Kaminski Endowed Fellow for Augmented Intelligence
This is a civilian position that works for a 501(c)3 non-profit that supports the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA).
Institute for Future Conflict
The Institute for Future Conflict (IFC) is dedicated to creating and cultivating flexible warfighters who are prepared to prevail in conflict no matter what form it may take in the future. The IFC does this by working across all three mission elements – the Dean of Faculty, the Cadet Wing (CW), and the Athletic Department – at USAFA, along with the Center for Character and Leadership Development to shape cadets in the classroom, on the training ground, and through athletic competition.
As part of their duties, the Kaminski Fellow will teach an initial course on augmented intelligence (AI) tools, which will be part of the Future Conflict minor and cross listed with at least one other department, likely computer science. The goal will be to ultimately transition this course into a core requirement, reflecting the changing character of war and the importance of AI tools on the battlefield.
At the same time and to reach the most cadets, the Kaminski Fellow will lead workshops on AI tools for all cadets participating in the Commandant’s Crucible Exercise event. This capstone exercise will put these generative AI tools into practice and cadets will be required to utilize these tools in this training exercise. Ultimately, the goal is to include the use of AI tools into all CW-sponsored training and utilization in cadets’ respective minors.
At the end of three years, the goal of the Kaminski Fellow and the AI lab should reach a majority of cadets through classes, workshops, and training exercises – all with the aim of putting AI tools into practice.
Overview
The IFC is seeking qualified candidates for the full-time, on-site position of Kaminski Fellow for Augmented Intelligence, who will report directly to the foundation liaison at the IFC.
We are seeking a highly skilled Augmented Intelligence Endowed Chair to provide support for the Dean of Faculty at the United States Air Force Academy along with the Commandant of Cadets and Athletic Director. This chair will play a critical role in developing the future leaders of the nation through advancing AI-related technologies and methodologies in academic curriculum and research, advising on AI strategies, and implementing cutting-edge AI solutions. This position requires a unique combination of technical expertise, teaching ability, and AI innovation, tailored to a university research environment.
The estimated compensation for this position is $200,000 – $250,000. The initial contract would be for three years, with a one-year probationary period. The fellow will also be required to submit semi-annual activity updates to the IFC Director, Associate Director, and Air Force Academy Foundation Liaison to demonstrate progress towards achieving the requirements of the position.
Responsibilities
· Understand, uphold, and promote the standards, core values, and priorities of USAFA and the IFC
· Establish good working relationships with administration and faculty along with USAFA permanent party in all the Mission Elements
· Instruct advanced AI courses as well as specialized lessons in AI across a wide variety of academic disciplines
· In addition to instructing courses during the Academic Year, offer a summer course for faculty and permanent party (Athletic Department and Cadet Wing) on AI
· Evaluate current and emerging AI and AI-related technologies for academic and research purposes across a wide variety of academic disciplines
· Advise the Dean of Faculty and USAFA staff on AI academic and research policy, strategy,
· Serve as the Dean of Faculty’s AI coach, promoting and executing AI curriculum development, research experimentation, and adoption among faculty
· Implement deep learning in programming languages including but not limited to Python, C++, or GPU-based toolkits such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and CUD
· Analyze and interpret AI model performance, making recommendations for improvements
· Diagnose AI model under-performance and implement solutions to enhance model efficacy
· Fine-tune and integrate retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and large language models (LLMs) for USAFA’s specific research objectives
· Utilize transfer learning techniques to train and adapt deep learning models for customer use
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
· Demonstrate ability and skills to effectively lead teams and lift the performance of others
· A flexible and adaptable leadership style, able to positively influence both strategic and tactical initiatives with keen attention to detail
· Outstanding skills in building, cultivating, and stewarding relationships with internal and external stakeholders
· Demonstrated and significant interpersonal skills and the ability to connect people and resources
· An ambitious and motivated professional who values working with committed colleagues in a fast-paced and collaborative environment
· Excellent written and oral communication skills are required, along with strong social skills, instincts, judgement and integrity
· Ability to solve problems and manage multiple tasks concurrently, which will require excellent organizational skills
· A strong work ethic, a commitment to high performance and teamwork and a proven ability and desire to reach increasingly aggressive goals
· Proficiency in implementing deep learning algorithms using Python or C++, with experience running models on parallel GPUs using toolkits such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or CUDA
· Ability to develop and fine-tune custom LLMs
· Knowledge of NVIDIA Mission Command and enterprise GPU server management tools
· Strong understanding of AI/machine learning (ML) infrastructure design and implementation
· Experience training and assisting faculty in AI/ML methodologies
Qualifications
· Experience in teaching/using AI in a university and/or research setting is strongly desired
· Broad experience in applying AI to various disciplines is preferred
· Master’s degree in computer science or a closely related field required, PhD preferred
· Specialization in AI, ML, and AI/ML infrastructure is highly desired
· Familiarity with high-paced, university-level research environments
· Demonstrated experience in integrating AI solutions across a wide range of academic disciplines
· Understanding of national security interests
· A valid driver’s license and insurance
· Ability to pass a DBIDS background check which is required to maintain access to the IFC offices at the Air Force Academy
· Most be able to obtain a Secret Clearance and preferably TS/SCI
Applications Instructions
To apply please send a résumé, cover letter, and three references to Dr. Layne Hancock ([email protected]) and Dr. Gregory Johnsen ([email protected]) no later than March 1, 2025.