Generative AI Engineer

Position Summary:
The Generative AI Research Engineer is a key individual contributor responsible for assisting with the development and maintenance of Generative AI software systems and/or engineering tools to support Vanderbilt University. The position is housed in the Institute for Software Integrated Systems and will work across the university in close collaboration with the Amplify Generative AI Development Team and Vanderbilt Information Technology (VUIT).

This position assists with engineering and/or software design, implementation, analysis, maintenance, creation / delivery of training materials, and experimentation as directed by the group leader. Reporting directly to the Senior Advisor to the Chancellor on Generative AI, the Generative AI Engineer regularly collaborates with a team including but not limited to other engineers, faculty, students, Research Scientists, System Architects, and university staff to accomplish project-specific goals.

About the Work Unit:
The Institute for Software Integrated Systems conducts basic and applied research in the area of systems and information science and engineering. Applications of its technology span a wide range of software-intensive systems from small, embedded devices, through real-time distributed systems, to globally deployed complex systems. Software is increasingly essential to the functions of these systems, and it is also the primary means of adapting them to their environments and users. Our research interests lie in the theoretical foundations, modeling, design, engineering, and educational aspects of these systems.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:
• Assist with prompt engineering discipline-specific engineering problems.
• Creation, maintenance, and evolution of Generative AI software and tooling to support the university
• Collaborate with Vanderbilt University Information Technology (VUIT) to ensure adherence to standards, compliance, and security measures in a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Actively read, experiment, and learn cutting edge Generative AI technologies to stay at the forefront of the field.
• Assist with creation of training materials, delivery of training, support of instructional staff, and other duties
• Participate in managing software, infrastructure, students, organization, coordination with other departments and groups
• Assist in authoring papers, technical documentation, training materials, and other written materials
• Assist in the production of educational and promotional materials regarding research and education related to Generative AI
• Assist with cloud development, deployment, and integration of developed AI applications.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of discipline-specific software systems and/or engineering tools to support project and research goals.
• Perform engineering and/or software design, implementation, analysis, maintenance, or experimentation as directed by Principal Investigator and lead Engineers.
• Prepare technical documentation for work products of project.
• Maintain familiarity with and expertise in emerging Generative AI technologies and techniques related to project and research goals.
• Communicate regularly, effectively, and professionally with Senior Advisor to the Chancellor and other members of the team.
• Adhere to existing technical standards and recommend or develop new standards, as applicable.
• Provide data to assist in evaluation of Generative AI impact, direction, and progress, providing input on solutions as necessary.
• Deliver technical progress reports/presentations in written and/or oral form.
• Share knowledge, product, and processes with the team and wider Vanderbilt community.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the Principal Investigator.

Education and Certifications:
• A Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is necessary.
• A Master’s or Ph.D. is preferred.

Experience and Skills:
The following skills are necessary:
• A minimum of 3 years of experience is necessary.
• Ability to develop software faster and at a higher level of quality with Generative AI than other engineers not using Generative AI is necessary.
• Ability to pick up and be immediately productive in code bases written in nearly any language using Generative AI as an assistant is necessary.
• Experience with prompt engineering, large language models, prompt patterns, ChatGPT, and ChatGPT Code Interpreter is expected.
• Experience with software engineering with large language models is expected.
• Ability to design, implement, test, document, and maintain software is necessary.
• Practical knowledge of software development tools, programming languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript, TypeScript), lambda functions, cloud computing, AWS, databases, and web technologies, as needed by project is necessary.
• Experience with state-of-the-art software development environments (e.g. IntelliJ), tools (e.g. git), and collaborative environments (e.g. GitHub) is necessary.

General Characteristics of a Successful Vanderbilt University Staff Member:
ACCOUNTABILITY: Owns decisions, outcomes, work products, etc. that are within the scope of one’s role.
• Works through Issues – Recognizes that the work is about successful outcomes, if things aren’t going well, outcomes suffer; is willing to have crucial conversations if things aren’t going well; doesn’t just complain to management… does everything possible to remedy the situation directly first
•  Reliable – Does what they say they will do, when they say they will do it; shows up for work when expected; doesn’t push the burden of work volume or deadlines to others
•  Integrity – Holds oneself accountable; takes responsibility for failures as well as successes, recognizes that trust is required to hold a team together
•  Acceptance of Feedback – Takes constructive criticism with grace, and makes improvements without taking it personally or holding grudges; when wrong, owns it – freely admits mistakes

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.