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.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
AI Solution Development & Delivery: Lead the end-to-end design, development, and deployment of AI solutions, from concept through to production and continuous improvement.-
Data Engineering & Infrastructure: Build and maintain data pipelines and systems that support AI tools, ensuring data quality, integrity, and alignment with governance standards.
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Systems Integration & Optimization: Integrate AI capabilities into existing platforms, enhancing metadata, search, and data accessibility across the network.
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Innovation & Prototyping: Identify opportunities for AI application, develop proofs of concept, and evaluate emerging technologies to drive continuous innovation.
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AI Operations & Standards: Oversee deployment and performance of AI solutions within cloud environments, establishing best practices in MLOps/LLMOps, security, and reproducibility.
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Governance & Responsible AI: Contribute to AI strategy and governance, supporting policy development, risk management, and ethical AI use.
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Stakeholder Engagement & Change Management: Build strong relationships across internal and external partners, leading communication, training, and adoption efforts to drive successful AI implementation.
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Project Leadership & Collaboration: Coordinate cross-functional contributions, provide guidance to developers and partners, and ensure alignment with organizational priorities.
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Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Earth or Environmental Sciences, or a related field.
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4+ years of relevant experience delivering applied AI, machine learning, or data-driven software projects.
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Proven experience building and shipping AI applications
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Strong hands-on proficiency in Python and modern AI/LLM frameworks and libraries, and comfort integrating APIs, and data pipelines.
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Knowledge of MLOps/LLMOps practices (versioning, testing, monitoring).
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Strong experience leading projects end-to-end and coordinating the contributions of developers or external partners.
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Familiarity with workflow automation (RPA) is considered an asset.
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Awareness of responsible-AI practices — data security, privacy, bias, and explainability — and an interest in AI governance.
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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.
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Experience working with oceanographic, environmental, or scientific datasets is an asset.
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Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.
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Work with a passionate team dedicated to advancing marine research
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Contribute to having a positive impact on Canada’s marine environment
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Be part of a collaborative and inclusive work culture
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Grow and develop professionally
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Vacation and leave allowances
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Group health and dental plans
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Save for your future through contribution to matched RRSP program
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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
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MEOPAR is a Canada-wide employer - this position is open to candidates across Canada on a remote work basis.
You will work virtually and generally maintain regular business hours, Monday to Friday, totaling 40 hours per week, including a one-hour daily lunch break. Additional hours outside of normal working hours may be required from time to time. Some travel will be required.
MEOPAR is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equity and diversity within its community and promotes a work environment of mutual respect and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities. Applicants with atypical backgrounds are encouraged to include details of their learning experiences in the cover letter accompanying their CV. In accordance with Canada’s immigration requirements, priority will be given to qualified candidates with Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status.
If you require reasonable accommodation to take part in the employment process, please call 709-437-4300 or send an email to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request.
We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Position: Full-Time, Permanent
Location: Canada (Remote)
Application Close Date: August 23, 2026
