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 work, stand and create.
OCAD University, Canada’s largest and oldest art and design university, is a vibrant community of bold, curious and compassionate artists, designers and scholars who are imagining and creating a joyful, equitable and sustainable world. The University is an internationally renowned hub for art, design, digital media, research, innovation and creativity, and arts administration. It embraces collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to change-making through art, design-thinking curriculum and research, making OCAD U a local, regional, national and global leader in art and design.
It is an exciting time to join the OCAD U community. The University is at a key stage in its institutional transformation, with the implementation of its Academic and Strategic Plan and guiding principles—driving positive impact, decolonization, indigenization, and equity, environmental sustainability, emerging as a vibrant hub, student-centered approaches, innovation in learning, teaching, and research, and financial stewardship.
Project Details:
Abundant Intelligences is an international research project (Canada, USA, New Zealand) that addresses the challenge of how to effectively integrate and adapt existing advanced computational methods, in specific Artificial Intelligence into Indigenous Knowledge systems; how to develop new computational practices from within Indigenous contexts to support the flourishing of Indigenous communities; and how to use the knowledge we generate to help guide the development of AI, generally and globally, towards a more humane future—a future of abundance.
The “A Dish with One Spoon ––Towards “Generous AI Invention and Collaboration” project includes Gatherings of Indigenous partners in the Tkaronto region, workshops, technical “tinker times”, the development of and then a two-eyed circle, and then a second stage of dialogues, resulting in drafts for reciprocal Protocols and their documentation. These events will apply these principles in relation to “generous AI” development– emerging as prototypes for future research.
Responsibilities:
-
Work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, Dr. Sara Diamond and OCAD U Indigenous faculty, other RAs and coordinator in support of the research goals and objectives of the Abundant Intelligences research.
-
Draw from Indigenous Knowledge Systems to assist in research activities.
-
Attend and engage with learning opportunities offered through the network.
-
Assisting with facilitation and undertaking of experiments with and evaluation of AI tools using an IKS framework. This work includes design and development of AI Prototypes: application of off-the-shelf AI software; adaptation of AI software; AI tool development.
-
Assisting with data collection including database creation, data gathering, data analysis, applying Indigenous data sovereignty principles.
-
Assisting with experimental systems design, including:
-
Graphic design, animation: 2D and 3D graphics production, games design, Augmented Reality application development, interaction design.
-
Physical computing: creation of sensor-based systems, wearable computing.
-
The creation of language learning environments.
-
Assisting with A/V documentation and production including audio production, event and interview documentation and editing.
-
Archival and collections research, application of AI to archival research .
-
Assisting with the promotion of research activities and engagement with community partners
-
Participating in the provision of safe and secure environment for all members of the University community and its facilities
Qualifications:
-
Currently enrolled at OCAD University, York University, or other GTA University, in a relevant undergraduate or graduate program
-
Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
-
Interest and demonstrated capacity in the use of AI/machine learning tools including language models, neural networks, graphics production.
-
Experience in programming with languages commonly used in AI development (e.g., Python, R, Java, C+ +, JSON).
-
Ability to build on current skills.
-
Strong understanding and interest in emerging AI ethics.
-
Ability to undertake a literature review.
-
Graphics and animation design -2D, 3D, Augmented Reality.
-
Design of physical computing, e.g. wearables, environmental sensors.
-
Preference will be given to Indigenous students.
-
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty
Hours of Work: 10 hours per week, starting as soon as possible, for up to 6 months with the possibility of renewal.
Work Environment: The position will include work in-person at the Visual Analytics Laboratory, OCAD University, 205 Richmond St. W, Toronto, ON.
Compensation: $37.28 (Graduate Rate) $23.54 (Undergrad Rate) per hour with an additional 4% in lieu of vacation and 6% in lieu of benefits, as applicable, per the provisions of the Employment Standards Act
Application Process:
- A one-page cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest
-
A curriculum vitae
-
The contact information for three (3) referees
Please upload all three (3) components as one PDF. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please name your upload: FirstName_LastName-Job Code
Interested applicants are invited to submit their application in confidence addressed to Dr. Sara Diamond, Professor, Faculty of Arts and Science.
The review of applications will begin on February 19, 2026 and will continue until the position has been filled.
If you require application support, please contact the People & Culture Office. Please note that People & Culture cannot update you on the status of your application as these searches are decentralized. You will only be contacted if you are shortlisted for an interview. If the posting is advertised, we are still accepting applications.
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.
We encourage members of designated equity-seeking groups to self-identify within the voluntary Applicant Questionnaire.
OCAD U 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 People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of 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.
