I’m seeking to identify candidates (1 PhD student and 1 Post-doctoral fellow) to nominate for these training awards. The successful candidate(s) will develop and disseminate AI methods to analyze complex data outputs from ABMs, including structural equation models, regression trees, random forests, CHAID, and AI tools for early-warning and tipping-point detection, to support ABM sensitivity and uncertainty analysis. Building on the MIRACLE project, which created online tools for analyzing ABM output databases, this project will integrate these AI methods into CoMSES to make ABM analysis more accessible and scientifically rigorous. Candidates will demonstrate these methods in their own will and will also contribute to development of additional research proposals. They will have access to a broad, interdisciplinary network of Canadian and international scholars working on this challenge, including the possibility of a co-advisor from another discipline.
Candidates must fit the criteria set out in the call: https://nserc-crsng.canada.ca/en/canada-impact-research-training-awards-qa . Specifically, candidates must be currently located at an institution outside Canada. Scholars whose research embeds equity and climate are particularly encouraged to apply.
Your applied research should also clearly contribute to one or more of the priority areas:
• Advanced digital technologies (including AI, quantum, and cybersecurity)
• Health, including biotechnology
• Clean technology and resource value chains
• Environment, climate resilience, and the Arctic
• Food and water security
• Democratic and community resilience
• Manufacturing and advanced materials
• Defence and dual-use technologies
Candidates should have prior experience in applying advanced sensitivity analysis to agent-based or similar simulation models, using open-source software tools. They should also have an outstanding record of publication, given their career stage.
To apply, please send an e-mail to Dawn Parker (dcparker@uwaterloo.ca) with a subject header of “Canada Impact+ Traineeship <Your Name>,” including a letter of interest that demonstrates how your qualifications fit these requirements, along with publication samples and the names and e-mail contacts of 3 references.
As our internal nomination deadline is Feb. 17th, these materials must be received by Feb. 9, 2026.