Research Associate (10 months)

We are seeking 4 passionate and forward-thinking Research Associates to join our team and drive the future of AI. In this role you will play a crucial part in bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world applications exploring novel AI concepts and identifying pathways for their commercialization. We are looking for a creative problem-solver with a strong research background who is excited to see their work have a tangible impact on various industries.

- Adam Danyleyko Product Owner Advanced Technology

How to Apply

If this sounds like the opportunity youve been waiting for please dont wait for the closing June 26 2025 to apply - were excited to add a new member to the Amii team for this role and the posting may come down sooner than the closing date if we find the right candidate before the posting closes!

Required application materials include:

• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A Cover Letter
• An Executive Brief outlining your insights or research interests within one of the four priority areas addressing what if questions (More info below) (Please append your executive brief to your CV)
• Three samples of your writing - 2 x academic 1 professional for a non-technical audience (Please append your three writing samples to your CV)

About the Role

Reporting to the Focus Research Domain Project Manager the Research Associate uses their scientific knowledge and research acumen to drive investigator-driven initiatives at the confluence of AI and domain expertise. They bridge the gap between hypothetical AI advancements and their potential real-world applications providing scientific insights and creating valuable knowledge assets.

This position guides the identification definition and exploration of novel AI concepts contributing to the development of early insights and potential pathways for commercialization. The Research Associate explores research questions develops theoretical and practical approaches identifies when additional investigation is needed and evaluates the impact of their findings.

The position focuses on achieving excellence in three main accountabilities:

• Research &ML Expertise: Dive into cutting-edge AI research explore what if scenarios and generate novel insights that push the boundaries of the field.
• Collaboration & Dissemination: Facilitate effective collaboration with domain experts and ensure the impactful dissemination of research findings and assets to relevant stakeholders and a broader audience.
• Knowledge Creation: Develop comprehensive and critical syntheses of published research creating valuable learning materials and publications that contribute to the understanding and application of AI.

Required Skills / Expertise

Key Responsibilities:

Research &ML Expertise

• Leverage deep ML expertise to conduct comprehensive and critical syntheses of published research within a specific AI topic subfield or problem for the review paper.
• Apply advanced AI/ML knowledge to identify and articulate what if scenarios potential research directions industry applications and startup opportunities within the context of the domain-specific review paper.
• Act as a domain translator effectively communicating complex AI/ML concepts and their implications to both technical and non-technical stakeholders in the context of the review paper and its findings

Collaboration & Dissemination

• Facilitate regular interactions and mentorship opportunities with identified domain experts.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and peers to ensure effective cross-functional teamwork in program execution.
• Present research findings and insights to relevant stakeholders including potential commercial partners researchers and the wider community.
• Engage in dissemination activities to share research and insights with a wider audience utilizing an AI literacy approach to reach AI Curious AI Users AI Builders and AI Leaders.
• Contribute to a positive team environment by actively participating in meetings brainstorming sessions and activities.

Knowledge Creation

• Develop review and release a comprehensive review paper strategically designed to highlight potential research directions commercial partnerships and startup creation opportunities.
• Produce various AI literacy assets such as guides tutorials case studies or workshops designed to translate complex AI/ML concepts into accessible learning materials for diverse audiences (e.g. AI Curious AI Users AI Builders and AI Leaders).
• Prepare a final report or presentation that summarizes the work and potential impact of the program and its outputs.
• Ensure the Principled AI Framework is integrated into all projects promoting the ethical development and use of AI.

Qualifications:

• Masters in Computer Science with a specialization in Machine Learning or equivalent relevant applied experience in Machine Learning
• 2 years of experience developing training and evaluating machine learning models in an applied industry setting or academic setting
• Proficient in Python experience in other programming languages i.e. Java or SQL (nice to have)
• Proficient with machine learning tools and frameworks such as Scikit-learn Pytorch/Tensorflow Pandas lightgbm/XGBoost and SciPy
• Ability to communicate technical topics with a non-technical audience
• Understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of a range of ML techniques across supervised learning unsupervised learning and reinforcement learning
• Experience in a client-facing role and comfortable working with stakeholders at all levels
• Publication record in peer-reviewed academic conferences or relevant journals (nice to have)

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Demonstrates a positive group-win approach and a willingness to help learn and share
• Collaborates with staff and experts seeking input and support as needed
• Demonstrates independence self-confidence sound judgment and superior problem-solving abilities
• Able to identify gaps in knowledge and triage their own learning appropriately
• Promotes high-level cross-functional collaboration and establishes credibility while influencing peers to achieve common goals

What If Scenarios

What if scenarios involve posing hypothetical changes to a situations current state assumptions or constraints. They are about imaginative exploration and considering alternative realities.

• Purpose:
  • Stimulate Creativity: They break free from conventional thinking and encourage the generation of novel ideas.
  • Identify Opportunities: By exploring different possibilities you uncover previously unseen opportunities for research innovation or solutions.
  • Assess Risks and Consequences: What if scenarios can help you anticipate potential positive and negative outcomes of various actions or future events.
  • Develop Contingency Plans: By considering negative what-ifs you can proactively develop strategies to mitigate potential risks.
  • Understand Complex Systems: Changing one variable in a what if scenario can reveal the interconnectedness and dynamics of a system.
  • Strategic Planning: They can be used to explore different strategic directions and their potential impact.
    
    
• Structure: A what if scenario typically starts with a hypothetical change:
  • What if we had access to unlimited computational power
  • What if this specific technological limitation were overcome
  • What if we approached this problem from a completely different disciplinary perspective
  • What if we targeted a different user group
  • What if a new regulatory framework were introduced
    
    
• Application in Your Fellowship: For AI researchers what if questions are central to the program. They encourage you to think beyond the current limitations and explore for example:
  • Research: What if a new AI architecture could seamlessly integrate different modalities of data
  • Industry Application: What if AI could autonomously manage entire supply chains
  • Startup Creation: What if we could personalize education at an unprecedented level using AI

Applicants must be

• legally eligible to work in Canada at the time of application
• available to start on July 15
• based in Edmonton AB or willing to relocate within 8 weeks of start date

What youll love about us

• A professional yet casual work environment that encourages the growth and development of your skills.
• Participate in professional development activities
• Gain access to the Amii community and events
• A chance to learn from amazing teammates who support one another to succeed.
• Competitive compensation including paid time off and flexible health benefits.
• A modern office located in downtown Edmonton Alberta.

Program Rewards

Successful Research Associates will receive a compensation package designed to support their immersive research experience:

• A base salary of $93000 CAD (pro-rated for the 10-month term).
• A health care spending account.
• A completion bonus of $15000 CAD upon the successful publication of the review paper and affiliated assets at the end of the 10-month term.
• Relocation support is available.

About Amii

One of Canadas three main institutes for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning our world-renowned researchers drive fundamental and applied research at the University of Alberta (and other academic institutions) training some of the worlds top scientific talent. Our cross-functional teams work collaboratively with Alberta-based businesses and organizations to build AI capacity and translate scientific advancement into industry adoption and economic impact.

Amii is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to ethnicity religion gender identity sexual orientation age or disability. Accommodations for disability-related needs throughout the recruitment and selection process are available upon request. Any information provided by you for accommodations will be kept confidential and wont be used in the selection process.

Required Experience:

IC