Postdoctoral Fellowship in Artificial Intelligence and Indigenous Knowledge at OCAD University

OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work and create.

Project Details: Abundant Intelligences – Indigenous Approaches to Artificial Intelligence, an international Indigenous -led research program seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow in Artificial Intelligence and Indigenous Knowledge  for its research “pod” in Toronto, Canada. Abundant Intelligences conceptualizes, designs, develops, and deploys Artificial Intelligence based on Indigenous Knowledge Systems. https://abundant-intelligences.net/. The Toronto pod is comprised of faculty from OCAD University and York University in close partnership with collaborating institutions.

The Toronto pod is guided by the powerful history and traditions of the Dish with One Spoon agreement  https://talkingtreaties.ca/treaties-for-torontonians/dish-with-one-spoon/ that governs Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee protocols of collaboration in this region, aiming to develop a framework for AI research, education, and community benefit that embodies "Generous AI" – AI that is designed with intentionality for positive societal, cultural and economic impact and ethical considerations.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will join a research team whose thematic interests are focused on melding AI and Indigenous language learning through games design, building an Indigenous knowledge repository, the related the use of Indigenous AI to create, manage, reinterpret, “rematriate”/repatriate and recover archives and museum collections, experiential/spatial knowledge(s) and representation relevant to Dish with One Spoon territories and creative practices: including sound improvisation.

About our Team
Our team includes researchers from OCAD University and York University as well as independent community-based researchers. We embrace collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to change-making. We share a strong focus on indigenization, equity, and environmental sustainability, AI research and development.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will have shared supervision by Dr. Sara Diamond, OCAD U and Dr. Maya Chacaby, York U, with integration with other pod members.

Responsibilities:

• The Postdoctoral Fellow will play a crucial role in the technical design, development, and evaluation of AI systems applying Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
• Designing and Developing AI Prototypes: Contributing to the conceptualization, design, and initial development of AI tools and prototypes in relation to the principles and themes of the Dish with One Spoon project. This includes defining metrics, analyzing results, and iterating designs.
• Integrating Diverse Knowledge Systems: Actively exploring and integrating principles from Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into the technical architecture and design choices of AI systems, particularly as they relate to data representation, ethical AI frameworks, and beneficial applications.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Working closely with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including Indigenous new media artists, neuroscientists, social workers, Indigenous AI knowledge keepers, AI ethicists, and community partners, to develop research projects that bring together Indigenous perspectives and AI, translating research objectives into technical requirements and solutions.
• Documentation and Knowledge Transfer: Creating comprehensive technical documentation, including code repositories, system specifications, and research methodologies.
• Dissemination of Research: Preparing and publishing peer-reviewed articles in leading AI, computer science, and interdisciplinary journals and conference proceedings. Presenting technical results at academic conferences and industry meetings. Presenting research to Indigenous communities and organizations.
• Communication and Outreach: Contributing to the creation of technical content for websites, social media, and other communication materials to effectively convey project progress and impact to diverse audiences.
• Working with Technicians and other research personnel, where relevant, by ensuring the appropriate and safe use of materials, equipment and/or facilities

Qualifications:

• Indigenous citizenship (First Nations, Métis, Inuit), connection to an Indigenous community, a history and/or evidence of lived experience and an understanding of the Indigenous culture(s) and practices
• A PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of or interest in Indigenous Knowledge Systems and interest in applying IKS to research and application development.
• Strong understanding of AI ethics and responsible AI development principles.
• Demonstrated capacity to work in a highly collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated experience in programming with languages commonly used in AI development (e.g., Python, R, Java, C++, JSON).
• Experience in designing, developing, and evaluating AI/Machine Learning models.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences including community organizations and groups.
• Experience with technical documentation and version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity, and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for all.
• Ability to participate in academic publication, including preparing manuscripts and presenting at conferences.
• Where relevant, sound knowledge of, and commitment to, healthy and safe work practices

Hours of Work: Full-time, 35 hours per week over the period of October 1st 2025 to September 30th 2026. 

Work Environment:

The incumbent in this role will be expected to report to work on campus at the Visual Analytics Lab at 205 Richmond St. W, Toronto, ON, and participate in hybrid and online research.

Compensation: $55,000 per year, plus 4% vacation pay and 6% in lieu of benefits

Please note the following:

• The period of employment may be extended for up three years, conditional upon continued funding of the Project by OCAD U’s external funding partners, and upon satisfactory execution of duties.

Application Process:  
Please submit the following as one PDF document: 

1. A one-page cover letter explaining your interest in this specific role and how your technical skills and research interests align with the project's focus on ethical AI and diverse knowledge systems.
2. Your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
3. The contact information for three (3) professional referees.

Interested applicants are invited to submit their application in confidence addressed to Dr. Sara Diamond and Dr. Maya Chacaby online by clicking the “Apply for this Position” button below.

Please submit your application before the application review date of September 30, 2025. Review of applications will continue until the position has been filled.

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources for more information or refer to OCAD U's Policy on Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities.

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.