AI Discovery Associate (Fall 2026)

AltaML•Edmonton, AB

31d•Hybrid

About The Position

AltaML is seeking creative problem-solvers for an AI Discovery Associate role, focusing on applied AI solutions for the public sector. This 4-month paid contract, starting September 2026, offers hands-on experience in identifying high-value problems that AI can solve for public sector partners. The role involves working at the intersection of data and business strategy, exploring datasets to find patterns and inefficiencies, and translating these findings into scoped AI use cases with defined business value. You will also contribute to project deliverables such as use case documentation, scoping frameworks, and stakeholder presentations, using AI tools to enhance productivity. The position is designed for individuals comfortable with both data exploration and crafting business narratives, with opportunities for mentorship and potential full-time employment after the internship. This role is open to students enrolled at the University of Alberta, University of Calgary (Masters only), and University of Waterloo, and is funded by Mitacs. While AltaML has offices in Edmonton, Calgary, and Toronto, remote candidates are welcome.

Requirements

Enrolled in a Post secondary degree program at U of Alberta, U of Calgary (Masters Only), U Waterloo for the duration of the internship term
Excellent communication skills
Outstanding analytical skills
Strong desire to learn
Collaboration skills including an ability to advise a cross-functional team of machine learning developers, project delivery managers and IT specialists
Ability to work with clients to understand their needs and make recommendations for acceptable solutions

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in working as a business analyst in software development, data analytics or AI projects is a definite plus
Experience in conceptualizing and defining digital products and solutions, AI products is an asset, including the development of requirements, personas, journey maps, wireframes, workflows, and prototypes.
Experience with Miro and Figma is an asset
Knowledge of one or more of the following industries: Public Sector, Health Care, Oil and Gas, Environmental Sciences, Disaster Management, Finance, Social Services, Information Technology, or Supply Chain is an asset

Responsibilities

Dig into client data to identify patterns, gaps, and inefficiencies that signal meaningful business problems.
Assess whether and how AI or machine learning can address identified problems.
Translate raw data findings into clearly scoped use cases with defined business value.
Leverage modern AI tools such as Claude to accelerate analysis, surface insights from complex datasets, and pressure-test AI feasibility.
Develop a working understanding of client workflows, data landscapes, and the practical boundaries of what AI can realistically deliver.
Contribute directly to artifacts and outputs that move projects forward, including use case documentation, scoping frameworks, stakeholder presentations, and solution briefs.
Use AI tools like Claude as a productivity accelerator to draft, refine, and structure project deliverables efficiently.
Work alongside Project Delivery Managers and AI Architects, supporting the team in communicating findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences within government.