GenAI is bringing both opportunities and challenges to academia. At the same time, universities are shifting towards more flexible, task-based work structures that operate in a gig economy. While typically linked to freelance industries, this model is increasingly shaping academia, altering traditional employment patterns and shifting responsibilities.
Full-time, permanent academic positions are giving way to short-term contracts, project-based roles and part-time teaching, leaving many educators and researchers in precarious employment. AI tools are further accelerating these changes by automating key tasks, such as content creation, assessment and data analysis, raising concerns about the long-term stability of academic careers.
What does this mean for academic jobs? Will AI replace or redefine the roles of educators and researchers? How can we adapt to this evolving landscape?
A new employment model
The rise of AI may push academia towards a more task-based employment model, where academic roles become fragmented. AI can automate tasks such as grant writing, data analysis and peer review, leading to a shift that sees universities contract staff for specific projects rather than as permanent staff. This raises concerns about job security and career progression.
Universities must strike a balance between AI adoption and sustainable employment, ensuring academics are not pushed into precarious work.
Future-proofing academic careers
As academics, to navigate these changes, we must develop skills that are uniquely human, such as critical thinking, which is essential for evaluating AI-generated content, challenging assumptions and forming well-reasoned arguments. Along with that, consider building mentorship skills such as emotional intelligence.
Developing expertise in interdisciplinary AI applications and advocating for fair AI employment policies will also be crucial, as will be honing skills in identifying knowledge gaps, coining novel methodologies and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Expertise in AI ethics and policy is also becoming vital to universities seeking leaders who can integrate AI responsibly.
By enhancing these skills, we can position ourselves as indispensable contributors to an academic landscape increasingly shaped by AI.
The future of academic roles
As AI becomes more embedded in academia, new roles will emerge, reshaping university operations and workforce structures.
- AI integration specialists will support departments in embedding AI into research and teaching, helping educators design AI-enhanced curricula, automate grading and develop adaptive learning environments.
- Digital ethics advisors will guide universities in setting ethical policies for AI use, ensuring transparency in automated decision-making, preventing bias in admissions algorithms and maintaining academic integrity in AI-assisted research.
- AI-assisted researchers will use AI for complex data analysis, systematic reviews and predictive modelling, particularly in STEM and social sciences.
- AI-assisted student support coordinators will personalise learning support, track student progress and provide early interventions using AI-driven insights.
- AI policy and compliance officers will ensure institutions meet evolving legal and regulatory requirements for AI implementation.
- Human-AI collaboration specialists will train academics and students to effectively integrate AI into their work while maintaining human creativity and critical thinking.
These roles will be crucial in ensuring AI enhances, rather than replaces, academic expertise.
However, there is a risk of increasing disparities between well-resourced universities that can fully adopt AI and those that struggle to keep up. Ensuring AI accessibility and equity will be vital in maintaining fair and inclusive academic environments. Academics can prepare by staying informed about AI’s impact on their fields, advocating for AI training and engaging in policy discussions to shape AI’s role in higher education.
Dr Patrice Seuwou is an associate professor of learning and teaching and the director of the Centre for the Advancement of Racial Equality at the University of Northampton.
If you would like advice and insight from academics and university staff delivered direct to your inbox each week, sign up for the Campus newsletter.
