This position offers an unprecedented opportunity to work with world leaders in Artificial Intelligence (Amii), virology, and Drug Discovery. An example initial project is a collaboration on Drug Design with Nobel Laureate Michael Houghton and the team at the Li Ka Shing Virology Institute - LKSIoV.

- Adam Danyleyko | Product Owner, Advanced Technology

About the Role

Reporting to the Product Owner, Advanced Technology, the Applied Research Scientist bridges the gap between fundamental research in ML and industry applications by providing technical strategic direction for the organizations most ambitious clients and technical guidance for project leads.

The Applied Research Scientist is also responsible for developing, executing and validating applied AI research projects that impact Amii or create new business opportunities for the organization. The Applied Research Scientist leverages the outputs and assets of this research to showcase Amii as a thought leader in Applied AI. These activities include but are not limited to academic papers, whitepapers, conference presentations, tools and internal assets that allow our scientists across the organization to excel in their work.

Collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, the Applied Research Scientist delivers high-impact research that solidifies Amiis reputation as a global leader in the field. Through research excellence and alignment with Amiis mission of advancing AI for good and for all, this position fosters an environment where groundbreaking discoveries and ethical AI development thrive.

The position focuses on achieving excellence in four main accountabilities:

• Applied AI Research Projects: Define and validate applied AI research portfolio projects.
• Domain Expertise: Leverage profound drug discovery and AI expertise for use in applied AI research projects and industry engagements.
• Leadership & Strategy: Provide scientific thought leadership across industry and ML domains.
• Project Execution: Ensure successful implementation and delivery of our most ambitious applied AI research projects and industry engagements.

Required Skills / Expertise

Key Responsibilities:

Applied AI Research Projects

• Develops and proposes detailed proposals for Applied AI Research projects, including objectives, scope, methodologies, and resource requirements
• Conducts thorough validation of project feasibility, assessing technical requirements, potential risks, and alignment with organizational goals
• Regularly reviews and updates project plans to adapt to new insights, technologies, or shifts in industry trends
• Connects existing research with applied opportunities, leveraging insights to drive new project development
• Writes and publishes scientific and white papers

Domain Expertise - Drug Discovery & Design

• Leads AI research projects and translates research into practical applications
• Applies AI techniques to biological problems, particularly in protein design, drug discovery and drug design
• Leads and collaborates on academic publications in areas such as generative AI, deep learning and computational biology
• Collaborates with academic, pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners to integrate AI into drug discovery workflows
• Mentors and guides teams on best practices at the intersection of AI and drug discovery

Leadership & Strategy

• Leads and facilities complex, multi-stakeholder discussions to establish the technical and strategic direction for Advanced Tech client projects
• Mentors and provides strategic advice on complex AI client projects
• Assists in securing high-value Advanced Tech clients during the final stages of business development
• Develops and communicates a clear vision and strategy for the application of AI technologies for drug discovery and design

Project Execution

• Oversees the successful implementation of high-impact applied research projects
• Manages cross-functional teams, coordinates project timelines, and resolves challenges to ensure project success
• Evaluates project results to assess performance and determine whether to continue, pivot, or discontinue research projects
• Provides technical guidance and support to junior team members

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Machine Learning or related field with equivalent experience in AI/ML
• 5+ years of experience developing, training and evaluating machine learning models in an applied setting
• Experience applying AI techniques to biological problems, particularly in protein design, drug discovery, or drug design
• Strong publication record or demonstrated expertise in areas such as generative AI, deep learning, or computational biology
• Proven track record of leading successful AI research projects and translating research into practical applications
• Expert understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of a range of ML techniques across supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning
• Foundational and current knowledge of cutting-edge advancements in AI/ML
• 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, Optuna, Wandb, lightgbm/XGBoost, and SciPy
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates presence, self-confidence, sound judgment, and superior problem-solving ability
• Strong interpersonal communication skills for effective interactions with internal departments and external stakeholders
• A motivated leader who demonstrates individual drive and an uncompromising desire to achieve exceptional results
• Promotes high-level cross-functional collaboration and establishes credibility while influencing peers to achieve common goals
• Demonstrates professional maturity, resourcefulness and self-discipline in engaging in the pursuit of the organizations goals
• Able to work independently and make informed decisions while collaborating with staff and subject matter experts
• Active participation in the research community: publishing research, serving as research reviewers, supporting Amii students, speaking or teaching within their area of expertise

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 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.

How to Apply

If this sounds like the opportunity you've been waiting for, please dont wait to apply - were excited to add a new member to the Amii team for this position. This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. 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 wont be used in the selection process.