Lead Data Scientist, AI Centre of Excellence

Ernst & Young Advisory Services Sdn Bhd; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in Toronto seeks a Lead Data Scientist to shape AI initiatives and innovations. You will lead teams and define AI strategies, focusing on cutting-edge AI technologies. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in AI and ML, with a strong background in generative AI and a commitment to inclusion and ethical AI practices. Comprehensive benefits and generous time off are offered.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical benefits

Mental health benefits

Career development opportunities

Generous time off policies

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of experience delivering impactful AI/ML solutions.
• Proven track record in architecting and scaling AI systems.
• Deep expertise with generative AI models and LLM fine-tuning.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute AI strategy aligned with business goals.
• Inspire and lead data science teams.
• Architect and evaluate complex AI models.

Skills

AI Strategy

Team Leadership

Model Architecture

Innovation

Research Leadership

ML Ops

Stakeholder Collaboration

Responsible AI

Education

PhD or Master’s in AI, ML, Data Science, or related field

Tools

Python

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Azure ML

Job description

Location: Toronto

Date: Oct 4, 2025

At EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence.

We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go.

Join EY and help to build a better working world.

The Opportunity

As a Lead Data Scientist of the AI Centre of Excellence at the Office of the CTO, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence at EY Canada. In this position, you will guide the AI strategy, lead the design and implementation of advanced AI models, and drive innovation across transformative projects. Your leadership will directly influence real-world deployment of cutting-edge solutions in areas such as AI, generative AI and natural language processing, and other emerging technologies.

If you are passionate about advancing the frontiers of AI, have a proven record of groundbreaking research and impactful innovation, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we invite you to help build the next era of intelligent solutions with us.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead AI Strategy: Define and execute the overarching AI strategy in alignment with EY’s business goals, collaborating with cross-functional leaders and technology stakeholders.
• Leadership Responsibilities: Inspire and lead a team of data scientists and engineers, fostering collaboration and innovation. Drive the vision for AI initiatives and ensure alignment with organizational objectives. Facilitate knowledge sharing and continuous learning within the team.
• Oversee Model Architecture & Innovation: Architect, evaluate, and refine complex models, including transformers, LLMs (Large Language Models), and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) solutions for diverse enterprise use cases.
• Long-Term Innovation Focus: Drive long-range planning for AI capabilities, champion emerging technologies, and identify opportunities for disruptive innovation in AI/ML applications across business verticals.
• Research Leadership: Publish and drive high-impact research papers and thought leadership in journals and conferences; represent EY at industry forums.
• Model Lifecycle & ML Ops: Lead end-to-end model lifecycle management, from ideation and training to deployment and monitoring, leveraging ML Ops best practices and Azure ML.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with business, engineering, and product teams to translate visionary AI concepts into robust, scalable solutions delivering measurable value.
• Champion Responsible AI: Ensure AI systems adhere to ethical, legal, and security guidelines; promote equity, transparency, and accessibility in all initiatives.

Skills and Attributes for Success

• Education: PhD or Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Experience: 7–10 years of progressive experience delivering impactful AI/ML solutions, with a proven track record in architecting and scaling NLP, AI and GenAI systems.
• GenAI & LLMs: Deep expertise with generative AI models, transformer architectures, LLM fine-tuning, and deployment of RAG pipelines.
• ML Ops & Cloud: Hands-on experience with ML lifecycle management, ML Ops frameworks, and Azure ML (or equivalent cloud ML platforms).
• Technical Proficiency: Strong programming skills (Python or similar), deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face), and data engineering for large-scale modeling.
• Innovation & Research: Proven ability to publish research, file patents, or contribute thought leadership in AI/ML.
• Strategic Leadership: Demonstrated success in leading AI initiatives, developing technical roadmaps, and inspiring high-performance teams.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to articulate complex AI concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Commitment to Inclusion: Passion for building equitable, accessible, and responsible AI systems; ability to work in diverse, inclusive teams.

What We Offer

The EY benefits package is designed to support your physical, emotional, financial, and social wellbeing. Our extensive benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage, as well as mental health benefits, a robust Employee Assistance Program and group savings plans to promote your overall wellbeing.

We offer generous time off, including personal days, vacation days, and additional firm-wide holidays, along with the option to purchase extra vacation days. Employees can take advantage of EY's exclusive learning programs tailored just for them. We also provide internal opportunities for career development and advancement, enabling you to grow within the firm.

Diversity and Inclusion at EY

Diversity and inclusiveness are at the heart of who we are and how we work. We’re committed to fostering an environment where differences are valued, policies and practices are equitable, and our people feel a sense of belonging.