###Please see Special Instructions for more details.

• This position will remain open until filled; however the first review of applications will begin on March 23, 2026. -This position is contingent on conditional funding and does not qualify for conversion under the AUPE Collective Agreement.

##Posting Details

Position Information

Position Title

Applied AI Research Specialist

Position Summary

The Division of Applied Research at Red Deer Polytechnic is a nationally recognized leader in industry-driven innovation and one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges. Focused on Advanced Manufacturing, Energy, Health and Social Innovation, and supported by data-driven decision-making, the Division helps partners explore, test, and validate solutions to real-world challenges. Through flagship centres such as the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing (CIM TAC) and the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), it offers specialized expertise, advanced facilities, and collaborative, project-based research opportunities.

By delivering customized applied research support, the Division enables innovators to design, develop, and evaluate technology-enabled solutions that improve productivity, competitiveness, and community impact. Known for technical excellence, responsiveness, and practical outcomes, the Division continues to expand partnerships and accelerate innovation across Alberta’s ecosystem.

Within this work, the Data-Driven Innovation portfolio advances applied research through collaborative projects focused on data-enabled and AI-driven solutions. By transforming real-world data into actionable insights, prototypes, and decision-support tools, the portfolio provides partners with a low-risk, affordable way to assess emerging digital technologies before large-scale adoption.

The Applied AI Research Assistant supports these efforts as an applied research role, contributing to experimentation, prototype development, and documentation while supervising students and interns. Working closely with senior staff, researchers, and external partners, the role supports applied problem-solving in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment.

Position Responsibilities

Expert Advice:

• Support applied artificial intelligence and data-driven research activities for internal teams and external industry partners under the guidance of senior technical staff
• Assist clients and project partners in understanding the potential application of artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies to address defined industrial or operational challenges
• Participate in technical discussions and project meetings to support problem definition, task planning, and applied research activities
• Provide technical input and support to applied research teams in alignment with established project objectives and research plans
• Contribute to technical decision-making discussions by evaluating trade-offs, risks, and feasibility of AI approaches

Technology Development:

• Support technical requirements on both external customer projects and internal applied
• Support technical requirements on applied research projects by contributing to defined tasks in accordance with established project scope, timelines, and deliverables
• Assist with the development, testing, and evaluation of artificial intelligence and machine learning models for research and prototype purposes
• Support data-related activities including data preparation, preprocessing, annotation, and basic feature engineering using established methods
• Assist with experimentation and validation activities using predefined metrics and evaluation approaches
• Support the development of research prototypes and proof-of-concept systems intended for demonstration or pilot use
• Apply responsible and ethical AI practices, including adherence to data privacy requirements, documentation standards, and awareness of model limitations
• Provide day-to-day technical supervision and guidance to students, interns, and junior research contributors assigned to applied research projects
• Assign and monitor defined technical tasks for students and interns in alignment with established project plans and timelines
• Review student and intern work products, including code, documentation, and experimental outputs, and provide constructive technical feedback
• Support onboarding and orientation of students and interns by explaining project objectives, tools, workflows, and documentation standards
• Escalate technical or project-related issues to senior technical staff as required
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by reviewing relevant research literature, participating in training activities, and exploring emerging AI tools and technologies

Business Development:

• Support the delivery of applied research projects on time and within budget while maintaining positive relationships with clients

• Assist in the preparation of technical reports, proposals, presentations, and demonstrations for clients and stakeholders

• Support relationship development with clients through meetings, knowledge sharing presentations

Required Qualifications

• Graduate diploma or five (5) years of university (must have an undergraduate degree), or four (4) year undergraduate degree plus one-year college diploma, or two (2) undergraduate degrees representing five years of study or equivalent to 4 years of education plus a professional designation in computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer engineering, data science, or a related field

• Experience gained through academic coursework, applied research projects, internships, co-op placements, or thesis work

• Experience working with data, software, or analytical tools in an academic or applied project setting

• Proficiency in Python and familiarity with common AI and machine learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, OpenCV, Hugging Face)

• Experience with data preprocessing, experimentation, and model evaluation workflows

• Exposure to artificial intelligence, machine learning, or data analysis through coursework or applied projects is considered an asset

• Experience translating research objectives into experimental designs, conducting iterative experimentation, and documenting results in technical reports or publications

• Experience working with real-world, imperfect, or unstructured datasets is considered an asset

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree (MSc) in computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer engineering, data science, or a related field

• Ability to follow structured research plans while contributing independent problem-solving and experimentation

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document and present technical work

• Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills, with attention to detail and quality

• Curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to learn in a fast-paced applied research environment

• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team with minimal supervision

• Experience supervising, mentoring, or supporting students or interns in an academic or project-based setting is considered an asset

Salary or Hourly?

Salary

Salary

$67,772 - $79,283 annually

Benefits and Compensation Information

An additional 15% of the hourly rate in lieu of vacation, statutory holidays and benefits

About Red Deer Polytechnic

Focused on advancing the economic and social priorities of Alberta,Red Deer Polytechnic(RDP) provides more than 100 industry-relevant credit and non-credit programs to approximately 11,000 credit, non-credit and apprenticeship students. With modern teaching and learning spaces, and state-of-the-art research and innovation centres, RDP provides education and applied research opportunities in partnership with industry and communities.

Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus is located on Treaty 7, Treaty 6 and Métis ancestral lands. This is where we will strive to honour and transform our relationships with one another.

Whatever brings you to Red Deer Polytechnic, we are glad you are here. And we look forward to having you as a valued member of ourpolytechnic community****.

Posting Detail Information

Competition Number

2026-A-044

Employment Type

Term-Certain Full-Time

Number of Vacancies

1

Desired Start Date

04/15/2026

Position End Date (if term-certain)

06/30/2030

FTE

1

Hours of Work

35 hours per week

Open Date

03/17/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Note to Applicant

Red Deer Polytechnic fosters an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can bring their full selves and share their unique talents. We are committed to being responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our diverse community.

At RDP, we are committed to a merit-based hiring process, and we believe in an inclusive workplace that is fair, equitable, supportive, welcoming and respectful. We recognize, value, and leverage differences in identities, abilities, background, cultures, skills, experiences, and perspectives. Our practices are guided by the principles of the Alberta Human Rights Act and support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. If you believe you have the skills and equivalent experience and potential to contribute to this role, we encourage you to apply

Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code. To request an accommodation, please contactPeopleandculture@rdpolytech.ca.

Special Instructions to Applicants

• This position will remain open until filled; however the first review of applications will begin on March 23, 2026. -This position is contingent on conditional funding and does not qualify for conversion under the AUPE Collective Agreement.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Resume

Optional Documents