Collaborate with world-leading AI researchers
Vector’s Black and Indigenous Research Internship program connects students and postdocs studying in Canada, with Vector’s Faculty Members to build research and expand career pathways in AI.
You’ll get to answer research questions like:
- How do we supercharge prompt engineering with human assistance?
- What is the best predictor for the different medical tests that the patient needs at SickKids emergency department between triage and seeing a medical provider?
- What do probabilistic predictions teach us about the trustworthiness of machine learning models and how do we evaluate them properly?
- What do training dynamics tell us about the trustworthiness of a deployed machine learning model?
“My internship led to some very exciting opportunities. I’m currently working on Vector’s Intro to ML Course for Black & Indigenous students, and am continuing to collaborate on projects with teammates from the lab. My experience at Vector gave me the confidence to apply for grad school so I can continue to work in this field!”
Mark Thomas
Vector Research Intern, Summer 2022 and 2023
Interning at Vector benefits:
Learn every day with research and commercialization talks, mentorship from the AI ecosystem, and targeted professional development opportunities to accelerate your career. Your future starts here.
Meet our previous interns
Mark Thomas
Vector Research Intern, Summer 2022 and 2023
“I was very grateful to be able to contribute to a paper, work alongside world-class researchers, and gain a better understanding of how machine learning research actually works.”
Wintta Ghebreiyesus
Project Management Intern, Summer / Fall 2022
“I got to meet and work with AI experts at Vector, as well sponsors from sectors such as banking, telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing. I also designed a four step self-assessment tool for participant readiness.”
Mark Thomas
Vector Research Intern, Summer 2022 and 2023
Current: BSc, Honours Computing Science, University of Alberta
What are some of the highlights of your experience at Vector?
Interning at Vector was a great experience! I was very grateful to be able to contribute to a paper, work alongside world-class researchers, and gain a better understanding of how machine learning research actually works.
How did your internship experience & being part of the Vector community impact your next steps?
My internship led to some very exciting opportunities. I’m currently working on Vector’s Intro to ML Course for Black & Indigenous students, and am continuing to collaborate on projects with teammates from the lab. My experience at Vector gave me the confidence to apply for grad school so I can continue to work in this field!
Wintta Ghebreiyesus
Project Management Intern, Summer / Fall 2022
Current: PhD Student in Aerospace Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University.
How did you discover you were interested in AI?
I’ve always had a strong interest in advanced technologies and innovative design. My background in avionics and controls systems has allowed me to do more with less and to help create a sustainable future. As an aerospace engineering student and with the advent of AI, I quickly realized that I needed to equip myself with the relevant tools and practices. My first step in this process was participating in Vector’s Intro to ML Course at the beginning of the year, where I learned about the introductory concepts of ML and explored commonly used ML algorithms.
What did you work on during your internship at Vector?
As a project management intern in the Industry Innovation team, I developed strategies for leveraging AI in diverse areas such as customer experience, retention and loyalty programs, ranging from customer segmentation and analytics to recommender systems and pricing strategies. I got to meet and work with AI experts at Vector, as well sponsors from sectors such as banking, telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing. I also designed a four step self-assessment tool for participant readiness.
Award opportunity
Upon completion of the applied or research internship, Black and Indigenous interns who are beginning or continuing their studies at a post-secondary institution in Canada will be eligible to apply for a $1,500 award to help offset the cost of their education.
Applications for Vector’s Black & Indigenous Research Internship program are currently closed.
Join our mailing list to get notified when applications reopen.
Who can apply
Vector’s Black & Indigenous Research Internship Program is offered to individuals who meet the following criteria:
- You are a self-identified black or indigenous (Indigenous ancestry or heritage – First Nations (status or non-status), Métis or Inuit) post-secondary student or Postdoctoral Fellow at a Canadian university or college;
- You are studying in a STEM program (Science, Technology/Computer Science, Engineering, Math);
- You have, at a minimum, completed your second year in an undergraduate program at a Canadian university;
- You have completed an intro to machine learning course.
This program is designed to meet the criteria of Special Programs in line with the values of the Ontario Human Rights Code to assist underrepresented groups to achieve equal opportunity in the field of AI.
Vector is committed to building a diverse workforce
At the Vector Institute we are committed to driving excellence and leadership in Canada’s knowledge, creation, and use of AI to foster economic growth and improve the lives of Canadians. We strive for greater inclusion in the programs and culture that we build by welcoming and encouraging applications from all qualified candidates. In order to relieve disadvantage and alleviate the under-representation of Black and Indigenous people in AI, and to attempt to achieve equal opportunity in the field of AI, preference in hiring will be given to qualified Black and Indigenous persons, studying at or having recently graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institute, who self-identify as such in the application process. This initiative is designed to meet the criteria of a special program under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Vector is committed to workforce development in AI and to building a strong and diverse AI ecosystem in Canada. Vector encourages applications to our internship programs from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2S+ persons.
Black and Indigenous students in this training program were funded by the CIFAR Inclusive AI Scholarship Program.
How to apply:
Applications from Vector’s Black & Indigenous Research Internships are currently closed. Vector research internships are paid positions.