“Are you excited about working closely with ambitious founders and fast-moving teams to accelerate their ML capabilities? Ready to guide startup teams through key technical decisions that drive growth? Amii is looking for a driven Machine Learning Scientist (MLS) to join our Startup Team, lead client engagements, and apply machine learning expertise in industry, all while being part of a hard-working, fun, and culture-driven team.”
- Amor Provins, Product Owner, Startups
About the Role
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 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
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
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.
How to Apply
If this sounds like the opportunity you've been waiting for, please don’t wait for the closing May 28, 2025 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.
