PantherAI Research Assistant

Toronto Zoo; Toronto; On-site; CAD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

The Toronto Zoo seeks a PantherAI Research Assistant to support behavioural research on tiger welfare. This grant-funded role involves large-scale video annotation and validating AI-based detection models under supervision from the Manager of Welfare Science.

The successful candidate will join the Welfare Science team, contribute to data collection and analysis, help develop education materials, and participate in safety and training activities. Weekend and holiday shifts may be required.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a science program (university level) OR possess a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on zoology, biology, animal behaviour, psychology, animal welfare science or related fields.
• Must have knowledge of conservation issues and current technologies to monitor animal welfare.
• Must understand interobserver reliability methods or be interested in learning concordance testing for reliable behavioural monitoring.
• Able to work independently and develop research projects with supervision.

Responsibilities

• Annotate video data using conventional computer vision annotation tools.
• Validate AI-based predictions against manual, ground-truthed observations through concordance testing.
• Assist with the collection, processing, and analysis of data.
• Collaborate on welfare science projects under supervision of Manager of Welfare Science and Supervisor of Behavioural Husbandry.
• Develop and deliver education materials related to welfare science programs.

Skills

Video annotation

Model validation

Data analysis

MS Office

Public speaking

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's or science-related degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Duration: Starting ASAP, contract length up to 24 weeks

Hours of Work: Up to 24 hours per week

Number of Positions Open: 1

Looking for a career with a dynamic organization that is committed to protecting wildlife? We are interested in dedicated individuals who are positive, enthusiastic, and passionate about connecting people, animals, conservation science and traditional knowledge to fight extinction.Your Toronto Zoo makes animal well-being a priority in all operations and shows respect for all wildlife.

Position Purpose: The PantherAI Research Assistant is a grant-funded position (AZA Animal Care and Well-being Grants Fund for the project, “PantherAI: an autonomous behavioural monitoring tool for assessing activity budget and space use in zoo-housed tigers”) responsible for assisting in behavioural research to assess animal welfare. The applicant’s role will be primarily computer-based, involving large-scale annotation of video data and validation of AI-based behavioural detection models to support quantitative assessments of wildlife behaviour. They will work with the Manager of Welfare Science and other Welfare Science team members on various projects as they relate to welfare and other duties as directed. This position will assist and provide support in implementing the approved Strategic Plan.

Core Role Responsibilities:

• Assist with annotating video data using conventional computer vison annotation tools.
• Assist with validating model performance for detecting animal behaviour through concordance testing, specifically by verifying AI-based predictions against manual, ground-truthed observations.
• Assist with the collection, processing, and analysis of data.
• Assist with any individual projects of interest in collaboration with Wildlife Science and Wildlife Care staff, under the guidance and direction of the Manager of Welfare Sciences and Supervisor of Behavioural Husbandry.
• Assist with the development and delivery of education programs and materials related to welfare science programing to interested groups.
• May assist with day-to-day operations and ongoing behavioural monitoring projects as directed by supervisor.
• Participate and engage in scheduled meetings and check‑ins with supervisor to review goals, receive feedback, and discuss development opportunities.
• Provides regular updates to the supervisor.
• Ensures all accidents and hazards are reported to the supervisor immediately.
• Must adhere to all health and safety policies as outlined by the Zoo, including use of all proper PPE.
• Reports to the supervisor the absence of or any defect in any equipment or protective device that they are aware of and which may endanger themselves or another staff member.
• Reports to supervisor any contravention of the Ontario Health & Safety Act.
• Works in a safe manner at all times in compliance with Health & Safety, WHMIS, and Toronto Zoo policies and procedures. Performs all duties in compliance with industry standards including AZA, Occupational Health & Safety Act, legislated regulations, and recommended equipment/manufacturers guidelines.
• Follows all policies and branch instructions.
• Attends appropriate training as required.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Must be enrolled in a science program (university level) OR possess a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on zoology, biology, animal behaviour, psychology, animal welfare science or other relevant fields, or the equivalent amount of training and related experience.
• Must have a knowledge of conservation issues and the role of current technologies to monitor overall animal welfare.
• Must have an understanding of interobserver reliability methods, or an interest in learning about concordance testing for ensuring reliable behavioural monitoring methods.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Must possess a demonstrated interest to develop and implement research projects with supervision.
• Public speaking skills and experience an asset.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, along with strong communications skills
• Working knowledge of the Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act and WHMIS legislation an asset.
• Must be proficient in the use of computerized programs and systems, including MS Word, Excel, E-mail and PowerPoint.
• Must be able to work weekends, shifts and holidays as scheduled.
• Must be able to deal with staff and public in a courteous and efficient manner.

While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate may be required to provide a police reference check and/or driver’s abstract, at their own expense as a condition of employment. Candidates may be required to take a written and/or practical examination relevant to the position.

Your Toronto Zoo values the importance of inclusive recruitment practices and strives to create a workplace that reflects and celebrates the rich diversity of our city. Please let us know if you require specific accommodations to be in place before you begin the interview process.

Your Toronto Zoo respects the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to model these principles in all that we do. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workforce where all employees feel respected, supported and valued. We strive to create an environment that represents the rich diversity of our guests and our community and encourage applications from all qualified individuals who can contribute to enhancing our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications are especially encouraged from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and women.

Your Toronto Zoo makes animal well-being a priority in everything we do, respecting wildlife, caring for our team, guest and community. We are a welcoming place to visit, volunteer, and work, united by a shared commitment to conservation, connection, and reconciliation. We blend science and traditional knowledge to protect species and their habitats, and we invite others to join us as Guardians of Wild, acting together to ensure wildlife and wild spaces thrive.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy within our organization.

Your Toronto Zoo uses artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants.