The University of Utah One-U Responsible Artificial Intelligence Initiative (One-U RAI) at the Scientific Computing and Imaging (SCI) Institute is launching two new tenure-track faculty positions at the intersection of AI, environmental science, and societal impact. These roles—one focused on AI for Environmental Forecasting and Modeling, the other on AI for Environmental Impact Monitoring—are part of a bold initiative to build a world-class research cluster addressing the most urgent challenges of our time.
From extreme weather forecasting to monitoring the ecological footprint of AI itself, these positions offer a chance to lead transformative research that connects data, ethics, and action.
These two hires will be the first in a cluster of experts built out over several years. As the inaugural members, they will play a central role in shaping the cluster’s research agenda, collaborative culture, and long-term impact—positioning the university as a national leader in responsible AI and environmental science.
“We know that AI has immense potential to help address environmental challenges, but is not without risks,” said Simon Brewer, a professor in the School of Environment, Society & Sustainability and a member of the One-U RAI Executive Committee. “This is about enabling communities, governments, and industries to make informed decisions in the face of global change.”
What Makes These Roles Unique?
- Interdisciplinary Reach: Bridge fields—science, law, business, planning, etc.—to maximize the impact of your research. The university’s collaborative ecosystem includes the SCI Institute, the Wilkes Center for Climate Science and Policy, the NSF WIRED Global Center, and more.
- Research Impact: Work on real-world problems like climate extremes, pollution, AI energy use, and indigenous-led environmental stewardship.
- Data-Driven Innovation: Leverage satellite data, sensor networks, socio-economic databases, and high-performance computing to build next-generation forecasting and monitoring tools.
- Ethical AI Leadership: Contribute to One-U RAI, which prioritizes transparency and community-centered design of AI systems.
“We’re looking for environmental researchers who understand that AI isn’t neutral—it reflects our values,” said Akil Narayan, professor of mathematics and a member of the One-U RAI Faculty Engagement Committee. “This cluster is about shaping those values with scientific rigor and social responsibility.”
Details at a Glance
- Start Date: July 1, 2026
- Rank: Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor
- Application Review Begins: November 15, 2025
- Learn More
If your work explores harnessing responsible AI to accelerate impactful environmental research, we invite you to apply or to share this opportunity with colleagues who want to make a difference.
Why the University of Utah?
Located in the bustling urban landscape of Salt Lake City, the University of Utah stands as the state’s flagship institution and the region’s hub of higher education. Also known as “the U,” it’s a Tier 1 research university, a member of the exclusive Association of American Universities, and home to the state’s only academic medical center. Driven by a goal to become a top 10 public university with unsurpassed societal impact, the U is committed to making social, economic and cultural contributions that improve the quality of life throughout the state, the nation and the world.
Ranked as the best state in America by U.S. News & World Report, Utah has a robust economy, high-tech sector, vibrant urban area, and abundant recreation opportunities. In the foothills above campus are miles of pristine hiking and biking trails. Within a 30-minute drive are seven world-renowned ski resorts and within five hours you can visit any of Utah’s five breathtaking national parks.