This competition is restricted to internal applicants of the University of Alberta. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position has an initial appointment of one year.

**Location -**This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

This position tackles one of the most fundamental challenges in modern AI: interpretability and explainability. As large language models and other advanced learning systems are increasingly deployed across real-world settings — including high-stakes and sensitive domains, the need for AI that is not only accurate, but also reliable, transparent, and trustworthy, has become critical.

The Faculty of Science is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education. Through pioneering discovery and innovation, the faculty addresses global challenges across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computing science, physics, mathematics, and earth sciences. Its work positions the university at the forefront of technological, environmental, and scientific advancement.

Interpretability & Explainability Research

• Design and prototype interpretability methods for LLMs' behavior (e.g., representation probing, counterfactual comparisons) by implementing research ideas in Python/PyTorch and validating feasibility with small-scale pilots.
• Develop explainability artifacts (feature attributions, concept-level summaries, rationale templates) and assess faithfulness by comparing explanations against controlled perturbations/counterfactuals.

Experimental Evaluation & Benchmarking

• Build and maintain evaluation pipelines for datasets/benchmarks by implementing data loaders, preprocessing, and reproducible experiment configs (seed control, versioned dependencies).
• Perform ablations and sensitivity analyses.
• Optimize runtime and reliability by introducing caching, batching, and GPU-aware inference to reduce end-to-end evaluation time while preserving identical outputs.

Reporting and Publication

• Prepare technical reports and research summaries by synthesizing results into clear findings, limitations, and recommended next steps.

• Write publications and maintain a structured record of experimental settings to support reproducibility.

• A PhD in AI or a related field is required.

• The position requires a high degree of initiative, creativity, and original thought to identify research opportunities, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and develop new trustworthy methods for AI systems.

• Beyond the minimal educational requirement (PhD in a relevant field), the position requires the ability to independently conduct research in the role’s area and to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

This position offers a salary range of $63,465 to $87,276. This position is not eligible for benefits.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.