Research Associate - Honey Bee Health

Background
Northwestern Polytechnic’s Office of Applied Research & Innovation provides a wide range of support services and guidance to faculty, researchers, students, industry, and community partners. We are proud to advance research in several areas and strive to make a positive impact by:

• Facilitating practical solutions to industry challenges
• Identifying opportunities to enhance community through research
• Creating beneficial partnerships and work-integrated learning opportunities for students
• Supporting scholarly research and creative activities
• Adding value and contributing to regional and provincial economic growth and competitiveness

The Role
The successful candidate for this position will support the applied research initiatives from NWP’s Technology Access Centre (TAC), the National Bee Diagnostic Centre (NBDC). NBDC is one of 64 TACs and the only facility dedicated to bee and pollinator research and diagnostics in Canada. Its focus is on adding value and fostering innovation in three main domains: Beekeepers and honey producers; Crop pollination and sustainable agriculture; and Biodiversity monitoring and bee species conservation. The NBDC provides diagnostic services for beekeepers and researchers, with the aim to contribute towards a healthy, sustainable, and profitable apiculture in Canada. As such, the Research Associate will conduct and contribute to existing applied research initiatives and will identify appropriate funding opportunities related to Apiculture and Honey Bee Health. This position will develop and contribute to the business functions of the NBDC-TAC to ensure access to enhanced research and learning.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the highest conduct of research standard is practiced as outlined in Tri-Council Policy Statements related to Responsible Conduct of Research (research integrity, data management and ethical conduct of research) and Administration of Research Grants (financial compliance); and is consistent with NWP policies.
• Conduct and contribute to research projects as assigned, including experiment design, field testing, lab testing, data collection and analysis, ensuring scientific integrity and standard.
• Mentor and supervise a team of research assistants and student interns in applied research projects and contracts.
• Work closely with other NBDC research team members and outside collaborators to develop new diagnostic tools for honey bees.
• Write and develop proposals and produce scientific reports to meet funder requirements and/or as requested by industry partners and research collaborators.
• Disseminate knowledge of research advances and attend industry meetings, scientific conferences, seminars and other meetings as necessary.
• Under the supervision of NBDC’s Scientific Lead, pursue robust research relationships with internal and external partners; develop and deliver outreach activities and specialized training; and produce and contribute to scientific publications.

Job Requirements
The successful candidate will hold a PhD degree in Biology/Agricultural Sciences with experience in apiculture, animal science, entomology, and/or crop pollination. At least five years of experience in conducting quasi-independent research within an academic or government setting actively engaged with industry partners is required. Other necessary skills and attributes to be successful in this role include:

• A high level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills, and the ability to build strong relationships.
• Aptitude for respectful client service and experience in building inter-institution relationships and industry/community research partnerships.
• Understanding of the Canadian beekeeping industry and pollination services.
• Understanding of federal and provincial research-specific funding streams.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Ability to travel to field sites for data collection, and to attend meetings locally, provincially and country-wide.
• Experience in project management and large-scale datasets are highly desirable.
• Knowledge of other managed bees and wild bees is an asset.
• Proficiency in MS Office (full suite) and experience with statistical analytical packages (e.g.: SAS, SPSS, “R”) is required; familiarity with bioinformatics software is an asset; familiarity with grant reporting systems is preferred.

What We Offer
NWP offers lifelong learning opportunities through professional development & wellness programs, a competitive salary and compensation package, and a student-centered culture that is vital to our community. Consider joining Canada’s newest polytechnic, committed to being the most entrepreneurial polytechnic by 2034.

How to Apply
Only applications received electronically via the Northwestern Polytechnic website will be considered. We review all applications to select candidates whose qualifications and experience most closely meet our needs.
The Office of Applied Research and Innovation is committed to removing barriers faced by marginalized members (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) of our community. We strive to recruit individuals who will enhance our diversity and will support their professional success. All aspects of the recruitment and selection process including recruiting, interviewing, selection, promotions, compensation, and development will be conducted in a fair, consistent, and non-discriminatory manner.
Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. For general inquiries, please contact HR at humanresources@nwpolytech.ca.

Thank you for applying to Northwestern Polytechnic!