Graduate Student Opportunities: AI Foundation Models for Organismal Biology Fully Funded MSc and PhD Positions with Dr. Russell Dinnage Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta Start Date: January 2026 or September 2026 (flexible) Funding: Competitive funding packages available through University of Alberta assistantships and fellowships. Additional funding opportunities available through external scholarships and awards. Research Focus The Dinnage Lab develops foundation models for organismal biology - artificial intelligence systems that learn from and help us understand living systems from molecules to ecosystems. Our work bridges computational innovation with fundamental biological questions, creating new approaches that integrate biological principles into AI architecture design. Students will have opportunities to engage with three major research themes: 1. AI-Driven Simulation-Based Inference Develop novel AI foundation models for population genomics and phylogenetic comparative methods using Prior-Data Fitted Networks (PFNs) and other cutting-edge approaches. Projects may involve creating systems that can infer demographic histories from genomic data or model complex trait evolution across phylogenies. 2. High-Throughput Phenomics Work with museum collections and citizen science datasets to develop AI frameworks for automated phenotype extraction and analysis. Students can develop methods for creating "digital-first specimens", develop new approaches to large-scale morphological analysis, or leverage AI to connect different species' data sources using multimodal models, to create 'vector databases' for comprehensive biodiversity analysis. 3. AI-Biology Cross-Disciplinary Inquiries Explore AI systems as model organisms for evolutionary research, develop biology-inspired explainable AI methods, or create in silico evolutionary simulations using AI models as representations of complex phenotypes. This cutting-edge work examines how evolutionary principles can inform AI development and vice versa. Students may also propose projects outside these themes in the area of computational or quantitative organismal biology, or at the intersection between organismal biology and machine learning or artificial intelligence methods. Qualifications Minimum Requirements: * BSc in biology, ecology, evolution, computer science, statistics, mathematics, or related field * Strong interest in both organismal biology and computational methods * Admissible to University of Alberta graduate programs Competitive Applicants Will Have: * Experience with programming in R, Python, or similar languages * Background in machine learning, deep learning, or advanced statistical methods * Experience with large datasets or computational biology approaches * Strong written and oral communication skills * Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and open science practices The Advisor Dr. Russell Dinnage is an Assistant Professor whose research develops AI foundation models for understanding organismal biology. He works at the intersection of the fields of ecology, evolutionary biology, statistics and computer science. His work has been published in leading journals including Nature Ecology & Evolution, Science Advances, and Evolution. He currently serves as Associate Editor at Methods in Ecology and Evolution. His research program emphasizes ethical AI development, open science principles, and collaborative approaches to complex biological questions. The Environment The University of Alberta's Department of Biological Sciences offers world-class research facilities and a collaborative environment for interdisciplinary work. Students will have access to high-performance computing resources, extensive natural history collections, and opportunities to collaborate with the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii). Edmonton provides an excellent quality of life with abundant outdoor recreation opportunities and a vibrant cultural scene. Application Process Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. For full consideration for a Jan 2026 start, submit by July 15, 2025 (to allow time for application preparation before the University of Alberta deadline of August 1, 2025). Before contacting me, please: * Review our recent publications and research themes on the lab website * Familiarize yourself with University of Alberta Biology Department admission requirements ( https://www.ualberta.ca/en/biological-sciences/graduate-studies/for-applicants/index.html ) * Explore funding opportunities and program details ( https://www.ualberta.ca/en/biological-sciences/graduate-studies/for-applicants/program-funding.html ) * Consider additional scholarship opportunities ( https://www.ualberta.ca/en/graduate-studies/fees-funding/scholarships-awards/index.html ) * Think about which research theme(s) align with your interests and career goals To officially apply, please send the following materials as a single PDF with subject line "Graduate Position - [Your Name]" to r.dinnage@gmail.com: * Cover letter (max 1 page) describing your research interests, how they align with the lab's focus, and which theme(s) most excite you * CV highlighting relevant research experience, programming skills, and publications/presentations * Transcripts (unofficial acceptable for initial review) * Writing sample demonstrating your ability to communicate scientific concepts * Contact information for 2-3 references (academic preferred) I welcome applications from all qualified candidates and am committed to fostering an inclusive research environment that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds. For questions about potential projects or the application process, feel free to reach out at r.dinnage@gmail.com or visit the lab website at https://rdinnager.github.io/dinnage_lab_website/ The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of the Nehiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Metis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Metis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Metis and Inuit nations r.dinnage@gmail.com (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)