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Fully Funded Postdoctoral Fellow in Generative AI for Environmental DNA – Dalhousie University, Canada (TCA-AI Project)

Postdoc position

8/12/2026

The Beiko and Whidden labs at Dalhousie University are recruiting a Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) to work on the large collaborative project TCA-AI, part of the multi-institutional Transforming Climate Action program. The successful candidate will pioneer the use of generative artificial intelligence in the analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) data, working at the interface of AI, genomics, biodiversity, and climate action.

Position Snapshot

  • Institution: Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

  • Research Groups: Beiko Lab and Whidden Lab

  • Program: Transforming Climate Action (TCA), TCA-AI project

  • Level: Postdoctoral Fellow (full-time)

  • Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (oceanside city and major ocean research hub)

  • Research areas:

    • Generative AI and large models for scientific data

    • Environmental DNA (eDNA) and metagenomics

    • Biodiversity monitoring and climate impact assessment

    • Interactive querying, reporting, and visualization of complex environmental datasets

    • Data standards, integration, and secure data use

  • Start date: 1 September 2026

  • Application deadline: 18 August 2026, or until the position is filled

  • How to apply: Email application materials to Robert Beiko (rbeiko@dal.ca) with the subject line “TCA-AI PDF application”


About the TCA-AI Project

The TCA-AI project is part of the broader Transforming Climate Action program, a multi-institutional initiative focused on understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change on ocean systems and coastal communities.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will pioneer the use of generative AI for environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis. eDNA data provide a powerful means of assessing biodiversity and ecosystem change, but they are large, complex, and context-dependent. The postdoc will develop and deploy AI-based tools that enable:

  • Interactive, natural-language querying of eDNA and contextual data

  • Automated reporting and visualization of results for diverse stakeholders

  • Integration of eDNA with geographic, acoustic, and other environmental data

The work will span multiple sites of economic and environmental importance, including marine harbours and marine protected areas, to assess and communicate how climate change and economic development affect biodiversity. The postdoc will collaborate closely with project team members and external partners in government, industry, and nonprofits.

Core Activities

1. Data Standards and Integration

  • Collaborate on the development of data standards for eDNA repositories, ensuring consistency, interoperability, and long-term usability.

  • Integrate geographic and other contextual data (e.g., acoustics, environmental measurements) with eDNA datasets.

  • Contribute to the design of data schemas and APIs that support scalable, AI-driven querying and analysis.


2. Algorithm and Tool Development

  • Develop novel generative AI algorithms to process eDNA data in response to natural-language user queries.

  • Implement these algorithms on a high-performance computing (HPC) backend, ensuring scalability and robustness.

  • Build tools that enable scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to interactively explore eDNA data and generate reproducible analyses.


3. Interactive Visualizations

  • Design and implement tools to automatically generate appropriate interactive visualizations of query results.

  • Support communication of complex biodiversity and climate impact results to both expert and non-specialist audiences.

  • Work with partners to tailor visualizations to real-world decision-making contexts.


Required Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • PhD in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or a related field, awarded by the position start date

  • Demonstrated track record in the development of Generative AI tools, evidenced by:

    • Open-source software projects, and/or

    • Peer-reviewed publications, and/or

    • Presentations at reputable conferences

  • Strong programming skills with proficiency in Python and R

  • Experience working with relational and non-relational database management systems

  • Exceptional communication skills and a proven ability to work effectively with distributed, multidisciplinary teams

  • Strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in research and professional practice


Valuable Skills (Assets)

The following skills are highly desirable but not strictly required:

  • Prior experience working with genomic data, especially eDNA and metagenomics

  • Experience using data in a secure setting (e.g., controlled-access data, privacy-sensitive workflows)

  • Experience developing novel data visualizations and interactive analytics tools

  • Teaching or training experience, such as:

    • Workshops

    • Courses

    • Public outreach or engagement with non-specialists


Application Process

Candidates should assemble the following application materials:

  1. Cover letter

    • Briefly outline your interest in the position and TCA-AI project

    • Highlight relevant experience in generative AI, eDNA/genomics, data integration, and visualization

    • Describe your contributions to EDI in research and professional practice

  2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

    • Include education, research experience, technical skills, publications, software projects, and conference presentations

  3. Copies of unofficial transcripts

    • For your PhD and, if relevant, prior degrees

  4. Contact details of two referees

    • Names, affiliations, and email addresses

    • Referees should be able to comment on your research, technical abilities, and teamwork


Submission

  • Send your full application (cover letter, CV, unofficial transcripts, referee contact details) via email to:
    Robert Beiko – rbeiko@dal.ca

  • Use the subject heading: “TCA-AI PDF application”

  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with a priority deadline of 18 August 2026.


Position Details and Timeline

  • Position title: Postdoctoral Fellow – Generative AI for Environmental DNA (TCA-AI)

  • Start date: 1 September 2026

  • Application deadline: 18 August 2026, or until the position is filled

  • Duration and salary: Competitive postdoctoral salary and benefits as per Dalhousie University policies (details available from the department)


Why Dalhousie University and Halifax?

  • Dalhousie University is located in the vibrant oceanside city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and welcomes around 21,000 students from across Canada and more than 115 countries.

  • Dalhousie is one of Canada’s leading research universities and a world leader in ocean research.

  • Halifax hosts a dynamic ocean sector that includes government agencies, established companies, and startup incubators, providing numerous opportunities for collaboration and research commercialization.

  • The successful applicant will have access to programs that support knowledge mobilization and commercialization of research outputs.


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

Dalhousie University is committed to inclusive excellence and continually champions equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA). The university strongly encourages applications from:

  • Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq)

  • Persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians)

  • Members of other racialized groups

  • Persons with disabilities

  • Women

  • Persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities

  • All candidates who would contribute to the diversity of the Dalhousie community

Dalhousie is committed to ensuring that all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation (e.g., technical aids, alternative arrangements), you are encouraged to inform the hiring team about your needs. The university’s complete Accommodation Policy is available online and guides the provision of accommodations throughout the recruitment and employment lifecycle.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This postdoctoral position offers a rare combination of:

  • Cutting-edge research at the intersection of generative AI, eDNA, biodiversity, and climate change

  • Real-world impact, working with government, industry, and nonprofit partners to assess and communicate climate and development impacts on biodiversity

  • A strong emphasis on tool building – interactive querying, automated reporting, and visualization – that will directly support scientists and decision-makers

  • A collaborative, multidisciplinary environment in one of Canada’s leading ocean research universities, located in a vibrant coastal city

  • A clear commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and opportunities for research commercialization and societal impact


For candidates passionate about generative AI, genomics, and climate action, this is an exceptional opportunity to pursue high-impact research as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Dalhousie University.

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