Job Description

This position is part of the Post Doctoral Fellows Association and has an initial appointment of 1 year, renewable for an additional year, subject to the availability of funding and satisfactory performance.


This position has a comprehensive benefits package.

Location -

This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

Position Summary

We are seeking exceptional candidates for a post-doctoral appointment to be held jointly in the Wright lab, supervised by Dr. James Wright, and the EdTeKLA research group, supervised by Dr. Carrie Demmans Epp, as well as affiliated with the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii).


The postdoc will work on researching how admissions are conducted, modelling current admissions practices, informing changes to admissions policies, and implementing AI-based supports for supporting admissions processes. Analyses to be done will include active sampling/optimal experimentation, Heckman correction, and Plackett-Luce preference models. The postdoc will also be involved in the planning of studies that may rely on questionnaires, cognitive interviews or think-alouds, interviews or focus groups, thematic analysis, and software development.


We are especially interested in candidates who transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries and complement our existing strengths.


Amii is part of the CIFAR $125M Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, and has attracted an extremely strong cohort of professors, post-docs, and graduate students, which has enhanced what was already a very strong machine learning community in Edmonton.


Founded in 1964, the Department of Computing Science at the University of Alberta is the oldest and one of the largest computing science departments in Canada. We have an international reputation for contributions in the many fields of computing, both in foundations and applications. The Department currently consists of 51 faculty members, approximately 326 graduate students, 20 post-doctoral fellows and research associates, 1,352 undergraduate students and 12 administrative staff. Our research partners come from a wide variety of industries and other academic disciplines. We offer courses and research opportunities in several disciplines, including Artificial Intelligence, Database Systems, Computer Games, Machine Learning, Robotics, Software Engineering, Artificial Man-Machine Interfaces, Bioinformatics, Communication Networks, Algorithmics, Computer Graphics, Computer Vision, Software Systems, Human Computer Interaction, Internetworking, and Multimedia.


The Faculty of Science is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education. Through pioneering discovery and innovation, the faculty addresses global challenges across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computing science, physics, mathematics, and earth sciences. Its work positions the university at the forefront of technological, environmental, and scientific advancement.Building models that predict admission decisions Exploring alternative admissions policies and their potential implications Conducting human-participant studies Co-developing and implementing new admissions procedures Evaluating the effects of using alternative admissions procedures Informing policy changes Writing for reporting and scholarly purposes A completed PhD is required Demonstrated expertise in statistical analyses or machine learning is required Proficiency in English is required Backgrounds in measurement, cognitive science, and data science with application to education are advantageous Experience with data management and post-secondary education is desired

Review of applications will begin on 15 November and will continue until a suitable candidate is found.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" and submit the following documents:

Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae Statement of Research Interests, References - names & contact info of 3-5 references One-page summary on key contributions to major papers

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.




The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.




Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.




At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms--physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.




The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.




L'Universite de l'Alberta s'engage a creer une communaute universitaire ou chaque personne se sent valorisee, ou les obstacles a la reussite sont elimines et ou des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se developper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiees. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premieres nations, Metis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapees; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identite et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.