Research Scientist

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology; Olds; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined Benefit Pension Plan (LAPP)

Extended Health, Dental, Prescription

Vacation Leave

Job summary

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology in Alberta seeks a Research Scientist to lead planning and execution of STAAR projects in collaboration with the research team and external stakeholders. You will drive trial design, data collection, and knowledge transfer across agriculture disciplines.

You will mentor technicians, prepare grant applications, and present findings to industry partners, ensuring rigorous scientific standards and timely delivery of results.

Qualifications

• PhD in Agricultural Science or related field with strong research background.
• Minimum three years of applied research experience in a similar environment.
• Experience with smart agriculture technology and geospatial analysis.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead research projects with internal teams and external partners.
• Design and coordinate research trials from inception to completion.
• Ensure trials adhere to rigorous scientific standards and publish results.
• Advance literature reviews, data collection, and dissemination across crop, livestock, and environment areas.

Skills

AI & ML

Project leadership

Grant writing

Budgeting

Geospatial analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Research management

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Agricultural Science or related field

Tools

QGIS

ArcGIS Pro

SMS AgLeader

Job description

About Olds College Of Agriculture & Technology

Founded in 1913, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been offering high quality hands‑on education for over a century. Through our core programming including continuing education, online and blended programming, we provide accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond. We are passionate about the Agriculture industry. Through our applied research and integrated learning, we are proud to be Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, specializing in agriculture, agrifood, horticulture, land and environmental stewardship. We work closely with industry to advance and adapt our programming to ensure our graduates have the skills to succeed.

About The Olds College Centre For Innovation

Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI) is the applied research division of Olds College of Agriculture & Technology with a focus on agriculture and smart ag technology. Industry partners connect with OCCI for support in the development and testing of innovative products in core areas: crop production, livestock production, environmental stewardship, cereal breeding and technology integration.

The Opportunity - Research Scientist (permanent, full‑time)

The Research Scientist is responsible for recommending and planning research projects in conjunction with the research team and applicable external stakeholders. Further, they act as the overarching research perspective for STAAR projects, providing insights and advisory related to scientific merit and technical details for research and demonstration activities within a larger team setting. Specifically, the Research Scientist works closely with the Manager, STAAR, Research Manager, STAAR, Project Leads and Research Associates to identify research opportunities, develop grant applications, manage and execute projects once successfully obtained. They also have a responsibility to coordinate preparation of research results for publication in scientific journals, as well as to train and mentor research personnel, including Research and Student Technicians.

Key Job Functions

Research Planning & Execution

• Project Design: Recommend and plan research projects in conjunction with the applicable research team and external stakeholders.
• Trial Implementation: Develop, implement, and coordinate research trials from inception to successful completion as defined in the master research plan within a larger team.
• Methodology Oversight: Ensure all trials adhere to rigorous scientific standards.
• Multi‑Sector Support: Conduct and/or contribute to literature reviews, project planning, and data collection across related areas such as precision agriculture, crops, environment and livestock research.
  

Grant Writing & Funding

• Opportunity Identification: Prospect and assess various private, provincial, and federal granting agencies for alignment with crop production goals.
• Proposal Development: Lead the creation of complex, major grant applications using demonstrated technical writing expertise.
• Submission Management: Manage, in partnership with the team, the full lifecycle of grant submissions to ensure all agency requirements and deadlines are met.
  

Knowledge Sharing & Liaison

• Stakeholder Presentation: Present scientific results clearly to appropriate stakeholders, including producers and industry partners.
• Scientific Publication: Coordinate the preparation and submission of research results for publication in peer‑reviewed scientific journals.
• Industry Outreach: Communicate directly with industry members to identify research priorities and develop new partnerships.
• Event Participation: Plan and participate in conferences, seminars, plot tours, trade shows, and workshops to disseminate research information.
  

Leadership, Supervision & Communication

• Team Mentorship: Supervise and guide research personnel, including Research Technicians and Student Technicians involved in STAAR projects.
• Human Resource Management: Facilitate hiring processes and coordinate human resource requirements for the research team.
• Performance Reviews: Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to direct reports to facilitate professional growth.
• Through communication ensure internal and external stakeholders are consulted &/or informed as required
  

Budget & Project Management

• Fiscal Monitoring: Monitor research projects continuously to ensure all activities remain strictly within the approved budget.
• Financial Management: Apply budgeting and cost management experience to oversee the financial health of the research portfolio.
• Project Oversight: Utilize strong project management and negotiation skills to ensure milestones are achieved on time.
• Compliance: Adhere to all college budget policies, procedures, and general office management protocols.
  

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required

• A research-based PhD in Agricultural Science, crop production, ag‑engineering, precision agriculture or another field related to smart agriculture technology.
• A minimum of three years of applied research experience in a similar research environment.
• A minimum of three years of applied research experience in a similar research environment.
• Preference will be given to those with experience, minimum of two years exposure to smart‑ag technology, geospatial analysis within broad acre crop production with a preference in Western Canadian cropping system.
• Demonstrated proposal and major grant writing expertise.
• Budgeting, cost and financial management experience.
• Proven leadership and negotiation skills and strong project management skills.
• The ability to prospect, assess and communicate client needs.
• Proficient in the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning
• A strongly motivated person who is a self‑starter and requires little supervision.
• Knowledge of effective general office management, human resources and budget policies and procedures
• Displays honesty, integrity, and a strong sense of ethics in all decisions and actions.
• Proficient in use of Geospatial tools such as QGIS, ArcGIS Pro & Web suite, SMS Agleader
  

Conditions Of Employment

• Current Criminal Reference check with a Vulnerable Sector Check that is free of any offenses.
• Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies.
• May include moderate physical effort associated with field work (e.g., walking on uneven terrain, lifting/carrying research equipment, continuous standing) associated with field and greenhouse studies.
  

Olds College Offers a Competitive Benefit Plan

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan (LAPP)
• Extended Health, Dental, and Prescription Drugs benefits
• Health/Personal Spending Account
• Generous Vacation Leave
• Paid Holiday Closure
• ‘Olds College in the Community’ volunteer leave
• Professional development and opportunities for growth, including employee and family tuition waivers
  

We thank all individuals for their interest in this position. We appreciate the time involved for candidates in the application process. At this time, please note only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Olds College is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.