Postdoctoral Fellowship (Dalhousie University) - AI Resources for Environmental DNA

The Beiko and Whidden labs at Dalhousie University are currently seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow candidate to work on the large collaborative project TCA-AI, part of the multi-institutional Transforming Climate Action program (https://www.ofi.ca/programs/transform-climate-action).

The successful candidate will pioneer the use of generative artificial intelligence in the analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) data. The work will span many sites of economic and environmental importance, including marine harbours and marine protected areas, to assess and communicate the impacts of climate change and economic development on biodiversity. The successful candidate will work with the project team and external partners in government, industry, and nonprofits to develop and deploy AI-based tools for interactive querying of data, and automated reporting and visualization of results.

Core Activities

  • Data Standards and Integration: Collaboration in the development of data standards for eDNA data repositories, and integration of geographic and other contextual (e.g., acoustic) data.
  • Algorithm and Tool Development: Create novel algorithms to process eDNA data in response to natural-language user queries, and implement these algorithms and tools on a high-performance computing backend.
  • Interactive Visualizations: Build tools to automatically generate appropriate interactive visualizations of query results.

Required Qualifications

  • PhD in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or a related field, awarded by the position start date
  • Demonstrated track record (open-source software projects, publications, and/or conference presentations) in the development of Generative AI tools
  • Strong programming skills with proficiency in Python and R
  • Experience working with relational and non-relational database management systems
  • Exceptional communication skills and a proven ability to work with distributed, multidisciplinary teams
  • Strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in research and professional practice

Valuable Skills

  • Prior experience working with genomic data, especially eDNA and metagenomics
  • Experience using data in a secure setting
  • Development of novel data visualizations
  • Teaching / training experience (e.g., workshops, courses, interaction with non-specialists)

Application process: Candidates should provide a brief cover letter that outlines their interest and relevant experience, a CV, copies of unofficial transcript, and contact details of two referees. Applications and inquiries should be directed to Robert Beiko (rbeiko@dal.ca), with the subject heading ā€œTCA-AI PDF applicationā€.

Position start date: September 1, 2026

Application deadline: August 18, 2026, or until the position is filled.

Dalhousie University is located in the vibrant oceanside city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (www.dal.ca) and welcomes 21,000 students from across the country and more than 115 countries around the world. Dalhousie is one of Canadaā€™s leading research universities and is a world leader in ocean research. The city of Halifax has a vibrant ocean sector that includes government agencies, companies, and startup incubators. The successful applicant will have access to programs that support research commercialization.

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Miā€™kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, and persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.