Professor in AI and Human Interactions & Director, Faculty of Business and Economics AI Initiative

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

The University of Auckland seeks a senior academic leader for a substantive Professor appointment and as founding Director of the Faculty of Business and Economics AI Initiative, a fulltime role based in Auckland. The role is 0.3FTE for three years and focuses on ethical and responsible AI across research, teaching, and operations, weaving strengths into a coherent framework. It requires an established record of scholarship and innovative teaching, plus commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity. To apply, submit by 12 March 2026 with evidence of AI leadership in interdisciplinary settings and a plan for the initiative. For a confidential discussion, contact Clare Litten; review the position descriptions.

Job Description

• Apply your deep knowledge of AI to lead and support ethical and responsible innovation in all aspects of academic work at the Faculty of Business & Economics.
• Substantive permanent academic appointment at Professor level.

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping knowledge creation, teaching and learning, and operational practices across higher education. The Faculty of Business and Economics is well positioned to engage thoughtfully with AI while protecting the academic integrity that is central to our mission. To do so requires coordinated leadership that bridges research excellence, teaching innovation, and organisational practice.

We are seeking an experienced senior academic leader to serve as the founding Director of the B&E AI Initiative. The Initiative will serve as the Faculty’s intellectual and operational vehicle for advancing AI-related expertise and practice. It will be a space where informed debate, rigorous research, and pedagogical and operational innovation converge. The Director will weave together our existing strengths into a coherent Faculty-level framework that fosters shared learning, critical inquiry, and responsible progress. 

The Director will be an established academic in a relevant discipline, who brings a record of quality scholarly outputs and innovative teaching sufficient for appointment as Professor (substantive position). The position of Director, Faculty of Business and Economics AI Initiative will be 0.3FTE for a fixed term of three years.

We aspire to contribute to a fair, ethical and sustainable society, reflecting our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our foundational relationship with tangata whenua. The University is committed to a culture that encourages and supports staff to reach their full potential in an inclusive and collaborative community of scholars. We welcome applications that will enhance the diversity of our staff and strengthen our links with diverse communities. 

Additional Information

Applications must be submitted by 12 March 2026 (further detail in the position descriptions).

For a confidential discussion, please contact the University of Auckland as below:

Clare Litten, Manager Academic Executive Search, email: [email protected]

Position Reference: REF41588P

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz