Mitacs Elevate Post-Doctoral Fellow – Accessible Explainable Artificial Intelligence

Job Summary

Ontario Tech University in Oshawa, Durham region is seeking a Mitacs Elevate Post‑Doctoral Fellow to advance research in accessible, explainable artificial intelligence within the Mindful AI Research Institute.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting‑edge research on trustworthy and explainable AI methods that are accessible to users with visual impairments.
• Collaborate closely with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) to translate research outcomes into practical tools and guidelines.
• Publish findings in high‑impact journals and present at international conferences.
• Mentor graduate students and contribute to the Trustworthy AI Lab’s research agenda.
• Prepare reports and deliver knowledge‑translation activities for both academic and industry stakeholders.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Human‑Computer Interaction, or a related discipline.
• Strong background in explainable AI, machine learning, or accessible technology design.
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams and external partners, preferably in disability‑focused projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; track record of peer‑reviewed publications.
• Ability to secure and manage Mitacs Elevate funding and meet reporting obligations.

What We Offer

• Funding through the Mitacs Elevate program for a two‑year post‑doctoral appointment.
• State‑of‑the‑art research facilities and access to Ontario Tech’s AI labs.
• Opportunities for collaborative research with CNIB and other industry partners.
• Professional development support and mentorship from Dr. Peter Lewis, Canada Research Chair in Trustworthy AI.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary research focus of this post‑doctoral fellowship?

The fellowship focuses on developing accessible, explainable artificial intelligence solutions, particularly for users with visual impairments.

Who will supervise the Mitacs Elevate Fellow?

The fellow will be supervised by Dr. Peter Lewis, Canada Research Chair in Trustworthy AI, within the Trustworthy AI Lab.

Is experience with disability‑focused projects required?

While not mandatory, prior experience collaborating on accessibility or disability‑related research is highly preferred.