Principal AI Scientist

Based in western Canada, Ideon Technologies uses the energy from supernova explosions to image deep beneath the Earth’s surface. The Ideon REVEAL™ Platform is a subsurface intelligence solution that comprises proprietary hardware (that delivers a new-to-the-world data source) ruggedized for the most remote exploration sites and demanding of noisy in-mine environments, software, integrated imaging systems, and advanced data analysis and interpretation. Using sub-atomic particles called muons to image deep beneath the Earth's surface, Ideon creates high-resolution multi-dimensional models that help geologists identify, map, and characterize mineral deposits and other geological features such as caves and voids. Ideon also offers patented multi-sensor fusion capabilities that enable seamless data collection and integration from our proprietary sensors and third-party data. Ideon’s AI-powered workflow transforms the geological model into a high-resolution dynamic Earth model to inform ongoing operations. Our work reduces risk and cost of traditional methods, while saving time, optimizing return, and minimizing environmental impact across the mining value chain. In turn, this is helping accelerate the world’s transition to low-impact mining and transform how companies recover the critical minerals required to power the global shift to clean energy – improving peoples’ lives and enhancing economic prosperity.

The Role

We are seeking an innovative Principal AI Scientist to lead the development of AI/ML-driven solutions for geoscience, with a focus on integrating multi-physics data, LLMs, and neural network models. This role requires a combination of geoscience domain knowledge and a deep understanding of AI/ML advancements.

You will report to the Director, Software Engineering and work in a team setting with software developers, applied scientists, physicists, and IT professionals. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design workflows that leverage generative AI, process diverse geoscience datasets, and deliver impactful solutions.

In addition, you will impact and drive Ideon’s objectives forward by focusing on the following activities:

• Develop and deploy AI/ML models tailored to geoscience applications, including geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and multi-physics data integration.
• Design and implement large language models (LLMs) and generative AI (GenAI) solutions to enhance data processing, analysis, and decision-making workflows in geoscience.
• Create advanced neural network architectures for tasks such as predictive modeling, anomaly detection, and data synthesis.
• Integrate multi-physics datasets, including muon tomography along with other geophysical, geochemical and geological data, into cohesive and scalable solutions.
• Collaborate with geoscientists, engineers, and stakeholders to address domain-specific challenges and innovate solutions.
• Guide the implementation of generative AI and neural network models into geoscience platforms and tools.
• Communicate technical findings, methodologies, and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay up-to-date with advancements in AI/ML, neural networks, LLMs, GenAI, and geoscience research to drive continuous innovation.
• Mentor other data science individuals, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.

Success in the role looks like:

• Accelerated Deployment of AI/ML Innovations: Demonstrating success through the rapid development and deployment of AI/ML technologies that significantly enhance Ideon’s product offerings.
• Leadership in Project Lifecycle: Exhibiting an exemplary ability to lead and manage the full lifecycle of AI/ML projects—from initial concept through to successful implementation and evaluation.

Priorities in the first few months will include:

1. Familiarization and Integration: Quickly get up-to-speed with current AI/ML projects and data workflows at Ideon. This involves understanding ongoing projects, key personnel, and the specific geoscience challenges currently being addressed.
2. Strategic Planning: Start defining the roadmap for upcoming AI/ML initiatives.
3. Early Wins: Identify opportunities for quick wins that demonstrate the value of integrating AI/ML with existing geoscience data and workflows.

Must-haves – You’ll need the following to move forward in the hiring process (and be successful in the role).

• Professional Experience
• • 10+ years in data science, machine learning, or related fields
• Technical Expertise
• • Deep understanding of machine learning and AI technologies, including neural networks, generative AI, and large language models (e.g., OpenAI GPT, BERT, or similar)
  • Proficiency in frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch (at least one), and scikit-learn
  • Strong programming skills in Python, R, or Julia
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS, or GCP) for large-scale data processing and modeling
• Technical Leadership
• • Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and mentor data scientists
  • Demonstrated success in delivering impactful AI/ML solutions, ideally for geoscience contexts
• Education
• • Master’s or Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, Geoscience, Geophysics, or a related field
• Well-developed communication skills in English at a fluent or professional level; able to be assertive and respectful
• Legally able and currently documented to work full time hours in Canada

Nice-to-haves – While it would be nice to if you had some of the preferred experience and knowledge outlined below, we’re happy to train, coach and share our experience.

• Understanding of geoscience, including subsurface exploration and geological modeling
• Some experience in geoscience, geology, geophysics, geochemistry, or multi-physics integration
• Experience with geospatial analysis and tools like QGIS or ArcGIS, and 3D platforms like Leapfrog, Geoscience Analyst, or other
• Knowledge of time-series analysis and anomaly detection in multi-physics data
• Understanding of uncertainty quantification and statistical modeling in geoscience workflows
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines for machine learning models

We also look for the following for all new Ideon team members:

• Experience or excitement for working in a tech scale-up; happy to wear a few hats and learn on the fly
• A can-do attitude and creative solutioning mindset with great problem-solving skills
• Willingness to learn, be adaptable, and take initiative in an ever-evolving environment
• Able to work well under pressure and to meet scheduled deadlines
• Able to uncover and present options for improvement and streamlining
• Solid teamwork skills; you’ll jump in to help where you can
• Great interpersonal skills; able to build relationships with colleagues, customers, and external stakeholders
• Interest in or knowledge of the mining industry or geosciences field
• Able to add something “extra” to our culture beyond the work that you do (maybe you like to wow people with your home-baked goods, display wicked improv skills, or organize/play in post-work sports games)

More Role Details

Location: Our office is located at #150 - 4611 Viking Way, just off the No. 6 Road exit on the east-west connector in Richmond, BC, Canada. Lots of free parking is available and a bus stop is one block away.

Ideon is a hybrid workplace, with some roles needing to work fully in office for obvious reasons (it’s tricky to manufacture from home!).

This is a hybrid role. We love seeing our employees in the office a few times a week (2-3 days depending on team needs); you’re welcome to work from home the remainder of the week or come into the office all 5 days if that’s your preference. Our “be an adult” approach means you have the flexibility to determine your in-office schedule while factoring in the impact of face-to-face connection and communicating with your leader and teammates.

Hours of work: 8 hours/day, Monday to Friday. Typical working hours are 9AM-5PM-ish pacific time; some employees shift slightly earlier or later based on business and personal needs. You may occasionally be asked to be flexible with your hours due to business requirements.

Travel: Limited; there may be occasional travel to conferences and/or customer discovery sessions.

What We Offer

Salary: The annual salary range for this role, in Canadian dollars, is $150,000 - $200,000.

Ideon’s salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Vancouver, BC, Canada is the market we have benchmarked against. The range reflects the minimum and maximum new employee salary. It is not typical for a new employee to be hired at the top of the range; as experienced as someone may be they likely won’t have the directly applicable experience unique to working at Ideon. In exceptional circumstances, though, where a candidate has the knowledge, skills, and experience to far exceed those needed for the position, we could consider compensating at the top of the range. In the application process you will be asked to provide your salary expectations. If you move forward in the hiring process, in our initial conversation we’ll also clarify expectations and provide additional info on what Ideon’s total compensation package includes.

• An opportunity to work with a dynamic technology scale-up. You will be working to advance a ground-breaking solution that generates significant economic and environmental benefit.
• A team that is entrepreneurial by nature, mission-driven, and focused on doing things right to deliver great customer outcomes. We are committed to seeking out the best brains and the most exceptional humans, wherever they come from and however they happen to be packaged.
• Early equity option allocations upon hire plus the opportunity to earn performance-based option allocations annually.
• Accreditation and tuition support.
• Extended health and dental benefits, an employee assistance program, and a health/wellness spending account to cover things that may not fall into other categories (i.e. exercise classes, transit, daycare).
• An annual paid closure between the Christmas and New Year’s stat holidays, in addition to vacation time.
• Parental leave top-up.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Casual dress – we like our jeans and hoodies.
• While we work hard we also sprinkle social events and learning opportunities into our days.
• Free parking.
• Tasty snacks in our office!

What It’s Like Here

Great ideas and rich company culture come from diversity of thought, experience, and perspective. The Ideon culture is anchored in a set of core values that directly shape how we hire, coach, evaluate, and develop our people:

Driven by industry, informed by science

We solve industry problems with scientific rigour: listening carefully, analyzing the data, and developing solutions that our clients – and the planet – cannot live without.

Inspired to create, wired to deliver

We’re imaginative, creating new possibilities and embracing the diversity of thought and experience within our team to move with urgency, learn from our failures, and execute masterfully.

Unified team, personally accountable

We have each other’s backs and operate with integrity, respect, and empathy. Success depends on leaving egos at the door, celebrating our differences, delivering promises, and owning the outcome together.

Boldly ambitious, exceptionally human

We think big and have the courage to blaze new trails. We’re in this business to win, but that doesn’t mean we compromise on doing the right thing for our people, our clients, and our world.

How to Apply and Accommodation Requests

To be considered for this role, please apply via our hiring platform, Collage. The process is fairly quick; we won’t ask you to re-type everything already on your resumé – promise! While optional, cover letters help us learn more about you beyond what’s on your resumé (and help us understand what you’re looking for, role or industry shifts, employment gaps, etc.).

We aim to provide an approachable and accessible hiring process for every candidate. If there are accommodations our team can make so you can show up as your best self, please let us know in your application.

Also – please submit your documents as PDF files (they display the best).