Urban Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Associate

Urban Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Associate University of Michigan - 4.3 Ann Arbor, MI Job Details Temporary | Full-time $25 - $30 an hour 2 hours ago Qualifications Doctoral degree Urban planning Research Mid-level Bachelor's degree Natural language processing GitHub AI Python Under 1 year Full Job Description How to Apply Applicants should submit one PDF containing the following: Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter (1 page max): Outlines your specific interest in the position, related skills/experiences, and near term goals Links to GitHub, personal website, or portfolio if any Answer to the following question (1 page max): One challenge of the task is to extract topic-specific information from zoning documents with high validity. The goal is to answer questions such as where and how communities regulate data centers and renewable energy sitting at scale. What problems would you anticipate in the process and how may you approach those challenges? Formal evaluation of applications will begin on July 21, 2025 , and applications will be reviewed every week until the position is filled. Selected candidates may be contacted for an interview. The anticipated start date is September 1, with flexibility for negotiation. If you have any questions about this position, email Professor Xiaofan Liang at [email protected]. Job Summary The Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning is looking for a full-time, temporary research associate. Reporting to Xiaofan Liang, assistant professor of urban and regional planning, you will work on a funded project to develop and evaluate a human-AI collaboration pipeline for extracting high-validity zoning information, with a focus on regulations for data centers and renewable energy facilities. In addition to this core responsibility, you may support other research or administrative tasks for the team's work. This position is well-suited for candidates with strong technical skills who are interested in applying AI methods to urban challenges and are considering pursuing a PhD in the near future. Note: The job is situated in Ann Arbor and daily on-campus work is required. The anticipated schedule for this position is 40 hours per week (exact schedule to be determined with your supervisor) and the employment is expected to last nine months and end in July 2026 . There is a possibility of extension based on available funding. This position is also eligible for OPT. Responsibilities* Develop computational and AI-driven methods to analyze text Acquire and apply contextual knowledge of zoning, data centers, and renewable energy siting Collaborate with human coders to fine-tune and evaluate computational approaches Conduct literature reviews and help write research manuscripts Create a public-facing tool or platform (e.g., website) to share research data and promote public engagement with project outcomes Navigate research challenges with a learning mindset Communicate with the supervisor and deliver high-quality work Commit full-time to working on-site at the University of Michigan campus for the duration or majority of the project The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and are not an exhaustive list of all associated responsibilities. Required Qualifications* A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience in related disciplines such as Urban Planning, Geography, Computer Science, Statistics, Public Policy, etc. Programming skills in Python Research interest in the intersection of urban planning and artificial intelligence in topics related to data centers, zoning, and renewable energy siting Experience with natural language processing (NLP) or large language models (LLMs) applied to text data Experience working with a diverse range of technical tasks, such as data analysis, geospatial visualization, database management, web development, and mixed research methods, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches Modes of Work Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes. Additional Information The salary range for this position is $25 - $30/hr. Factors used to determine salary include experience, knowledge and skills for the position. You are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor transparency throughout the recruiting process. Please note: Relocation assistance is not provided for this position. Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. Applicants will not be sponsored for work visas. Our Shared Values We aim to create a community of mutual respect and trust where everyone?s backgrounds, identities, and views are represented without any threat of bias, harassment, intimidation, or discrimination. Learn more about the shared values we have for our community. U-M EEO Statement The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer. Job Opening ID 265983 Working Title Urban Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Associate Job Title RES ASSOC I (TEMP) Work Location Ann Arbor Campus Ann Arbor, MI Modes of Work Onsite Full/Part Time Full-Time Regular/Temporary Temporary FLSA Status Nonexempt Organizational Group Coll Arch Urn Pln Department Urban Planning Posting Begin/End Date 7/10/2025 - 9/01/2025 Salary $25.00 - $30.00 Career Interest Temporary Job Opening