Intermediate Researcher

**(Plant Sciences Focus Area), Vegreville AB**

The Bio Industrial Services Division at InnoTech Alberta is seeking an Intermediate Researcher for the Plant Sciences area Research and Development team. The successful incumbent will develop and lead projects related to crop and plant research, and deploy innovative technologies and processes that will help build commerce in Alberta. The Intermediate Researcher will identify, pursue, and lead business development activities, prepare proposals for clients, design experiments and testing programs and actively direct technologists in the execution of projects. The position will require collaboration and interaction with colleagues, clients, and external experts.

**Are you our Intermediate Researcher within our Bio-Industrial Research and Development Service area? You would be a good fit for this position if you**:

- Are passionate about working with various agriculture focused client groups to conduct and lead research and validation trials, implement solutions, and validate benefits
- Enjoy using your scientific expertise in order to actively conduct business development, engaging with stakeholders for new projects & initiatives
- Are able to utilize strong leadership, coaching, and technical skills in order to develop and guide others while encouraging a strong and collaborative team based environment
- Excel at project management and enjoy tackling new challenges

**We are game changers**

Our R&D Team, with operations in Edmonton and Vegreville, comprises specialized facilities including green houses and a 300-acre research farm and expertise in Plant Sciences, biotechnology, biomass feedstock development, bio-processing, bio-conversion, thermo-chemical treatments and biomaterials engineering that help industry design, develop, demonstrate, utilize and commercialize new bio-material production processes. The team also provides experimental services related to crop research conducted in field plots, greenhouses/growth chambers, laboratories, and commercial fields. Key clients and partners served by this group include agriculture industry entities, funding agencies, SMEs, entrepreneurs, government agencies, non-government organizations and academic institutions.

**Intrigued? Here’s some more information about the position**:
Reporting to the Supervisor of Bio Industrial Services - Research and Development, the Intermediate Researcher will identify, pursue, and lead business development activities, prepare proposals for clients, design experiments and testing programs and actively direct technologists in the execution of projects. The successful incumbent will develop proficiency in the operation, configuration, and capabilities of the respective service areas. Specialized equipment and facilities include field plots, greenhouses/growth chambers, laboratories and the associated supporting equipment. The Intermediate Researcher will be accountable for, but not limited to, executing the following:

- Identify industry needs, evaluate technical and economic viability, secure funding, and lead R&D projects in crop agriculture. A strong ability and desire to work in the commercial agriculture space with private companies is an important attribute.
- Design, manage, analyze, and report results of crop research conducted in field plots, greenhouses/growth chambers, laboratories, and commercial fields. Emphasis will be across a range of traditional crops and new emerging crops like hemp.
- Design and conduct crop research projects that utilize diverse specializations, including agronomy, breeding, molecular biology/genetics, food and fibre processing, engineering, chemistry, and more.
- Build support internally and among industry, government and academic stakeholders for research projects and initiatives
- Conduct business development and engage stakeholders for new projects & initiatives and ultimately identify, propose, and execute projects for clients
- Provide direction to technologists regarding operations, process improvements and equipment requirements
- Identify and respond to the needs of clients, to lead the direction of work in this field, and to communicate results effectively
- Provide oversight and guidance surrounding equipment maintenance and equipment operational issues.
- Improve the service area technical expertise & expand the area capabilities, and develop new business related to the unique infrastructure and facilities available at InnoTech Alberta
- Provide management oversight to ensure the on time, on budget delivery of experimental & testing services
- Provide technical and scientific insight for client and business partners

**Qualifications and skills we are looking for**:

- M.Sc. in a crop agriculture related field.
- Ph.D. in a crop agriculture related field is a considered a strong asset.
- Areas of specialization can include agronomy, soil science, plant physiology, plant pathology, plant breeding, tissue culture, botany, or others.