Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Scientist On-Call

Summary

Reporting to the DINA Lead, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Scientist On-Call position will play a key role in the development and advancement of an AI-driven Decision Support System (DSS). This position is responsible for designing, developing, and integrating advanced AI technologies, including real-time data processing, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), Speech-to-Text (STT), and Text-to-Speech (TTS) models and APIs to enhance decision-making capabilities across diverse industries.

The AI Research Scientist will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of Ph.D.-level AI experts specializing in multi-cloud architectures (Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform), natural language processing (NLP) pipelines, scalable knowledge graphs, and AI-driven agent frameworks. The role requires conducting applied and translational research, developing innovative AI solutions, publishing and disseminating findings where appropriate, and contributing to the deployment of scalable, production-ready systems.

In addition to technical contributions, the AI Research Scientist will provide mentorship and guidance to student team members, supporting their professional development, research engagement, and technical skill development while fostering a collaborative learning environment.

ON-CALL POSITION DEFINITION: An On-Call position at California Baptist University (CBU) is a temporary, part-time assignment established to provide staffing support based on departmental and organizational needs. Employees in on-call positions are generally not expected to work more than twenty-nine (29) hours per week on a continuous basis. Work schedules are determined by operational requirements and may vary from week to week and month to month. The duration of employment is based on business needs and may be modified, extended, or concluded at the discretion of the University. Employees will be notified of anticipated changes to their work schedule or assignment duration as business needs evolve.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Research, develop, validate, and deploy AI models, algorithms, and data pipelines for processing large-scale structured and unstructured datasets, leveraging natural language processing (NLP), knowledge graphs, and semantic search technologies.

2. Design, implement, and optimize secure, scalable, and high-performance AI solutions across multi-cloud environments, including Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

3. Enhance and maintain retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) frameworks to improve knowledge retrieval, contextual understanding, and recommendation accuracy.

4. Develop and optimize integrations with Neo4j, vector databases, and related technologies to support dynamic knowledge graph applications and advanced data relationships.

5. Lead the research, development, fine-tuning, evaluation, and benchmarking of large language models (LLMs) to support automated decision-making and intelligent recommendations.

6. Design, build, and deploy AI-powered agents capable of interpreting complex queries, executing automated workflows, and delivering context-aware insights and recommendations.

7. Develop, integrate, and maintain Speech-to-Text (STT) and Text-to-Speech (TTS) models, services, and APIs to enable advanced voice-enabled AI interactions.

8. Design and implement secure AI workflows, data governance practices, and privacy controls to support the handling of sensitive and enterprise-level data.

9. Collaborate with software engineers, data scientists, and cross-functional stakeholders to improve automated document ingestion, classification, information extraction, and data management processes.

10. Conduct applied research, evaluate emerging AI technologies, author technical reports and scholarly publications as appropriate, and identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.

11. Mentor student researchers, graduate assistants, and junior team members by providing technical guidance, research mentoring, and professional development support.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility but may provide mentorship, technical leadership, and project guidance to student researchers, graduate assistants, and other project team members.

Other Knowledge Skills and Abilities

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to effectively carry out all essential duties. The following requirements outline the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the role:

• Demonstrated commitment to living out and upholding the University’s Christ-centered mission and values.

• Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Natural Language Processing (NLP), or a closely related field.

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in AI/ML research, development, and deployment, with a strong emphasis on enterprise-scale and multi-cloud AI solutions.

• Advanced proficiency in Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow, LangChain, DSPy, or equivalent AI development frameworks.

• Expertise in natural language processing (NLP), retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), semantic search, knowledge graphs, and graph-based reasoning systems.

• Extensive experience with Neo4j, vector databases, vector search technologies, and scalable knowledge management architectures.

• Proven track record of designing, developing, and deploying AI-powered agents, autonomous systems, and workflow automation solutions.

• Deep expertise in Speech-to-Text (STT) and Text-to-Speech (TTS) technologies, including model development, fine-tuning, optimization, and API integration.

• Strong understanding of federated AI architectures, data governance, cybersecurity principles, privacy regulations, and compliance requirements for AI systems.

• Experience designing and implementing AI solutions across major cloud platforms, including Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

• Experience with model evaluation, AI safety, explainability, and responsible AI principles.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary research and development teams, while providing mentorship and technical guidance to student researchers and junior team members.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic research environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described herein are representative of those required for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard, and other standard office equipment. The position requires sufficient visual acuity to read printed and electronic materials, analyze data, and perform computer-based work. The employee must also possess the ability to communicate effectively in person, virtually, and by telephone. Occasional lifting, carrying, and moving of materials weighing up to fifteen (15) pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Work is primarily performed in a professional office or research setting with the use of computer and information technology systems. The noise level is generally moderate and consistent with a typical office environment. The position involves minimal exposure to adverse environmental conditions or health and safety hazards. The employee may be required to participate in virtual meetings, collaborative research activities, and occasional on-campus events or training sessions as needed to support departmental and organizational objectives.

Education and/or Experience

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: A Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Data Science, or a closely related field is required. Candidates should possess five (5) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in AI/ML research, development, and deployment, or an equivalent combination of education, research, and professional experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Experience leading or contributing to interdisciplinary research and development initiatives involving advanced AI technologies is highly desirable.

PREFERRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Candidates with experience designing,