Funded PhD Student Position in AI and Sustainability

The Trustworthy AI Lab at Ontario Tech University has an opening for a funded 4-year PhD position to work on Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability.

The position will be supervised by Dr Peter Lewis, Canada Research Chair in Trustworthy AI at Ontario Tech and Dr. Sedef Akinli Kocak, Director of Professional Development at the Vector Institute and Adjunct Professor 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 PhD research will be at the intersection of AI and sustainability. The project will focus on developing new data-driven tools for the audit and optimization of AI sustainability, including decision science for sustainability-driven decisions in AI adoption by businesses, and/or multi-criteria optimization of the sustainability of AI systems. This area includes, but not limited to, designing methodologies that enable businesses and organizations to assess, compare and enhance the environmental, social and economic impacts of AI solutions. It is anticipated that the research will lead to new sustainability impact assessment and decision tools ready to be adopted across sectors.

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 PhD Computer Science program, and must meet the entry requirements for that program.

If you are interested, please reach out to Dr. Peter Lewis or Dr. Sedef Akinli Kocak 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.