Research Chair - Sustainable Forestry Solutions

Saskatchewan Polytechnic; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in applied research is seeking a dynamic leader to spearhead innovative forestry solutions. This role involves promoting applied research initiatives, securing funding, and fostering partnerships with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership and project management skills, guiding a diverse team while ensuring quality and safety in research activities. Join a collaborative environment where your expertise can drive impactful change in sustainable practices. If you're passionate about research and innovation, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and mentorship skills are essential for guiding research teams.
• Experience in project management and budget oversight is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Lead applied research initiatives in sustainable forestry solutions.
• Foster partnerships and manage research project timelines effectively.
• Supervise and mentor research team members and ensure quality control.

Skills

Leadership in applied research

Project management

Communication skills

Budget management

Mentorship

Education

Master's degree in a related field

PhD in a relevant discipline

Job description

Applied Research Leadership (50%)

1. Lead and promote applied research initiatives in sustainable forestry solutions for Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
2. Identify and actively pursue funding opportunities and provide leadership in the preparation and submission of funding proposals in an applied and partner-driven framework.
3. Ensure project progress by planning and coordinating within project timelines in conjunction with Research Associate/s and other personnel.
4. Assign research project related duties to team members.
5. Provide supervision and mentorship to other team members, including research associates, technologists and student research assistants to be hired with grant funding.
6. Plan the overall direction and objectives for research in collaboration with partner organizations and collaborate with research team members to choose research methods and experimental approaches.
7. Develop and monitor research budgets.
8. Assess, interpret, and evaluate outcomes of research.
9. Ensure quality control of research activities in meeting deliverables and objectives.
10. Remain current in emerging trends and technologies in forestry.

Communication and Outreach (20%)

1. Foster and maintain mutually beneficial research partnerships, locally, provincially, nationally and internationally, with colleagues and stakeholders in research.
2. Ensure relationships with partners and parties of interest are optimally realized and maintained.
3. Plan and lead meetings with the partner organizations (may include industry, government, Indigenous communities, non-profit organizations, academic collaborators and others) and act as primary point of contact.
4. Undertake dissemination and mobilization of knowledge in a format appropriate to the project.
5. Collaborate with internal and external contacts such as educational, funding, and research bodies.
6. Promote applied research and research opportunities within Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

Administration (30%)

1. Act as direct supervisor for Student Assistants, Research Technologists, Research Associates, and Senior Associate Researchers, providing guidance and direction.
2. Maintain a high level of staff performance through effective use of human resources practices and procedures including recruitment, selection, orientation, training, probationary reviews, motivating and assessing research team members.
3. Manage the effective use of research resources.
4. Allocate resources and workflow within the team.
5. Work in collaboration with the leadership team in the Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades, and the Office of Applied Research and Innovation at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
6. Plan and conduct systematic reviews of completed projects and contribute to SLICE research reporting and metrics as requested.
7. Attend regular meetings of SLICE and the Applied Research group at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
8. Ensure safety protocols and all appropriate certifications are in place for field and lab-based work and foster a culture of organizational safety and security.
9. Follow all academic regulations and/or policies adopted by Saskatchewan Polytechnic and/or granting agencies relating to research and scholarly work.
10. Contribute to creating a positive, diverse, and inclusive work and learning environment.
11. Other duties as required.