Summary:
The artificial intelligence (AI) systems team lead is responsible for leading the design, build, and deployment of institutional AI services that move from proof of concept into production within defined funding timelines. This role guides a technical team while shaping an AI systems roadmap that supports administrative automation, digital assistant capabilities, teaching and learning initiatives, and research computing. The team lead provides hands-on technical guidance while coordinating vendors, platforms, and institutional stakeholders to deliver operational AI services. The work focuses on producing measurable outcomes, including adoption, efficiency gains, and visible value from AI investment.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Leads AI initiatives from concept to production, delivering measurable value through documented adoption and efficiency gains
- Delivers and maintains an institutional AI services roadmap with defined milestones, adoption targets, and success criteria aligned to funding timelines
- Provides overall technical architecture guidance for AI solutions, including integration patterns, security models, data flows, and platform selection
- Oversees the development and maintenance of AI infrastructure, including model orchestration layers, governance workflows, API integrations, and protected computing environments
- Establishes and operates secure AI environments (e.g., sandbox, pilot, and production) to support research, teaching, and administrative use cases
- Leads vendor and tool evaluation, selection, and relationship management for AI platforms and services
- Contributes technical perspective to institutional AI governance processes, risk assessments, and compliance reviews
- Coordinates with internal teams and the broader unit to align AI initiatives with enterprise architecture, identity infrastructure, and integration standards
- Engages with faculty, researchers, and administrative units to identify high-value AI opportunities and manage expectations
- Reports on AI initiative outcomes, including adoption rates, integration health, user feedback, cost avoidance, and risk posture to senior leadership
- Maintains the reliability, performance, and security of AI tools and digital assistant services through established engineering practices
- Adopts and promotes responsible AI practices aligned with university policy, unit standards, and applicable regulatory requirements
- Provides technical guidance, mentorship, and workflow planning for team members, and contributes to performance feedback processes as appropriate
- Remains current with AI industry trends, emerging platforms, and leading practices, recommending enhancements aligned with institutional priorities
- Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment
- Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Demonstrates respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contributes to an environment of acceptance and inclusion of others, and responds to different perspectives from a place of curiosity, respect, and non-judgement
- Undertakes related duties as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position
Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, engineering, or a related field
- Minimum of five years of experience in enterprise application development, platform engineering, or systems integration, including experience with secure data pipelines, privacy‑sensitive workloads, or research computing environments, as well as AI governance, model evaluation, risk assessment, and responsible AI practices
- Experience providing leadership and mentorship to a team
- Experience with AI and Machine Learning (ML) systems, cloud-based AI services, automation platforms, or intelligent workflow systems
- Demonstrated experience delivering AI or automation solutions form proof of concept through production deployment
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to translate institutional priorities into achievable AI-enabled solutions
- Strong development skills in Python or Java with solid software engineering fundamentals is preferred
- Proficiency with multi-agent or generative AI frameworks, AI vendor management, or higher education IT environments is an asset
Department: Department: Information and Communications Technology, Enterprise Architecture Data Management
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $87,266.00 - 145,353.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Information Technology
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 3
Posted Date: 7/20/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines
The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: Tips for Applying - Careers | University of Saskatchewan
Criminal Record Check: Yes
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable
The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve:
EDI Framework for Action .
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the
deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please
contact us for assistance.
