratives

• Experience with research and evaluation software packages specific to AI research.

Please include a CV and cover letter with this application.

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