Job Details

University of Florida
  • Computer Vision Specialist (AI) (Assistant University Librarian or Associate University Librarian)
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  • Position Number: 5184857
  • Location: Gainesville, FL
  • Position Type: Science - Computer Science
POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION: Computer Vision Specialist (AI)

RANK: Assistant University Librarian or Associate University Librarian

REPORTS TO: Chair, Academic Research Consulting and Services

SALARY: $68,182 minimum salary at the Assistant University Librarian rank

$78,861 minimum salary at the Associate University Librarian rank

The Smathers Libraries offer a salary commensurate with experience and credentials

The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package including health, retirement, paid time off, discount programs, professional development and worklife support. Learn more.

Job Number: 531140. (Apply online)

ÂDEADLINE DATE: May 10, 2024. Review of applications will be reviewed as received.

JOB SUMMARY

The George A. Smathers Libraries seek a creative, collaborative, and service-oriented candidate to enhance computer vision research services to strategically increase support of the university’s AI initiative (https://ai.ufl.edu/) and to further the Libraries’ commitment to “AI for everyone.” In conjunction and close collaboration with the Natural Language Processing Specialist and other personnel from across the libraries, this position provides leadership to the Libraries’ efforts to build foundational AI services for all UF students, faculty, and staff interested in incorporating AI technology and techniques in their discipline-specific teaching and research.

The Computer Vision Specialist is a year-round (12 month) tenure-track faculty position with primary responsibilities in instruction, consultation, and project work in computer vision and other areas relevant to artificial intelligence and data science. The position works with library colleagues, researchers, and educators from throughout the University of Florida community to create, identify, and evaluate learning resources and services in the areas of computer vision; works with students and researchers at all stages of their careers to advise and consult on effective use of related tools and methodologies; advocates for the role of the Smathers Libraries in supporting related education and research; and builds effective, inclusive collaborations across the campus community. As a member of the Academic Research Consulting and Services (ARCS) department, the Computer Vision Specialist synergizes with existing ARCS specialists who provide expertise in natural language processing, data science and statistical analysis, data management, reproducibility, systematic reviews, scholarly communication, research impact, and related areas (http://arcs.uflib.ufl.edu/). The Computer Vision Specialist will pursue professional development opportunities, including research, publication, and professional service activities to meet criteria for tenure and promotion.

The Smathers Libraries is committed to creating a thoughtful, equitable, and inclusive culture that provides space for innovation and creativity. We support that commitment by offering a fulfilling work experience that allows for collaboration, growth, and development as well as shared perspectives. The Libraries encourage broad participation in reaching decisions; consequently the CV Specialist will contribute to discussions, provide input, and serve on various committees and teams.

ÂRESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Develops and implements strategies for the libraries’ Artificial Intelligence support program based on an understanding of client needs and institutional goals; contributes to the cultivation of this program into a national leader in library-based artificial intelligence and research support services.

  2. Develops and provides computer vision, as well as general AI, instruction and training, consultation, and other related services and responds to campus support needs that arise.

  3. Provides expertise on a range of computer vision-related databases and tools; directs clients to relevant tools and computing resources.

  4. Provides engaging and effective instruction in a variety of modes and venues that might include face-to-face, online, one-on-one, workshop, guest lecture, and credit-bearing course.

  5. Identifies, evaluates, and/or creates effective materials for self-led learning in computer vision related topics.

  6. Incorporates a variety of AI methods and models to support in-depth collaborations and empower individual researchers and research teams across campus.

  7. Serves as a liaison to the campus community, especially faculty hired through UF’s AI initiative, in area(s) of specialization.

  8. Participates as an active member of the ARCS department and the Research & Health Sciences (RHS) tenure home, including projects, planning, policy formation, and decision-making.

  9. Connects with related units across campus to provide services and resources.

  10. Performs scholarly research and provides service at the institutional and professional levels as related to assignment and in accordance with RHS tenure and promotion criteria.

  11. Creates a welcoming environment for all.


QUALIFICATIONS

Research indicates that applicants from underrepresented groups are hesitant to apply for positions if they do not meet all the required and preferred qualifications.[1] We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleague develop the preferred skills. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to communicate how their work and other experiences satisfy the required qualifications in ways that may not be obvious.

Required:

  1. Master’s degree or above in a field focused on computer vision, artificial intelligence, and/or computer/data science (e.g., digital humanities, human-computer interaction, or information science)

  2. Appointment at the Assistant University Librarian rank requires 2 years of relevant experience

  3. Appointment at the Associate University Librarian rank requires eight years of relevant experience

  4. Demonstrated experience teaching and applying artificial intelligence concepts in an academic or research setting

  5. Demonstrated experience with deep learning-based models relevant to computer vision, such as Convolutional Neural Networks, Recurrent Neural Networks, Autoencoders, and/or Transformers

  6. Demonstrated knowledge of computer vision programming libraries (e.g., OpenCV, TensorFlow, PyTorch) or proficiency in one or more programming languages used in data science (e.g., C++, Python, R, Spark, Scala, Unix)

  7. Demonstrated experience with analysis of image/visual data, including knowledge or experience in methodologies and algorithms for image segmentation; object, edge, and pattern detection; facial recognition, image classification, feature matching, and/or medical imaging

  8. Familiarity with finding, using, and managing and/or creating computer vision datasets

  9. Record of creating and maintaining strong collaborations within a culturally-diverse user community of faculty, students, staff, administrators, or the general public

  10. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including effective instruction, presentation, and writing skills to audiences with varied levels of understanding and experience with CV&AI concepts across all disciplines

  11. Initiative, flexibility and the ability to adapt to a complex, rapidly changing academic environment

  12. Strong potential to meet the requirements for tenure and promotion outlined in the departmental by-laws


Preferred:

  1. PhD in a relevant field

  2. Experience with high performance computing as applied to computer vision and/or image processing

  3. Demonstrated experience in multi-modal processing

  4. Experience addressing challenges faced in the computer vision field, including data scarcity, scalability, latency issues, adaptability, security of sensitive data, and/or privacy and ethical issues

  5. Experience with and successful track of record in grant writing

  6. Familiarity with Natural Language Processing methods and frameworks

  7. Professional experience working in an academic or research setting


Academic Research and Consulting Services Department

The Academic Research Consulting and Services (ARCS) Department provides expert information and data services to discipline-diverse researchers at all levels (students, staff, and faculty). ARCS department members and affiliates offer expertise in artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, data management, geographic information systems, reproducibility, research compliance and metrics, systematic reviews, scholarly communications, and other publishing-related activities. ARCS faculty also partner with the libraries' liaison librarians and subject specialists assigned to specific UF departments, colleges, and other units. The goal of the ARCS team is to support the UF community throughout the research life cycleâ€"from project conception, data collection and analysis to publication and beyond. The ARCS department’s tenure home is Research and Health Sciences, with the primary faculty physically located in the Health Science Center Libraries.

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA LIBRARIES

The libraries at the University of Florida form the largest academic information resource system in the state of Florida with seven libraries and two off-campus facilities. The George A. Smathers Libraries are comprised of six campus libraries and off-site facilities. In addition to this system, the Lawton Chiles Legal Information Center is part of the Levin College of Law. The Libraries hold over 6.27 million print volumes, 1.5 million e-books, over 197,000 full-text journals, over 1000 electronic databases, 1.3 million documents, and 1.4 million maps and images. Distinctive holdings include the Isser and Rae Price Library of Judaica, Latin American and Caribbean Collection, Baldwin Library of Historical Children’s Literature and the P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History. The Libraries maintain partnerships and participate in a variety of collaborative, international projects while engaging with the UF community. We are a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and other regional library consortia.

The library staff comprises more than 300 FTE librarians, technical/clerical staff and student assistants. The George A. Smathers Libraries are strong advocates for inclusion and intellectual freedom. The Libraries’ commitment to both is articulated in the Inclusion and Intellectual Freedom Statements. The Smathers Libraries possess an openness to diversity of thought/perspectives, personalities, work styles and displays an awareness and appreciation of the unique strengths and contributions of everyone. Support for professional development is central to the Smathers Libraries. Supports include a formal mentoring program, a robust training program, release time for research and professional service, a comprehensive grants program, and funding for professional development travel.

Libraries Land Acknowledgment

The Smathers Libraries acknowledge that the main (Gainesville) campus of the University of Florida is located in the ancestral territory of the Potano and later the Seminole peoples. The Smathers Libraries acknowledge its obligation to honor the past, present, and future Native residents and cultures of Florida.

The University of Florida

The University of Florida (UF) was named the #1 public university in the country by the Wall Street Journal in its “2024 Best Colleges in the US” report and is also currently among the “Top Ten Public Universities” in the U.S. News and World Report and seventh in Forbes “Colleges that Deliver a High Bang for Your Tuition Buck” (2023). The University of Florida (UF) is the state of Florida’s preeminent university, as well as the state's oldest and most comprehensive university. UF is among the nation's most academically diverse public universities and is one of only 17 public, land-grant universities that belong to the Association of American Universities. UF has 16 academic colleges offering a variety established programs for students seeking to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees. In addition to attracting over $1.25 billion in research expenditures last year, UF Faculty foster a uniquely collaborative environment that transforms potential into actual results. UF is one of the largest universities in the nation, with more than 60,000 students. A snapshot of the student body diversity statistics is available online from UF Institutional Planning and Research.ÂLearn more about the University of Florida and what makes us great.

Benefits

University benefits for this position include retirement plan options, insurance benefits, paid family leave (parental and medical), tuition fee waiver program, and employee assistance program, as well as paid time off and holidays. Gainesville, Florida, has no state or local income tax. The University of Florida provides ongoing guidelines and resources related to COVID-19.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The University of Florida is an equal employment employer and is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs. We’re committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent by valuing diversity of thought, skill, and experience. As an equal opportunity employer, we believe in fostering environments where team members feel included, valued for their differences, and empowered to do their best work. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirement under the Florida Sunshine and Public Records laws.

If an accommodation due to a hearing or speech disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 University of Florida Human Resources or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD).

GAINESVILLE COMMUNITY

Gainesville and the surrounding community are home to approximately 280,000 people and both the University of Florida and Santa Fe College. Beautiful natural areas, including many spring-fed lakes and rivers, are a boon for outdoor adventurers. Museums, music festivals, and major performing arts institutions round out the community's rich cultural heritage. ÂThe city is just over an hour from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Gainesville is an award winning and innovative city, friendly to both professionals and families. The Guide to Greater Gainesville combines award winning photography and compelling articles that capture all the reasons for calling Gainesville your next home. The City of Gainesville is a progressive municipality that seeks to promote racial equity. The area has numerous opportunities for participating in community athletics and is a haven for sports fans. Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Tallahassee, and St. Augustine are all within a two-hour drive.

Application Process

To apply, submit

  • a cover letter detailing your interest in, and qualifications for this position

  • your current resume or CV

  • a list of three references including their contact information (telephone number and email address)

  • a written statement regarding your vision for how this libraries-based position will contribute to the goal of “AI for everyone”. (No more than one page)


Apply by 11:55 pm (EST) on May 10, 2024. Applications will be reviewed as received). Submit all application materials through the Jobs at UF online application system at Job Number 531140. Failure to submit the required documents may result in the application not being considered. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please contact Lily Lewis, George A. Smathers Libraries Human Resources Office, at lilyrlewis@ufl.edu.

[1] Schmaling, K. B., Blume, A. W., & Baker, D. L. (2017). Characteristics of Faculty Position Advertisements Associated with Applicant Diversity. Journal of Higher Education Theory & Practice, 17(8), 10â€"17. Collier, D., & Zhang, C. (2016). Can We Reduce Bias in the Recruiting Process and Diversify Pools of Candidates by Using Different Types of Words in Job Descriptions? Mohr, T. S. (2014). Why Women Don’t Apply for Jobs Unless They’re 100% Qualified. Harvard Business Review, 25.





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