Tenure-Track Position in AI for Health

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

The Department of Computing Science at the University of Alberta invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position, starting as early as July 1st, 2027, in the broad area of AI/Health. We are looking for a researcher who advances the foundations of machine learning, through new theory, algorithms, or models, and whose research questions mostly come from clinical and biomedical practice. The successful candidate will work closely with clinician scientists and health researchers in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry and at the University of Alberta Hospital, while maintaining a strong methodological research program within Computing Science. The areas of interest include but are not limited to:

• Machine Learning Algorithms for Health
• Reinforcement Learning & Sequential Decision-Making for Treatment
• Causal Learning
• Multimodal and Heterogeneous Data Methods
• NLP for Health
• Computer Vision for Health
• Interpretable & Trustworthy AI
• Privacy-Preserving ML

The Department of Computing Science is one of the largest and oldest computing science departments in Canada. The Department has 54 tenured/tenure-track faculty members and 8 academic teaching staff who are recognized for their excellence in research and teaching at the international, national, and university level. The Department’s student population involves over 400 graduate and 2400 undergraduate students. The total undergraduate enrollment in Computing Science courses is over 6400 in each fall or winter term. The University of Alberta is home to over 44,000 students from 156 countries (divided roughly as 80% undergraduate and 20% graduate students) and 600 postdoctoral fellows.

The University of Alberta is committed to practices that advance Access, Community and Belonging (Strategic Plan for ACB) and to reconciliation (Indigenous Strategic Plan). The computing science department is committed to advancing ACB, and has an active EDI committee. We welcome applications from all qualified persons, including those with non-traditional career paths. Applicants are also encouraged to discuss, in their submitted statements (see below), how they will ensure access and promote community and belonging in teaching and foster equity, diversity and inclusion in research.

• Establish their own funded research programs
• Supervise graduate students
• Teach graduate and undergraduate courses

• The successful candidates must hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent) degree, whose primary focus is in Artificial Intelligence with health applications, by the appointment date.
• They are expected to have demonstrated research potential evidenced by publications in top venues (conferences or journals) within the target areas – both main AI venues as well as medical literature.
• They should also have strong communication skills and demonstrated commitment to highly effective graduate and undergraduate teaching.
• They will be expected to establish their own funded research programs, supervise graduate students, and teach graduate and undergraduate courses.
• Strong potential for productive interactions with other researchers in the Department of Computing Science and with health researchers at the University of Alberta will be considered an asset.

Application Instructions

Click “Apply Now” and submit the following documents:

• A full curriculum vitae.
• A 2-3 page research statement which must:
  • highlight contributions to their field of research,
  • present an overview of their planned research program for ~5 years after initial appointment,
  • describe how the candidate will interact, collaborate with, and complement other researchers at the University of Alberta.
• A 1-2 page teaching statement including their experience and interests.
• A description of their plans for helping to reduce inequities, remove barriers to access, and cultivate a sense of belonging in their teaching, research, mentorship, and service. This could be done in a separate 1-2 page statement, or throughout the application.
• One recent peer-reviewed published contribution to their field of research, that best exemplifies their research.
• A cover letter.
• We also require three confidential letters of reference. Please arrange to have these letters sent directly by your referee to [email protected], noting your application.

Complete applications and all reference letters must be received by January 8, 2027, for full consideration. Interviewees will have the opportunity to express the need for any accommodations, e.g., related to one's mobility, dietary restrictions, child care, etc.

For further information, please email Britta Nielsen, the Department Chair’s Executive Assistant, at [email protected] (using “Faculty Position in AI/Health 2027” as the email’s subject).

The successful candidate will be offered a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, including a comprehensive benefits package.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

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.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

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.

This position requires that the incumbent be eligible to participate in government-funded research projects including active ability to receive federal research funds on behalf of the university. Individuals having an active affiliation with a Named Research Organization are ineligible to participate in government-funded research projects in Sensitive Technology Research Areas in Canada. Applicants must be able to meet all applicable research security requirements.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.

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.