Architecture Research Intern (Optimization & Decision Modelling), 12-months

TURNING complex DECISIONS INTO SMARTER experiences IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF YOUR journey. 

The Opportunity

If solving challenging optimization problems, building intelligent decision-making models, and applying advanced mathematics to real-world products sounds like your kind of opportunity, we’re looking for you. 

As an Architecture Research Intern, you’ll apply graph theory, optimization, and decision support methods to two big questions: how can we build a dynamic Graph Network of Opportunities that adapts as needs change, and how can we enhance the travel experience for our members? You’ll help transform complex constraints, preferences, and data into practical solutions that create exceptional experiences for users. Whether your passion lies in optimization theory, graph algorithms, combinatorics, operations research, or mathematical modelling, you’ll have the opportunity to see your research move beyond the whiteboard and into production environments.

*This role is for a 12-month opportunity with the possibility of extension.*

The Team You’ve Been Looking For
AMA is more than a workplace; it’s a family. Together, we help protect the things that matter most to our more than one-million members—everything from roadside safety to retail savings, food security to childhood well-being. And with operations that span automotive, registries, travel, insurance, and more, the opportunities to grow with us are almost limitless!

Building on a century of proud service in Alberta communities, we’re passionate about making a meaningful difference in the places where we live and work. And that all begins with our people. As part of the AMA team, you’ll enjoy: 

• Competitive wage
• Employee-exclusive discounts on travel, insurance, memberships, and more
• Ongoing professional development
• Vacation earnings paid out with each pay period
• Flexible work models that makes sense for your lifestyle

For us, curiosity fuels innovation. We value people who are eager to explore new ideas and who are comfortable putting emerging technologies into practice. We see experience with AI‑powered tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and similar platforms as a real plus - especially when it’s used to work smarter, increase efficiency, and find better ways to get things done.

Who You Are

• You’re naturally curious and love tackling complex problems that don’t have obvious answers. 
• You enjoy moving between theory and practice, transforming mathematical ideas into working solutions. 
• You’re comfortable navigating ambiguity and breaking large challenges into manageable pieces. 
• You communicate complex concepts clearly and can adapt your message for both technical and non-technical audiences. 
• You thrive in collaborative environments where ideas are shared, challenged, and improved. 
• You have a passion for optimization, decision science, and finding elegant solutions to difficult problems. 
• You’re curious about what makes a trip memorable and how technology can make travel simpler, smarter, and more personal. 
• You’re eager to learn, experiment, and contribute to projects that create real-world impact. 

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Research and develop a dynamic Graph Network of Opportunities that adapts to changing member needs, demand, availability, and constraints. 

• Apply graph theory, network analysis, and optimization to model the relationships between opportunities, members, and the resources that connect them, and to determine how the network should reconfigure in response to change. 

• Design the architecture of the network, including its data model, scalability, and update mechanisms, so it can evolve from research prototype to production system. 

• Build decision support models that evaluate trade-offs across competing objectives (cost, convenience, quality, availability, member preferences) and produce clear, explainable recommendations. 

• Research ways to enhance travel experiences, including personalized travel recommendations, smarter routing and scheduling, and better matching of travellers to relevant opportunities. 

• Develop mathematical models that optimize decisions, recommendations, and system performance. 

• Design, test, and evaluate algorithms related to optimization, routing, scheduling, resource allocation, or recommendation systems. 

• Collaborate with engineers and researchers to transition concepts from research into practical applications. 

• Analyze experimental results and recommend improvements based on quantitative evidence. 

• Communicate modelling approaches, assumptions, and findings to stakeholders with varying levels of technical expertise. 

• Explore emerging techniques and contribute innovative ideas that help advance our products and capabilities.

What You Bring to the Table

• You’re currently pursuing, or have completed, an MSc or PhD in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field. 

• You have expertise in one or more of the following areas:  
  • Graph theory and network science (including dynamic and evolving graphs) 
  • Optimization theory (including dynamic or stochastic optimization) 
  • Decision support and multi-criteria decision analysis 
  • Combinatorics 
  • Numerical methods
  • Operations research 
  • Statistical physics related to optimization 
• You’re proficient in Python and can independently translate models, algorithms, and research concepts into functional code. 

• You have a foundational understanding of cloud computing platforms such as AWS or similar environments. 

• You’re able to explain complex models and technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders in a way that builds understanding and confidence. 

• Experience publishing research, completing thesis work, or applying advanced quantitative methods to real-world problems is considered an asset. 

• Experience with travel, logistics, transportation, or marketplace/network problems is also an asset. 

Belonging Matters Here
AMA is committed to providing an inclusive, respectful, and accessible environment. If you require an accommodation at any time during our recruitment process, please contact recruitment@ama.ab.ca. We’ll work with you to feel supported throughout your journey with us.

WORK MODEL:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.