Closed Job Posting: MDSC Software Developer (MIRA)

Mood Disorders Society of Canada is a national non-profit mental health, lived experience-led charity that promotes positive mental health through advocacy, education, and support. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for people affected by mood disorders. Join us in our commitment to #MakeChangeHappen. Learn more at https://mdsc.ca.

About the Mental Health Intelligent Information Resource Agent (MIRA) Initiative:

MIRA is an intelligent, publicly available, and accessible mental health system navigation chatbot, developed by the Mood Disorders Society of Canada, in collaboration with the University of Alberta, Dalhousie University, the APEC Digital Hub for Mental Health, and other collaborating organizations listed below. MIRA is an anonymous, adaptive service, which uses machine learning to improve its services while protecting user privacy. For more information, please see: https://www.mymira.ca/index.html

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced full-time (3yr) MDSC Software Developer. Under the guidance of the MDSC National Project Coordinator and Dr. Osmar Zaiane, Professor, of Computing Science, University of Alberta, the Software Engineer is tasked with the critical role of developing, enhancing, and maintaining the MIRA – Mental Health Virtual Assistant.

This role demands a candidate with profound expertise in machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and database management, who will contribute significantly to the creation and refinement of an AI/ML-powered chatbot designed to navigate mental health systems effectively. The developer will also assist in the development and maintenance of the MIRA Library, MIRA website, and any other associated technological platforms.

Location: This position will be remotely based, working from home.

Salary Range: 75,000 to 80,000/yr. Commensurate with experience.

• Apply cutting-edge computational techniques in the designing, development, and strengthening of an artificial intelligence and machine learning chatbot using a natural-language interface, that will support Canadians and enable users to find resources relevant to their situation.
• Support the pre-testing and piloting of the technology, as well as address any issues (e.g., bugs or glitches) that arise as needed.
• Support the collection and curation of data to train the bot including the management of a comprehensive database of resources to enhance the chatbot’s learning and response accuracy.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to enhance the chatbot’s analytical capabilities and its integration into ML workflows.
• Spearhead the development and testing of APIs to facilitate the seamless integration of diverse resource types, reflecting an expansion in service offerings.
• Support the University of Alberta Computing Science Team in programming an AI chatbot that uses state-of-the-art voice command and natural language processing and will explore the use of sentiment analysis. This may include but is not limited to:
  • Work with subject matter experts to develop hypothetical conversations for the chatbot to train from in reflection of expanded service provision to cover additional groups and provinces of interest.
  • Lead the identification of intents, entities, and stories to train the chatbot to cover additional groups and provinces of interest.
  • Program a stable and functioning AI chatbot that uses state-of-the-art voice commands and natural language processing.
  • Develop a French language version of the chatbot.
  • Support the team in the programming of a user interface for the chatbot as needed.
  • Assist in the conducting of testing chatbot upgrades with core project team and incorporate learnings into chatbot design and training.
  • Assist in conducting testing chatbot upgrades with Expert Advisory Committee and incorporate learnings into chatbot design and training.
  • Lead the deployment of the chatbot to target populations, managing feedback collection and addressing any identified issues promptly.
  • Lead the gathering of feedback on bugs and address any feedback received.
• Support the pre-testing and piloting of the technology, as well as address any issues (e.g., bugs or glitches) that arise as needed.
• Ensure the continuous quality assurance of the chatbot’s resource database, maintaining the integrity and relevance of links and content.
• Works cohesively as part of the development team
• Provide regular updates on project progress, challenges, and solutions to project leadership.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Ability to work independently and within a dynamic team environment.
• Exhibits a strong commitment to timely and prioritized task completion.
• Must be comfortable working in a virtual office setting and possess exceptional communication skills.

• Experience working with Python, RasaX, and other machine-learning tools.
• Exceptional proactive communication skills, with a focus on quality control.
• A proven ability to solve problems creatively and pay meticulous attention to detail.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently, produce high-quality results with minimal supervision, and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with a team-oriented mindset.
• Team player
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Implement security best practices to protect sensitive data and ensure privacy compliance.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments in AI, ML, and NLP to continually enhance the chatbot’s capabilities.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to improve skills and knowledge relevant to the role.
• Contribute to the strategic planning of project objectives, offering insights and recommendations for technological advancements.
• Mentor junior developers and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the team.

MDSC is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering diverse workplaces. All eligible candidates shall be considered when applying for positions regardless of ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, country of origin, ancestry, disability, or age.

We thank all applicants, however, only those scheduled for an interview will be contacted.

Application Closed March 26, 2024