LEAD AI ARCHITECT

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state, and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. By being deeply invested in our work, showing compassion in our interactions, and embodying the spirit of a team player, each member contributes to a thriving community. UW is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff; your experiences, perspectives, and unique identities will be honored at the University of Washington. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

UW Information Technology (UW-IT) is the central information technology organization for the University of Washington, responsible for strategic planning, oversight, and direction of the UW’s IT infrastructure, resources, and services. UW-IT provides critical technology support to all three campuses, UW Medicine, and research operations around the world, partnering with the UW community to enable innovation, learning, discovery, and service.”

We are seeking an innovative and experienced Lead AI Architect to spearhead the artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives across the university and its three campuses. This role is a pivotal role in shaping and implementing our AI strategy to transform UW into an AI-powered University. This role will work with various campus stakeholders, IT teams and external partners to drive innovation and ensure the successful integration of AI technologies into UW systems and applications.

Primary Responsibilities:

Strategy and Roadmap Development

Work closely with leadership teams and stakeholders to develop and implement the AI strategy in alignment with university mission and goals.

Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI technologies and assess their potential applications within the university context.

Work closely with leadership teams and stakeholders to understand business needs and translate them into AI opportunities.

Collaborate with stakeholders and leverage governance structures to prioritize the AI opportunities, develop roadmaps and fund the critical efforts.

Solution Architecture and Integration

Define process to facilitate the AI opportunities from ideation, exploration to realization.

Collaborate with IT teams (central and distributed) to design, develop and deploy scalable and robust AI solutions or integrate AI technologies into existing IT systems and applications seamlessly based on the roadmaps.

Evaluate emerging AI technologies and tools, making recommendations for adoption.

Integrate AI solutions with existing university IT infrastructure seamlessly.

AI Governance

Work closely with leadership teams and stakeholders to identify the potential risks of using AI technologies and develop mitigation plans.

Collaborate with UW Enterprise Technology Governance domain and establish governance of AI solutions to ensure responsible use of AI technologies and AI solutions adhere to ethical guidelines and data privacy regulations.

External Partnership

Identify and establish partnership with key external technology providers (e.g. Microsoft) to provide AI solutions for the University.

Partner with other higher education institutions and look for opportunities to collaborate on AI initiatives.

Training, Consultancy and Community Building

Work with university AI experts and external partners to develop training programs for university staff to enhance AI literacy.

Serve as AI SME (Subject Matter Expert) for university staff and provide consultancy on how AI can be integrated into various University functions.

Create AI community in UW-IT and foster continuous innovation.

REQUIREMENTS:

Master’s degree in computer science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field or experience.

Minimum of 4 years of experience in evaluating, architecting, and integrating AI solutions, preferably in an academic or research environment.

In-depth knowledge of AI algorithms, machine learning, natural language processing, and data analytics, in particular Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs).

Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide cross-functional teams.

Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision, both independently and as part of a team.

DESIRED:

Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field or experience.

Experience with Microsoft Azure AI offerings is a plus.

Experience in academic or research environment.

Experience leading enterprise level architecture and design in a decentralized organization.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Hybrid, open office environment

This is an essential position and is required to report to campus when UW suspends operations.

Application Process:The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your “My Jobs” page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.