Junior Researcher

InnoTech Alberta a subsidiary of Alberta Innovates, is seeking a Junior Researcher (Generalist, Plant Scientist) to perform diverse crop-related research at Vegreville, with an emphasis on product and technology evaluation in controlled environments (greenhouses and growth chambers).

Are you our next Junior Researcher? You would be a good fit for this position if you:
Must be genuinely passionate about their work and have the desire to make a difference and contribute to their field drives them forward.
Must have insatiable curiosity.
Must have strong analytical skills and can analyze information objectively, evaluate evidence, and draw logical conclusions.

We are game changers.

**Intrigued? Here’s some more information about the position**:
Reporting to the Supervisor, the Jr. Researcher (Generalist, Plant Scientist) will work with clients on their research and development needs for product development, providing advise on experimental design, testing methodologies, statistical analysis, report generation and build business in the controlled environment testing agricultural arena. The successful incumbent will be accountable for (but not limited to) the following:
Under supervision, assists with developing, maintaining, and enhancing innovative technical capabilities in an indicated area of knowledge.
Assists with identifying expansion areas in which the technical capabilities can be utilized.
Maintains and increases technical knowledge through literature reviews.
Contact with stakeholders as determined by project leader.

Attends tradeshows, conferences and workshops as required.
Identifies innovative opportunities and champions concept for review and consideration.
Manages individual projects or activities within the assigned project.

**Educational Requirement**:
Master’s degree in science or Ph.D. Recent graduate

**Experience and Qualifications we are looking for**:
Must have a background as a Generalist, Plant Scientist.
Experience in an agriculture-related field is preferred but not mandatory.
Has background and ability to speak in public (e.g. teaching, presentations) and network in a non-scientific context is important.
Can demonstrate ability to conduct valid reproducible research in growth chambers, greenhouses, and benchtop.
Familiarity working in research oriented environment
Experience with basic molecular biology procedures (DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, basic analytics) is an asset.
Experience with fertigation, hydroponics, aquaponics would be an asset.
Must have educational and/or job experience or previous coop experience in plant physiology (especially water nutrient stress, fertilizer uptake), soil science with emphasis on agricultural soils (water or nutrient flows or fluxes, soil fertility, soil amendments, soil microbiology would be good areas of specialization but not mandatory.

**Skills Required**:
Strong communication skills, written, verbal, and presentations.

Ability to communicate complex topics to non-specialist audiences is very important.

General understanding of project management principles

Intermediate level knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office

Basic level knowledge of intellectual property and patents

Business and/or scientific reporting writing skills

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.

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