Sponsor
Vector Institute
Program
Faculty Affiliates
For More Information
Description
The Vector Institute invites applications to its Faculty Affiliate program. Faculty at Ontario post-secondary institutions who are working on research in Vector's strategic priorities: Fundamental Machine Learning & Deep Learning, Safe & Trustworthy AI, AI for Health & Scientific Discovery and Generative Models. Vector is also interested in research that applies machine learning techniques more broadly across scientific and engineering disciplines, as well as in areas such as physical AI, agentic systems and domains including energy & natural resources, transportation, agriculture, manufacturing and robotics.
Over a three-year term, Faculty Affiliates, along with their labs, will gain meaningful access to Vector's resources, including compute infrastructure, access to industry and health partner connections through networking events and join a vibrant research community.
Evaluation Criteria
Faculty Affiliates are evaluated and selected based on their:
- Excellence in research at the highest international level, indicated by high-impact publications and research awards/honours
- Active academic research program that aligns with Vector’s strategic priorities
- Potential for engagement with the Vector community, including industry sponsors and partner organizations
Please also explore Vector's latest annual report featuring their community’s accomplishments from the past year.
Eligibility
To be considered, candidates must hold an active faculty status (including adjunct or status-only appointments) at an Ontario post-secondary institution and have an established research program that either develops AI methods or meaningfully applies these methods to address research questions within their domain.
This program is not designed for those seeking to develop initial AI expertise.
Funding Availability
Vector plans to award approximately 20 positions to the Faculty Affiliate program for a three year term.
Deadlines
If College-level review is required, your College will communicate its earlier internal deadlines.
| Type | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
External Deadline | Please see instructions under 'How to Apply'. The web-based application can be found at the Vector Faculty Affiliates webpage. |
How to Apply
Applications are open as of Aug. 17th, 2026 and the deadline for submission of the application is Sept. 14th, 2026 for candidates that wish to be considered. Reference Letters will be accepted until Sept. 30th, 2026.
A completed application package should include:
- A curriculum vitae
- A statement identifying how the Vector Institute will contribute to your program of research and how you will contribute to the Vector Institute, including its strategic research priorities (1-2 page maximum)
- Two (2) reference letters. Reference letters may be submitted to research@vectorinstitute.ai
- Optional: Justification of research venues and impact statement, intended for those working in interdisciplinary areas outside of core ML conferences (NeurIPS, ICLR, etc.) (1 page maximum)