Research Scientist

**Classification & Regular Hours**:
Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade: R2

Please note, this is an 18 month temporary full time contract opportunity covering a leave.

**About Western**:
**About Us**:
Earth Sciences mission is the continued development of research and teaching programs that excel at the international level. These programs cover a broad base and a diverse range of topics in the Earth Sciences, and are currently grouped into four themes: Earth and Planetary Systems, Resource Geoscience, Tectonic Processes and Natural Hazards and Earth Evolution: Surface, Life and Climate. On a broader scale, our mission is to promote Earth Science literacy within the University and within society in general.

**Responsibilities**:
**Qualifications**:
**Education**:

- Masters in Earth Sciences, Geology or related discipline
- PhD is preferred

**Experience**:

- 2 years working experience in a related academic research environment
- Experience in the curation of rocks and minerals
- Experience in developing curriculum and materials for public education and outreach
- A strong publication record including first author publications is preferred
- Field experience working with rocks and minerals would be an asset

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

- Demonstrated expertise of scientific/research principles in petrology including igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and minerals
- In-depth knowledge of methods for research design, implementation, and analysis
- Knowledge of best practices for reviewing and writing grant proposals
- In-depth knowledge of techniques for updating, managing and extracting data from a research database
- Knowledge of the regulations and guidelines governing research in an academic environment
- Project management skills to manage projects from conception to completion within tightly prescribed timelines
- Ability to ensure expenditures and resources are within allotments, and to make appropriate modifications when required
- Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one's own unit
- Well-developed public speaking skills to engage individuals and audiences inside and outside the University
- Ability to plan and manage events of various sizes; familiarity with large scale events an asset
- Communication skills to convey information in a credible way to garner support
- Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
- Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required
- Attention to detail with an ability to retrieve, analyze and synthesize sizable amounts of data, while ensuring that information is accurate and comprehensive
- Ability and willingness to stay abreast of technological developments
- A desire to grow and advance skills, which is demonstrated by attending conferences, workshops and other professional developmental opportunities to enhance performance
- Ability to remain highly motivated, resilient, innovative, and collaborative when faced with challenges
- Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the Unit’s events and activities
- Ability to provide guidance to assist others in solving complex problems
- Possess a reputation for resourcefulness with a strong sense of accountability and initiative
- Ability to interpret and identify key results or patterns in complex research data, and succinctly summarize findings
- Ability to coach employees and support them to be self-directed and responsible for their own development and learning
- Ability to evaluate issues, recognize potential problems and take action to proactively resolve issues
- Ability to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies
- Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
- Familiarity with University policies and procedures preferred

**Background Checks**:
Please note, successful applicants may be required to produce a current vulnerable sector record check(s) from a police service prior to commencing employment.

**Western Values Diversity**:
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

**Please Note**:
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.