Applied Research Chair, Centre for Grid Innovation

**Please note: This is a temporary position ending on or before December 31st, 2026, with the possibility of an extension.**

We are currently seeking a dynamic and visionary leader for the position of Applied Research Chair at the Centre for Grid Innovation (CGI). This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of energy systems in Alberta and beyond.

CGI at NAIT plays a crucial role in advancing the transformation of energy systems towards sustainability, reliability, and affordability. CGI is dedicated to developing technologies related to electrical grids, exploring emerging energy sources, and serving as a hub for collaboration between industry, Indigenous communities, researchers, and government agencies. CGI aims to address challenges and opportunities in the power sector through technology advancement, integration of emerging energy infrastructure in grid modernization, and product validation testing.

Reporting to the Director of Applied Technologies Operations, the Chair will play a pivotal role in designing, conceptualizing, and executing applied research project scopes for industry-focused projects in the power sector. You will be at the forefront of a collaborative environment, enabling research and technical leads to deliver product development and validation testing solutions to the industry.

In addition to leading the Centre, this position will support the business development team and other NAIT research centres by providing technical input for grants, proposals, and NAIT research and development initiatives.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Strategic leadership to ensure the growth and sustainability of the Centre in collaboration with applied research leadership and business development team.
- Grant and applied research proposal development, including project scoping, experimental design, budgeting, risk analysis, resource requirements, and partner engagement.
- Technical research project delivery and oversight by overseeing centre funding, ensuring it is administered responsibly, and maintaining awareness of project deliverables, constraints, challenges, milestones, and resource needs.
- Management of the Centre's financial, Human Resources, funder reporting, and safety, space and equipment related matters.
- Supporting the Business Development Team with new client acquisition, project/grant development and customer relations.
- Building strong, result-oriented teams and supporting direct reports in solution delivery, professional growth, and development.
- Building strong customer (internal and external) relationships and delivering industry & community-centric solutions.
- Represent the Centre and NAIT on multi-stakeholder committees as needed.

**Skills & Abilities**:

- Strategic Mindset - Foresight on existing and emerging opportunities and translating them to breakthrough strategies.
- Drives Results - Consistently achieving results, even under challenging circumstances.
- Instils Trust - Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
- Stakeholder Engagement - Anticipating and balancing the needs of many stakeholders.

**Qualifications**:

- Postgraduate degree
- Registered or eligible for registration as a Professional Engineer would be considered an asset.
- Extensive experience in applied research project development and management.
- Demonstrated ability to navigate the funding environment available to post-secondary institutions in Canada.
- Demonstrated experience in leading a team and working with cross-functional teams.
- Experience in business development and customer service activities.

Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada should have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services or the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS).

**Remuneration**:$96,356 - $127,657 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package. Commensurate with education and experience.

**Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity.**

**About NAIT**

We are proud to have been named one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 13 consecutive years. Being part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff, industry clients and partners, NAIT’s culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability.

People are what make NAIT great, and we prioritize the employee experience. We offer benefits and unique perks focusing on health and wellness, work-life balance, recognition, and professional and personal growth. In addition to excellent vacation time, we offer paid time off between Christmas and New Year's.

NAIT supports a flexible work environment, enabling staff to request approval for on-campus, off-site, or hybrid work arrangements based on the nature of the role. Please note that remote positions require employees to reside within Canada.

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