JOB DESCRIPTION

Machine Learning Associate (MLA)

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Vector Institute is seeking Machine Learning Associates (MLAs) to join the FastLane MLA Program. In this role, MLAs will be matched with Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to work on applied projects focused on generative AI and agentic workflows. Working in teams of two to three individuals, MLAs will design, develop, and deliver proof-of-concept AI solutions that address real-world business challenges.

This is a remote or hybrid position, with placements offered in either full-time (36.25 hours/week) or part-time (20 hours/week) formats, depending on MLA availability and company requirements. MLAs will receive technical mentorship and structured support from Vector’s Technical Advisors and Project Specialists throughout the project cycle.

Start date: January 19, 2026

End date: May 8, 2026

FASTLANE MLA PROGRAM AT VECTOR

The FastLane MLA Program is a four-month, cohort-based initiative led by the Vector Institute and designed to support the career growth of early-stage AI professionals while accelerating AI adoption in Canada’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The program connects graduate-level AI talent with innovative companies to deliver applied AI solutions that create real business value.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Understand Business Case

• Work with the company and MLAs to frame the AI problem based on business needs;
• Research and design effective AI solutions aligned with the company’s business goals, data readiness, and infrastructure constraints; and,
• Break down complex problems into minimal milestones and develop a project plan that ensures value delivery within the project timeline.

Develop Proof-of-Concept (POC)

• Preprocess data to meet the quality and format needs of the AI model or pipeline;
• Develop, test, and evaluate models and pipelines to deliver robust, scalable AI solutions;
• Deploy AI solutions on company-provided infrastructure, such as GCP, AWS, or Azure;
• Refine and optimize the AI solution through iterative experimentation; and,
• Rapidly design, develop, and deliver AI solutions tailored to the company’s use case.

Deliver Business Value

• Engage in regular touchpoints with Vector and the company to align with business needs;
• Utilize learning sessions and office hours to transfer knowledge and support the company’s AI adoption efforts;
• Create project documentation, including a Showcase Day presentation, and Final Report;
• Ensure seamless handover to the company through clear and well-documented deliverables; and,
• Perform other duties as required to ensure project success.

PROFILE OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• You are a student or recent graduate of an AI-focused Master’s or PhD program in Canada, or conducting research under the supervision of a Vector Institute Faculty Member.
• You have completed at least one machine learning project involving design, development, and deployment in either an academic or professional setting.
• You are proficient in Python programming.
• You have knowledge of AI techniques related to generative AI and agentic workflows, such as prompt engineering, RAG, fine-tuning, autonomous agents, memory and tools integration, and synthetic data generation.
• You have hands-on experience with leading ML frameworks and tools commonly used in generative AI and agentic workflows, such as TensorFlow, LangChain, OpenAI Agent SDK, and Streamlit or Gardio.
• You have prior experience deploying AI solutions in real-world or production environments.
• You are available for the full duration of the cohort, with no more than 20-hours per week of other commitments if part-time, or no other ongoing commitments if full-time.

NICE TO HAVE

• You have a portfolio of ML/AI projects across academic, professional, or personal contexts.
• You have participated in rapid AI development settings such as hackathons, the AI4Good Lab, etc.
• You have published research or conference papers related to artificial intelligence.
• You achieved professional certifications related to ML/AI solution development.
• You have received scholarships or awards in recognition of your work in AI.
• You have experience with software development practices, tools, or workflows.

Compensation: $25/hour.

HOW TO APPLY

If you're interested in this opportunity, please carefully review the key responsibilities and requirements outlined above.

To learn more about the program and the application process, you are encouraged to attend an optional Call for Participation (CfP) information session happening on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m ET. You can register here for the Student CfP information session.

Submit your application through this application portal before 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, October 24, 2025.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this exciting opportunity and will be in touch with those whose qualifications most closely match with our needs. Please note that all meetings are currently being held remotely.

At the Vector Institute, we are committed to driving excellence and leadership in Canada’s knowledge, creation, and use of AI to foster economic growth and improve the lives of Canadians. We strive for greater inclusion in the programs and culture that we build by welcoming and encouraging applications from all qualified candidates. This includes, but is not limited to, applicants who are indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, racialized persons/visible minorities, women, and people with disabilities..

If you require an accommodation at any point throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact hr@vectorinstitute.ai, and we will happily work with you to meet your needs.