Masters Opportunity: AI and Decision Science for Sustainable Communities

Masters Opportunity: AI and Decision Science for Sustainable Communities The Trustworthy AI Lab at Ontario Tech University has an opening for a funded 2-year Masters (thesis) position to work on new approaches to building sustainable communities using artificial intelligence and decision science.

The position will be supervised by Dr Peter Lewis, Canada Research Chair in Trustworthy AI at Ontario Tech. A funding package is available comprising a Graduate Research Assistantship and Teaching Assistantship.

The student will join the Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence for Decision Optimization (QAI4DO) Training Program, which will train an interdisciplinary cohort of researchers able to bring together expertise in quantum computing, AI, and operations research, to make faster, more accurate decisions in sectors where precision, speed, and adaptability means real-world results for people, the planet, and the economy. The successful applicant will be enrolled as a member of this cohort, exploring the intersection of these fields across a number of training opportunities including bootcamps, workshops, and seminars, in addition to completing their regular graduate courses.

This Masters research will be at the intersection of AI, decision science, and techniques for building and sustaining healthy and pro-social communities. Based on recent research into how social norms and institutions form in groups, the project will focus on developing a new data-driven visualization and information sharing tool to enhance in-community self-awareness and to strengthen social behaviour. It is anticipated that the research will lead to new platforms for communities to self-organize and build resilience using these insights.

We are looking for a collaborative researcher with an interdisciplinary and open mindset. Candidates should have a background in computer science, artificial intelligence, decision science, optimization, or a related field. Strong programming and software or system design skills are a must. The candidate will be enrolled on the MSc Computer Science program, and must meet the entry requirements for that program.

If you are interested, please reach out to Dr. Peter Lewis for a discussion about the opportunity. Applications can be made through the Ontario Tech graduate admissions system. We anticipate a January 2026 start. See here to apply.