Machine Learning Scientist, Startups

“Ready to be the trusted AI and machine learning sounding board for a diverse portfolio of startups? Bring your scientific excellence to Amii, and let’s shape the future of AI for good and for all.”

- Mitchell McCaig, Product Owner, Startup s 

About Amii

One of Canada’s 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 world’s 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.

About the Role

The Machine Learning Scientist empowers startup clients with knowledge and skills to advance their AI capabilities, driving success in the Level Up Program. By bridging the gap between business opportunities and fundamental ML techniques, the Machine Learning Scientist contributes to Amii's mission of 'AI for good and for all'.

Reporting to the Product Owner, Startups, the Machine Learning Scientist (MLS) serves as a key member of the Startups Team and an active participant in maintaining Amii's reputation for scientific excellence. The MLS provides insights across various client types and ML specializations, supporting clients as they build and grow their ML expertise and competencies.

The MLS uses their broad scientific knowledge, research experience, and applied machine learning skills to coach startups on their AI and ML projects. They identify client challenges, understand current and future states, and provide insights without delving into the code. The MLS knows when to offer their expertise and when to bring in other experts from the Amii community to best support clients.

The MLS bridges the gap between business opportunities and fundamental ML techniques, making informed recommendations on research, data requirements, modeling techniques, and technical resources. They mentor technical and non-technical peers, as well as work-integrated learning opportunity students (WILOs).

The position focuses on achieving excellence in three main accountabilities:

• Client Success: Work with Amii clients to advance their ML projects and capabilities.
• Machine Learning Expertise: Serve as a subject matter expert to guide and support organizational initiatives. 
• Research & Development: Support the advancement of ML research and development in both industry and academia.

Required Skills / Expertise

Key Responsibilities:

Client Success 

• Mentors and supports startup clients who have deployed machine learning in developing and advancing their machine learning and AI capabilities through coaching sessions and personalized guidance within the Level Up Program 
• Utilizes broad scientific knowledge, research experience, and applied machine learning experience, supporting startup clients to build and grow machine learning expertise and competencies
• Assists in the recruitment, evaluation, and onboarding of Startup companies into the Level Up Program including screening applications, conducting interviews and providing recommendations to the Product Owner
• Bridges the gap between fundamental ML techniques, AI tooling and business opportunities, providing scientific insight into technical projects
• Leads regular client meetings to understand their machine learning objectives and provides tailored technical guidance to support project development
• Develops and nurtures strong relationships with clients through effective communication and scientific excellence
• Incorporates client feedback to enhance delivery and ensure client success
• Writes detailed coaching reports that compile research and supporting documents, providing valuable insights and recommendations to support decision-making

Machine Learning Expertise

• Develops a broad overview of diverse machine learning techniques while being adept at delving into specific topics as needed to address project requirements and challenges effectively
• Establishes themselves firmly as a trusted subject matter expert in a specific domain 
• Advises clients on machine learning best practices and strategies to meet their objectives, enhancing client engagement
• Recommends and assesses the data requirements and modelling techniques for machine learning projects
• Onboards and integrates technical resources to support project execution 
• Promotes open communication channels to address project needs
• Contributes to a positive team environment by actively participating in meetings, brainstorming sessions and activities
• Provides mentorship and leadership to technical peers, non-technical peers, and work integrated learning opportunity students (WILOs)
• Identifies and addresses knowledge gaps, providing solutions or resources to bridge them
• Identifies when additional research or investigation is needed to address project challenges
• Stays abreast of the latest trends and advancements in machine learning and identify opportunities for their application within client organization
• Ensures the Principled AI Framework is integrated into all projects, promoting ethical AI development and usage

Research and Development

• Translates academic research into practical applications and industry solutions
• Conducts research in leading-edge methods in various AI domains, such as reinforcement learning (RL), computer vision (CV), natural language processing (NLP) and large language models (LLMs)
• Transfers knowledge across domains and industries to enhance client success in AI/ML adoption
• Supports fundamental research in AI through applied research projects and the development of research topics 
• Prepares manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Writes and reviews technical reports

Qualifications: 

• Masters in Computer Science with a specialization in Machine Learning or related field with relevant applied experience in Machine Learning
• 2+ years of experience developing, training, and evaluating machine learning models in an industrial setting
• 1+ years experience in a leadership capacity in industry or academic setting (nice to have)
• Applied research or industry experience at the intersection of machine learning and a relevant domain
• 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
• Proficient in the end-to-end ML lifecycle and understands MLOps best practices and frameworks
• Deep understanding of modern AI capabilities and limitations, with an understanding of translating emerging technologies (such as LLMs, computer vision, or multi-modal models) into product features
• Publication record in peer-reviewed academic conferences or relevant journals 
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences
• Thorough understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of a range of ML techniques across supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning
• Experience working at a startup or with startups (nice to have)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA): 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt, including working with disparate data, skill levels, and client needs
• Works independently and make informed decisions while collaborating with team members and subject matter experts 
• Able to identify gaps in knowledge and triage their own learning appropriately
• Comfortable taking a leadership role, providing expert scientific guidance and mentorship to both clients and junior team members
• Exhibits confidence and sound judgment while collaborating with subject matter experts

What you'll 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

How to Apply

If this sounds like the opportunity you've been waiting for, please don’t wait for the closing June 12, 2026 to apply - we’re 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! When sending your application, please send your resume and cover letter indicating why you think you'd be a fit for Amii. In your cover letter, please include one professional accomplishment you are most proud of and why.

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada at the time of application.

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 won’t be used in the selection process.