Machine Learning Scientist, Industry

"Are you driven by curiosity and the pursuit of advancing machine learning research with real-world relevance? We're seeking a Machine Learning Scientist to join our interdisciplinary team tackling AI challenges across industries. We’re looking for someone who thrives at the intersection of innovation and application, and is eager to help clients not just solve problems, but transform the way they work with AI."

- James Dang, Product Owner, Industry

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

Reporting to the Lead Machine Learning Scientist, Industry, the Machine Learning Scientist (MLS) uses their scientific knowledge and applied industry experience to lead the research and development efforts of Amii industry partners and clients. They bridge the gap between business opportunities and fundamental ML techniques, providing scientific insights and leadership on technical projects.

This position guides clients in identifying, defining, and scoping machine learning projects, while coaching them through the model-building process and developing proofs of concept. The MLS is vital for determining data needs, selecting modeling techniques, onboarding technical resources, and identifying when additional research is needed, and evaluating success.

The position focuses on achieving excellence in three main accountabilities:

• Client Success: Work with Amii clients to advance their ML projects and capabilities.
• Technical Coaching & Collaboration: Work with technical staff and WILOs to provide technical coaching and guidance to help team members grow in their positions and ensure client success.
• Machine Learning Expertise: Serve as a subject matter expert to guide and support organizational initiatives.

This position requires the selected candidate to be located in Edmonton or be willing to relocate to Edmonton prior to the position start date.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Success

• Advises clients in identifying, defining, and scoping their machine learning projects
• Collaborates with Amii clients to understand their machine learning goals, challenges, and requirements
• Coaches clients through the model-building process, providing expertise and support
• Leads meetings with the client, preparing presentations and reports
• Facilitates client workshops, providing technical expertise and leading discussions with client representatives from all levels of the organization
• Conducts client discovery sessions to understand and determine specific needs and requirements
• Develops and nurtures strong relationships with clients through effective communication and scientific excellence
• Assesses emerging tools, technologies, and techniques to recommend the most effective solutions for client projects
• Presents complex scientific concepts and findings in a clear and accessible manner to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership
• Incorporates client feedback to enhance delivery and ensure client success

Technical Coaching & Collaboration

• Collaborates with scientists, project managers, and stakeholders to ensure effective cross-functional teamwork
• Encourages and maintains a problem-solving approach to work while acting as a coach and collaborator
• Contributes to the development and implementation of science-related components within the program and product roadmap
• Models client engagement leadership for junior team members
• Provides mentorship and leadership to technical peers, non-technical peers, and work integrated learning opportunity students (WILOs)
• Oversees the project team’s work and refines final client deliverables
• 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 scientific guidance and oversight for assigned client engagements
• Leverages industry experience and ML expertise to advise clients effectively throughout their machine learning journey
• Determines and assesses the data requirements for machine learning projects
• Identifies and lays out machine learning solutions to fit client-specific needs and goals
• Articulates the value and impact of the machine learning solutions provided, highlighting their benefits and outcomes
• Advises clients on machine learning best practices and strategies to meet their objectives
• Provides technical mentorship to junior team members, fostering the application of best practices and advanced techniques
• Stays up to date on industry trends and best practices
• Evaluates the success of machine learning projects, providing insights and recommendations for improvement
• Develops and tests AI prototypes to evaluate their potential for enhancing client engagements
• Identifies when additional research or investigation is needed to address project challenges
• Oversees and writes technical reports for industry clients
• Ensures the Principled AI Framework is integrated into all projects, promoting ethical AI development and usage

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
• Experienced in a client-facing role, routinely facilitating and guiding conversations with client stakeholders
• 1+ years experience in a leadership capacity in industry or academic setting (nice to have)
• 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
• Understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of a range of ML techniques across supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning and hands‑on experience applying these techniques on a range of problems
• Grasp of the full ML project lifecycle, from data engineering to MLOps, along with the market leading tools
• Experience leveraging cloud based tools for ML model building and deployment with expert knowledge of one major cloud provider (nice to have)
• Publication record in peer‑reviewed academic conferences or relevant journals (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 makes 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
• 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

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.