Senior Researcher, Fibre Processing

Senior Researcher, Fibre Processing

The Bio Industrial Services Division at InnoTech Alberta is seeking a Senior Researcher for the Pilot Facilities and Operations team. The successful incumbent will develop, and lead projects related to biomass processing and conversion technologies and develop, test, and deploy new technologies and processes that will help build commerce in Alberta. The Senior Researcher will identify, pursue, and lead business development activities, prepare proposals for clients, design experiments and testing programs and actively lead and direct technologists in the execution of projects. 

Are you our Senior Researcher within our Bio-Industrial Pilot Facilities and Operations Service area?  You would be a good fit for this position if you:

• Are passionate about working with various fibre production/utilization client groups to conduct and lead processing 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

InnoTech is a leading Applied Research & Technology Development Services Organization serving the needs of industry, entrepreneurs and the public sector. Our leading-edge expertise and industrial-scale research and demonstration facilities accelerate and de-risk technology development and deployment with a focus on industrial solutions and commercial application.  We are Alberta’s innovation engine with 100 years of bold ideas that feed, grow, fuel, and build Alberta’s agriculture, energy, environment, and forestry sectors. Visit us at: InnoTechAlberta.ca. 

Our Pilot and Facilities Team, with operations in Edmonton and Vegreville, comprises specialized facilities and expertise in 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 the development and production of engineered composite materials.  This work is generally associated with wood and agricultural fibre and accompanying value-added products. Key clients and partners served by this group include forest products and agriculture industries, SMEs, entrepreneurs, government agencies, non-government organizations and academic institutions.

Intrigued? Here’s some more information about the position: 

Reporting to the Manager of Bio Industrial Services - Pilot Facilities and Operations, the Senior 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 pilot and laboratory equipment within respective service areas.  Specialized equipment and facilities include an agricultural fibre decortication and refining facility, thermo-chemical pulping facilities, thermo-mechanical refining facilities, continuous pressurized thermo-chemical pulping facilities, full scale engineered composite wood panel production facilities and a selection of related fibre processing equipment. The Senior Researcher will be accountable for, but not limited to, executing the following: 

• Conduct business development and engage stakeholders for new projects & initiatives and ultimately identify, propose, and execute projects for clients.
• Provide directions to and lead technologists and junior researchers 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 facilities.
• Provide management oversight to ensure the on time, on budget delivery of experimental & testing services.
• Provides technical and scientific insight for clients and business partners.

Qualifications and skills we are looking for:

• The ideal candidate will possess a degree in engineering or science with a Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry or Wood Science degree preferred.
  • A Ph.D. or master’s degree is considered an asset.
• Eligible for registration as a professional engineer or other professional designation associated with the candidate’s education.
• Possess a minimum of 5 years of related experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered.
• Experience with oversight of the operation and maintenance of full scale and/or pilot scale equipment with an emphasis on equipment like hammer mills, refiners, chemicals pulpers and other fibre processing equipment.
• Experience in a pulp mill or other similar fibre processing facility with familiarity in chemical and mechanical pulping, and/or refining and/or engineered composite material production.
• Experience in fibre recycling, agricultural feedstock, and conversion to biomass-based chemicals using lignin, cellulose and other components is an asset.
• Knowledge and experience in applied research would be considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects including budgets, resources, and interpersonal and organizational skills are essential.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a challenging and changing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in several different team environments.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide others, manage workflow and resources, and delegate projects and tasks.
• Preferentially a minimum of 3 years as a leader in a technical or supervisory position, focused on balancing science/technical, market, and business development requirements to achieve success.
• Strong oral and written communications ability including developing high quality technical presentations and reports.
• A valid Driver’s license with the ability to travel to work sites as required.

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. 

At InnoTech Alberta, we respect diversity and embrace an inclusive culture. We value uniqueness and different perspectives as they play a critical role in our success. To achieve this, individuals are selected based on qualifications, merit, and abilities and we encourage applications from all backgrounds to apply.  

 The final candidate will be required to undergo a security clearance. All interviewees must be able to meet the requirement specified in the Physical Demand Analysis. This document will be supplied during the interview process to the successful candidate. This competition will remain open until a successful candidate is found.

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