Research Associate

Position Details Position Title: Research AssociateDepartment/Unit: Plant, Food and Envir SciencesLocation: Truro, Nova Scotia, CanadaPosting Number: S207-25Employee Group: NSGEU Local 77Position Type: TermDuration of Contract (if applicable): Two (2) yearsEmployment Type: Full TimeFull-time Equivalency (FTE): 1.0Salary: $29.52 - $32.44 per hour ($49,895 - $54,830 per annum, 32.5 hours per week)Classification: RE03 About Dalhousie University Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018. Job Summary The Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University is a small research-intensive campus located in Truro, NS. Offering technical, undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, environment and related life and social science disciplines, the Faculty of Agriculture educates future leaders and generates knowledge and innovative solutions for healthy, sustainable societies. Reporting to the Director of the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC), the Research Associate will contribute to science coordination and networking, impact analysis, and communication as part of the OACC’s Organic Science Cluster (OSC) team, an industry-supported research program that is led by the industry applicant, the Organic Federation of Canada, in collaboration with the OACC. Key Responsibilities Co‑lead a research priority‑setting process for OSC4, surveying, reviewing, and compiling research priorities from the Canadian organic sector and linking industry with scientists. Work with the OSC team and partners to conduct an analysis of research impact; coordinate consultants and other service providers who may support the work. Network and communicate with current and potential OSC4 scientists to identify research priorities and opportunities for linkages. Identify, develop, and facilitate meetings, workshops, and presentations for scientists and stakeholders including industry associations, leading organic operators, extension specialists, private sector businesses, and government representatives. Prepare and contribute to scientific journal manuscripts; deliver outward‑facing reports and presentations to stakeholders and the granting agency. Play a leading role in OACC in researching and responding to queries related to organic science. Occasional travel within Canada up to several days at a time will be required. Scheduling and compensation will be in accordance with the collective agreement. Hybrid work (combination of in‑person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) is available as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines. Required Qualifications MSc in Agriculture or a related discipline applicable to agriculture plus five (5) years of work experience (or equivalent combination of training and experience). Demonstrated knowledge, experience, and interest in working with organic agriculture. Proven excellent written, verbal, and public‑speaking communication skills, especially for agricultural extension communications to a producer audience. Excellent interpersonal skills with the capacity to build relationships and work with team members and external stakeholders. Strong attention to detail, problem‑solving, and project‑management skills with the ability to multi‑task in a busy work environment. Strong computer skills with proficiency in MS Excel, MS Word, and MS PowerPoint. Assets PhD in Agriculture or a related discipline applicable to agriculture. Ability to read and write in French. Job Competencies The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular: Self‑Awareness & Professionalism Respect & Inclusion Adaptability Knowledge & Thinking Skills Communication Additional Information Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program. Application Consideration Non‑probationary bargaining unit employees (NSGEU Local 77) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered only if no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit is found. Diversity Statement Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotian), and other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. Preference will be given to candidates self‑identifying as members of one or more of the equity‑deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan, please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity. If you require accommodation, please let us know. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here. Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies: One (1) Open Date: 11/05/2025 Close Date: 12/03/2025 Open Until Filled: No Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting: https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/19807 Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology Industries Higher Education #J-18808-Ljbffr