About Olds College of Agriculture & Technology
Founded in 1913, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been offering high quality hands-on education for over a century. Through our core programming including continuing education, online and blended programming, we provide accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond. We are passionate about the Agriculture industry. Through our applied research and integrated learning, we are proud to be Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, specializing in agriculture, agrifood, horticulture, land and environmental stewardship. We work closely with industry to advance and adapt our programming to ensure our graduates have the skills to succeed.
About the Olds College Centre for Innovation
Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI) is the applied research division of Olds College of Agriculture & Technology with a focus on agriculture and smart ag technology. Industry partners connect with OCCI for support in the development and testing of innovative products in core areas: crop production, livestock production, environmental stewardship, cereal breeding and technology integration.
The Opportunity - Research Scientist - permanent, full-time
The Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production (TACLP) is focused on meeting the needs of the Canadian livestock industry by providing access to new technologies that improve production efficiencies, industry sustainability and producer viability. Research and innovation services are provided in support of feed efficiency and animal health, including feed efficiency testing, carcass analysis, behavioral assessment, early disease detection, genomics and breed selection. The Centre primarily serves cattle and sheep producers by providing technology demonstration and tools to help accelerate the adoption of innovation in the livestock sector.
Key Job Functions:
Research Planning & Development
- Recommend and plan research projects in conjunction with industry, technology developers, producer clients and the applicable research teams
- Develop, implement, and coordinate all research trials for successful completion as laid out in the research plan
- Support research activities (including literature reviews, project planning, Animal Use Protocol (AUP) document preparation and submission to the Olds College Institutional Animal Care Committee (IACUC), data collection, field activities, laboratory analyses, etc.) for related research areas (e.g., livestock, environment, smart agriculture)
Funding and Grant Management
- Secure funding through grant applications to not-for-profit, provincial, and federal agencies, ensuring alignment with strategic research goals
- Provide financial oversight to projects through budget preparation and management related to research projects to ensure projects stay on budget
Results Analysis, Reporting, and Knowledge Transfer
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Coordinate the preparation of results for final reports to granting agencies, closing reports to the IACUC, and manuscripts for publication in scientific journals
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Present all scientific results to the appropriate stakeholders
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Prepare and present research findings to relevant stakeholders, providing data-driven insights and actionable recommendations
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Lead the preparation and submission of research results for publication in peer-reviewed journals, enhancing the institution’s scientific profile
Leadership & Mentorship
- Plan, organize, and actively participate in conferences, seminars, tours, and workshops, presenting research developments to academic, industry, and public audiences
- Act as a liaison with industry partners to understand priorities, gather feedback, and integrate industry needs into research projects
- Mentor, and guide research personnel, including Research Associates, Research Technicians and Students Research Technicians, ensuring effective project execution and professional development
- Cultivate a collaborative environment, working alongside other scientists (Colleges, Universities, Federal Research Institutions, and Industry) to align research efforts and enhance project outcomes
Industry & Stakeholder Engagement
- Communicate with industry so that industry partnerships may develop and industry priorities are understood and accomplished
- Collaborate with other research scientists to enhance the approved research initiatives
- Plan and participate in conferences, seminars, plot and facility tours, trade shows, and workshops that promote and provide information about the research and the research program
- Create and maintain strategic relationships with industry stakeholders, fostering national and international collaborations that support knowledge transfer and applied solutions in livestock research
Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required:
- A research-based PhD in animal science, animal behaviour, agricultural economics, rangeland science or another field related to the field of livestock production is required
- A minimum of three years of applied research experience in a similar research environment
- Demonstrated proposal and grant writing expertise, as well as experience with technical reporting of interim and final project results
- Budgeting, cost and financial management experience
- Proven leadership and strong project management skills
- The ability to prospect, assess and communicate client needs
- A strongly motivated person who is a self-starter and comfortable working independently, collaboratively, or both
- Previous experience with project management software is considered an asset
- Possess strong technical skills and a learning aptitude for new software. Must be experienced in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and all Google Apps (especially Email, Docs, Sheets, and Calendar).
- Demonstrate a strong dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity by actively seeking out and valuing diverse perspectives, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals of all backgrounds, and continuously striving to create a culture of respect and understanding
- Actively promote and reinforce practices that prioritize the well-being and security of all individuals at Olds College and show a proactive attitude towards safety measures, continuously striving to enhance safety protocols and instill a culture of shared responsibility and accountability when it comes to maintaining a safe and secure work setting
Health and Safety:
The employee is responsible for being aware of health and safety responsibilities and expectations as outlined in college policy, departmental and area procedures, and provincial legislation. The employee will attend training as required by the supervisors and conduct work in a manner that protects the health and safety of themselves and others. The employee will report health and/or safety concerns or hazards to the supervisor or the Health and Safety Committee.
Conditions of Employment:
- Current criminal reference check that is free of any offenses
- Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies
The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the key job functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It is not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Other duties may be assigned.
The successful candidate must be willing to work flexible hours. Some travel to outside collaborator sites may be required, and evening and weekend work may be required.
Olds College offers a competitive benefit plan:
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan (LAPP)
- Extended Health, Dental, and Prescription Drugs benefits
- Health/Personal Spending Account
- Generous Vacation Leave
- Paid Holiday Closure
- ‘Olds College in the Community’ volunteer leave
- Professional development and opportunities for growth, including employee and family tuition waivers
Open until suitable candidate found
We thank all individuals for their interest in this position. We appreciate the time involved for candidates in the application process. At this time, please note only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Olds College is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
