AI Innovation Specialist

MEOPAR

5d • Remote

About The Position

MEOPAR is a not-for-profit network funded by the Strategic Science Fund (SSF) that is focused on supporting leading-edge research and connecting top researchers across Canada with highly qualified personnel, partners, and communities. Together, our mission is to address the problems and opportunities of the changing marine environment. MEOPAR funds leading-edge research, overcomes barriers to collaborative research, and helps to train the next generation of marine professionals. Reporting to the Director of CIOOS, the AI Innovation Specialist plays a key role in advancing both MEOPAR’s and CIOOS’ mission by applying artificial intelligence to make oceanographic data more discoverable, accessible, and usable. This role leads the design, development, and deployment of practical AI solutions, while also building and maintaining the data pipelines and systems that support them. Working with internal teams and external partners, you will deliver scalable tools that enhance search, data exploration, and metadata integration. You will own solutions from concept through to ongoing optimization, ensuring performance, reliability, and alignment with data governance and responsible AI practices. This role requires a balance of hands-on technical expertise and strategic thinking in a collaborative, multi-stakeholder environment. You will translate emerging AI capabilities into practical applications, support adoption through strong communication and change management, and help drive continuous improvement across the network. You’ll leverage your strengths as a self-directed and adaptable professional to operate effectively in a resource-constrained environment, confidently navigating ambiguity, identifying priorities, and delivering impactful solutions with minimal direction.

Requirements

• Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Earth or Environmental Sciences, or a related field.
• 4+ years of relevant experience delivering applied AI, machine learning, or data-driven software projects.
• Proven experience building and shipping AI applications
• Strong hands-on proficiency in Python and modern AI/LLM frameworks and libraries, and comfort integrating APIs, and data pipelines.
• Knowledge of MLOps/LLMOps practices (versioning, testing, monitoring).
• Strong experience leading projects end-to-end and coordinating the contributions of developers or external partners.
• Awareness of responsible-AI practices — data security, privacy, bias, and explainability — and an interest in AI governance.
• A strong communicator and independent problem-solver who shows initiative and creativity, comfortable working with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, developers, and communicators, and able to translate strategy into practical delivery.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with workflow automation (RPA) is considered an asset.
• Experience working with oceanographic, environmental, or scientific datasets is an asset.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design, development, and deployment of AI solutions, from concept through to production and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain data pipelines and systems that support AI tools, ensuring data quality, integrity, and alignment with governance standards.
• Integrate AI capabilities into existing platforms, enhancing metadata, search, and data accessibility across the network.
• Identify opportunities for AI application, develop proofs of concept, and evaluate emerging technologies to drive continuous innovation.
• Oversee deployment and performance of AI solutions within cloud environments, establishing best practices in MLOps/LLMOps, security, and reproducibility.
• Contribute to AI strategy and governance, supporting policy development, risk management, and ethical AI use.
• Build strong relationships across internal and external partners, leading communication, training, and adoption efforts to drive successful AI implementation.
• Coordinate cross-functional contributions, provide guidance to developers and partners, and ensure alignment with organizational priorities.

Benefits

• Work with a passionate team dedicated to advancing marine research
• Contribute to having a positive impact on Canada’s marine environment
• Be part of a collaborative and inclusive work culture
• Grow and develop professionally
• Vacation and leave allowances
• Group health and dental plans
• Save for your future through contribution to matched RRSP program
• Be compensated fairly and competitively - MEOPAR pays in line with the Canadian government’s salary scales and offers a comprehensive benefits plan and generous leave allowance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level