Research Officer, Food Protein Innovation

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

City: Saskatoon

Organizational Unit: Aquatic and Crop Resource Development

Classification: RO

Tenure: Continuing

Language Requirements: English

Work Arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require some physical presence at the NRC work location identified in the form of a hybrid work arrangement (a combination of working onsite and offsite).

We recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities. If you are an Indigenous candidate, you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. To learn more, please contact the hiring team, using the contact information below.

• While the official location of work for this position will be an NRC facility within Canada, the option of an offsite or a hybrid work arrangement (a combination of working onsite and offsite) may be possible.

Great Minds. One Goal. Canada's Success.

Help bring research to life and drive your career forward with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Canada's largest research and technology organization.

We are looking for a mid-career Research Officer (RO) specializing in food protein innovation to broaden and strengthen NRC's internationally recognized research activities in plant science. The RO would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The primary responsibility of the RO is to support the goals of NRC through research of the highest international calibre and the development and application of advanced technologies in the area of food protein processing. The RO will work in a team environment with researchers and technical experts in world-class facilities. Activities will also include the identification of opportunities, development of proposals for new research initiatives, project management, and providing excellence in service to NRC clients. The RO will provide input into the overall direction and research priorities for the program area within the context of the research centre business plan.

The RO will establish an innovative and productive research program in food protein innovation and processing at NRC's Aquatic and Crop Resource Development (ACRD) Research Centre facilities in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, attracting international academic and industrial collaborators and clients. In addition, the Food Protein Innovation RO will:

• Develop, lead, and manage research projects supporting ACRD strategic priorities in protein ingredient processing in general, and specifically in the development of novel process design and ingredient innovations that meet current trends and future markets.
• Monitor the marketplace for new ideas, innovations and points of collaboration and competition.
• Assemble project teams and propose new research initiatives in response to NRC and client R&D needs as they arise.
• Prepare research papers and technical reports, present research results and represent NRC and ACRD's strategic priorities at appropriate meetings and conferences.
• Contribute to ACRD's multidisciplinary research environment by supporting research efforts of NRC colleagues and providing guidance, leadership and technical training as required.

We perform advanced scientific research and provide research services and technology development for the sustainable transformation of Canadian bio-based resources into higher-value products.

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We collaborate with industry, academia and government partners to develop and transform agricultural and marine bioresources into food, feed and ingredients, and other high value bioproducts.

The services we offer include:

• Collaborative research opportunities
• Access to expert researchers and technicians
• Scientific advice and technical services
• Projects tailored to client needs using our specialized facilities
• Research and development support

Our goal is to help strengthen the economy by growing global markets for Canadian industry.

Saskatoon is the perfect city for people who enjoy the natural world, a diverse cultural environment and want to find a place they can call home. A wonderful place to raise a family, Saskatoon enjoys one of the lowest costs of living among major cities in Canada.

Located in the heart of the prairies, the city is home to about 300,000 people, has one of the most diversified economies in the country, producing products and services that are in demand throughout the world. With a solid infrastructure, natural resources, research and development facilities, and a well-educated workforce, the Saskatoon region is continually creating new opportunities for business and individuals.

There are six dominant industries within the region, including mining/energy, manufacturing, transportation, life sciences, construction and agriculture. Wages in the Saskatoon region are competitive when compared with the rest of the province and country. In large part due to low housing costs and good wages, people in Saskatoon have a good standard of living compared to more expensive cities.

For more information on living in Saskatoon: Life in Saskatoon |

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

PhD in food processing technology, food chemistry, biochemistry or related field.

A PhD as above with at 5 years of relevant research experience considered a strong asset for this position.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

• Significant experience in food chemistry, biochemistry and ingredient technology.
• Significant experience and knowledge of analytical methods and ability to apply these in appropriate situations to assess processed products.
• Significant experience in testing, development and applications of innovative food processing technologies from the bench scale to pilot scale.
• Significant experience in the full spectrum of research activities including identification of research requirements, proposal writing, project management, data processing and analysis, and reporting through written documentation, presentations and strong track-record of publishing.
• Experience working and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams (including engineers, original equipment manufacturers etc.)
• Experience overseeing the activities of other researchers, students and technicians for the development and advancement of processing technologies.
• Experience in business development, marketing activities, and/or the development of partnerships and collaborations.
  
  

Reliability Status

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

• Strong knowledge of current industrial food processing and food ingredient production technologies and protein innovation challenges, as well as future trends in the food processing and ingredient innovation industry sector.
• Strong knowledge of the chemistry and biochemistry of food matrix and tools and technologies that are applicable for understanding the molecular composition of food ingredients.
• Knowledge of AI/ML tools as it relates to data-driven process design for ingredient innovation and knowledge of assessment tools for sustainability and process economics.
• Excellent oral communication skills, ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and present findings at relevant conferences, meetings and workshops.
• Strong ability to write high quality research proposals, as well as articles and technical reports to communicate findings to collaborators and industrial partners.
  
  

• Research - Communication (Level 3)
  
• Research - Creative thinking (Level 4)
  
• Research - Initiative (Level 2)
  
• Research - Results orientation (Level 2)
  
• Research - Teamwork (Level 2)
  

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Research

View all competency profiles

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the ACRO - SRO level, which is an mid-career level position with a salary range of $117,341 to $164,894.

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate's expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including comprehensive health and dental plans, vacation, sick, and other leave entitlements, disability insurance and pension plans.

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The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is the Government of Canada's largest research organization supporting industrial innovation, the advancement of knowledge and technology development. We collaborate with over 70 colleges, universities and hospitals annually, work with 800 companies on their projects, and provide advice or funding to over 8000 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) each year.

We bring together the brightest minds to deliver tangible impacts on the lives of Canadians and people around the world. And now, we want to partner with you. Let your expertise and inspirations make an impact by joining the NRC.

At the NRC Employee wellness matters. We offer flexible work schedules as well as part-time work to help employees maintain work-life balance. We are one of the few federal organizations that close our offices during the December holiday season. We offer professional learning and development opportunities such as conferences, workshops, and a suite of mentorship, award and recognition programs. Diversity enables creativity and innovation. Fostering a diverse, inclusive, welcoming and supportive workplace is important to us, and contributes to a more inclusive Canadian innovation system. We welcome all qualified applicants and encourage you to complete the employment equity self-declaration questions during the job application process. Please let us know of any accommodation measures required to help you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Please note that the information you provide will be treated confidentially.

Help us solve problems for Canada. Grow your career with us today

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• ​A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number to:

E-mail: NRC.NRCHiring-EmbaucheCNRC.-

Telephone:

Closing Date: 06 September :59 Atlantic Time

For more information on career tools and other resources, check out Career tools and resources

*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careers module from your NRC computer.