Intermediate Researcher

Intermediate Researcher, Bio-Industrial Research & Development Team

The Bio Industrial Services Division at InnoTech Alberta is seeking an Intermediate Researcher for the Plant Sciences area Research and Development team. The successful incumbent will develop and lead projects related to crop and plant research, and deploy innovative technologies and processes that will help build commerce in Alberta. The Intermediate Researcher will identify, pursue, and lead business development activities, prepare proposals for clients, design experiments and testing programs and actively direct technologists in the execution of projects. The position will require collaboration and interaction with colleagues, clients, and external experts.

This is a full-time, permanent role based in Vegreville, AB. The successful candidate can look forward to a competitive compensation package, including medical and dental benefits, pension plan, paid annual vacation and personal time off, and opportunity to grow within the organization.

Are you our Intermediate Researcher within our Bio-Industrial Research and Development Service area? You would be a good fit for this position if you:

• Are passionate about working with various agriculture-focused client groups to conduct and lead research and validation trials, implement solutions, and validate benefits.
• Enjoy using your scientific expertise to actively conduct business development, engaging with stakeholders for new projects & initiatives.
• Are able to utilize strong leadership, coaching, and technical skills to develop and guide others while encouraging a strong and collaborative team-based environment.
• Excel at project management and enjoy tackling new challenges.

We are game changers

InnoTech is a leading Applied Research & Technology Development Services Organization serving the needs of industry, entrepreneurs, and the public sector. Our leading-edge expertise and industrial-scale research and demonstration facilities accelerate and de-risk technology development and deployment with a focus on industrial solutions and commercial application. We are Alberta’s innovation engine with 100 years of bold ideas that feed, grow, fuel, and build Alberta’s agriculture, energy, environment, and forestry sectors. Visit us at: InnoTech Alberta.

Our R&D Team, with operations in Edmonton and Vegreville, comprises specialized facilities including greenhouses and a 300-acre research farm and expertise in Plant Sciences, biotechnology, biomass feedstock development, bio-processing, bio-conversion, thermo-chemical treatments, and biomaterials engineering that help industry design, develop, demonstrate, utilize, and commercialize new bio-material production processes. The team also provides experimental services related to crop research conducted in field plots, greenhouses/growth chambers, laboratories, and commercial fields. Key clients and partners served by this group include agriculture industry entities, funding agencies, SMEs, entrepreneurs, government agencies, non-government organizations, and academic institutions.

Intrigued? Here’s some more information about the position:

Reporting to the Supervisor of Bio Industrial Services – Research and Development, the Intermediate Researcher will identify, pursue, and lead business development activities, prepare proposals for clients, design experiments and testing programs, and actively direct technologists in the execution of projects. The successful incumbent will develop proficiency in the operation, configuration, and capabilities of the respective service areas. Specialized equipment and facilities include field plots, greenhouses/growth chambers, laboratories, and the associated supporting equipment. The Intermediate Researcher will be accountable for, but not limited to, executing the following:

• Identify industry needs, evaluate technical and economic viability, secure funding, and lead R&D projects in crop agriculture. A strong ability and desire to work in the commercial agriculture space with private companies is an important attribute.
• Design, manage, analyze, and report results of crop research conducted in field plots, greenhouses/growth chambers, laboratories, and commercial fields. Emphasis will be across a range of traditional crops and new emerging crops like hemp.
• Design and conduct crop research projects that utilize diverse specializations, including agronomy, breeding, molecular biology/genetics, food and fibre processing, engineering, chemistry, and more.
• Build support internally and among industry, government, and academic stakeholders for research projects and initiatives.
• Conduct business development and engage stakeholders for new projects & initiatives and ultimately identify, propose, and execute projects for clients.
• Prepare and submit strong funding applications and research proposals to funding agencies, private industry, and industry associations.
• Provide direction to technologists regarding operations, process improvements, and equipment requirements.
• Identify and respond to the needs of clients, to lead the direction of work in this field, and to communicate results effectively.
• Provide oversight and guidance surrounding equipment maintenance and equipment operational issues.
• Improve the service area technical expertise & expand the area capabilities, and develop new business related to the unique infrastructure and facilities available at InnoTech Alberta.
• Provide management oversight to ensure the on-time, on-budget delivery of experimental & testing services.
• Provide technical and scientific insight for client and business partners.

Qualifications and skills we are looking for:

• M.Sc. in a crop agriculture related field.
  • Ph.D. in a crop agriculture related field is considered a strong asset.
• Areas of specialization can include agronomy, soil science, plant physiology, plant pathology, plant breeding, tissue culture, botany, or others.
• Experience with research conducted in field plots is highly desirable.
• Experience with greenhouse production and/or horticultural crops would be considered an asset.
• Experience in cross-disciplinary research is preferred.
• Eligibility for registration as a Professional Agrologist or other professional designation associated with the candidate’s education is considered an asset.
• Expertise in a combination of plant pathology and agronomy is preferred, as is an interest in working in multi-discipline teams integrating artificial intelligence/machine learning, breeding, molecular biology/genetics, food and fibre processing, engineering, and chemistry into projects.
• A strong track record of liaison and advocacy with industry, government, and academic stakeholders and collaborators in an agriculture-related industry.
• A minimum of three years of agriculture-related R&D or extension experience, with at least two years of this experience gained outside of a university setting.
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered.
• Knowledge and experience in applied research would be considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects including budgets, resources, timely delivery, and interpersonal and organizational skills are essential.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a challenging and changing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in several different team environments.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide others, manage workflow and resources, and delegate projects and tasks.
• Strong oral and written communications ability including developing high-quality technical presentations and reports.
• A valid driver’s license with the ability to travel to work sites as required.

Why InnoTech Alberta?

We offer our employees opportunities to work on projects that will expand their skill sets while witnessing the visible impacts of their efforts. We value the development of our employees and create opportunities for working in capacities that allow new skills to be learned. We know that the wellness of our team is the most important part of our business so we offer a strong benefits package and generous vacation and paid time off programs to promote work-life balance which includes flexible work and wellness programs.

At InnoTech Alberta, we respect diversity and embrace an inclusive culture. We value uniqueness and different perspectives as they play a critical role in our success. To achieve this, individuals are selected based on qualifications, merit, and abilities and we encourage applications from all backgrounds to apply.

The final candidate will be required to undergo a security clearance and provide credible references. Qualified and interested candidates are urged to apply immediately because this competition closes as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

INNOTECH ALBERTA IS COMMITTED TO THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUITY IN EMPLOYMENT AND ENCOURAGES APPLICATIONS FROM ALL INDIVIDUALS. WE WISH TO THANK ALL APPLICANTS FOR THEIR INTEREST. HOWEVER, ONLY THOSE INVITED FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.