Research Chair - Energy Alternatives

Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE) is a solution-oriented applied research centre at Saskatchewan Polytechnic — advancing sustainable resource management with a full life-cycle lens on economic activities in Saskatchewan’s energy and resources, manufacturing, agriculture and forestry sectors. By working with SLICE, industry and community partners can capture new opportunities, solve everyday problems and realize economic, social and environmental benefits. SLICE’s collaborative approach brings together the expertise needed to address complex issues related to sustainability.

Based at the Moose Jaw campus of Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the Research Chair will have access to a newly-built Energy and Resources Science Lab with state-of-the art training equipment for energy technologies. This facility will provide the hub for energy-related applied research, with a focus on alternative energy technologies, smart grids, and energy efficient home construction. This may include, for example, maximizing potential for use of wind, solar, geothermal, or biomass energy as part of a circular economy or improving systems for battery storage or microgrid connectivity.

Reporting to the Director of SLICE, the Research Chair will provide leadership in applied research to support the energy sector in Saskatchewan. This is a new position with the exciting opportunity to establish and shape an applied research program. The Research Chair will be expected to obtain external funding for research projects and ensure that appropriate research personnel and project management staff are in place to deliver results. Furthermore, the Research Chair will bring experience in and commitment to mentoring faculty and students in applied research. The full-time commitment of the position is focused on engaging industry and community with applied research projects and defining and realizing significant research goals for the energy sector within Saskatchewan.

SLICE values diversity and welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, identities, experiences and perspectives.

Applied Research Leadership (50%)

1. Lead and promote applied research initiatives in energy alternatives for Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

2. Identify and actively pursue funding opportunities and provide leadership in the preparation and submission of funding requests/proposals in an applied and partner-driven framework.

3. Ensure project progress by planning and coordinating within project timelines in conjunction with Research Associate/s and other personnel.

4. Assign research project related duties to team members.

5. Provide supervision and mentorship to other team members, including research associates, technologists and student research assistants.

6. Plan the overall direction and objectives for research in collaboration with partner organizations and collaborate with research team members to choose research methods and experimental approaches.

7. Develop and monitor research budgets.

8. Assess, interpret, and evaluate outcomes of research.

9. Ensure quality control of research activities in meeting deliverables and objectives.

10. Remain current in emerging trends and technologies in biomaterials and innovative manufacturing.

Communication and Outreach (20%)

1. Foster and maintain mutually beneficial research partnerships, locally, provincially, nationally and internationally, with colleagues and stakeholders in research.

2. Ensure relationships with partners and parties of interest are optimally realized and maintained.

3. Plan and lead meetings with the partner organizations (may include industry, government, Indigenous communities, non-profit organizations, academic collaborators and others) and act as primary point of contact.

4. Undertake dissemination and mobilization of knowledge in a format appropriate to the project.

5. Collaborate with internal and external contacts such as educational, funding, and research bodies.

6. Promote applied research and research opportunities within Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

Administration (30%)

1. Act as direct supervisor for Student Assistants, Research Technologists, Research Associates, and Senior Associate Researchers, providing guidance and direction.

2. Maintain a high level of staff performance through effective use of human resources practices and procedures including recruitment, selection, orientation, training, probationary reviews, motivating and assessing research team members.

3. Manage the effective use of research resources.

4. Allocate resources and workflow within the team.

5. Work in collaboration with the leadership team in the Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades, and the Office of Applied Research and Innovation at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

6. Plan and conduct systematic reviews of completed projects and contribute to SLICE research reporting and metrics as requested.

7. Attend regular meetings of SLICE and the Applied Research group at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

8. Ensure safety protocols and all appropriate certifications in place for the Energy and Resources Lab facilities and foster a culture of organizational safety and security.

9. Follow all academic regulations and/or policies adopted by Saskatchewan Polytechnic and/or granting agencies relating to research and scholarly work.

10. Contribute to creating a positive, diverse, and inclusive work and learning environment.

11. Other duties as required.

1. A graduate degree in a relevant field (such as biochemistry, materials science, engineering, design engineering, manufacturing). Equivalent professional experience will be considered.

2. Minimum five years professional experience in applied research, research administration and/or project management with evidence of career progression to a leadership level.

3. Demonstrated subject matter expertise in a field relevant to Energy Alternatives.

4. Experience managing projects including project budgets, scheduling, and risks.

5. Effective and creative problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

6. Effective oral and written communication skills.

7. Effective organizational and time management skills.

8. Comfort to work within a team environment.

9. Appropriate safety training (e.g. WHMIS, laboratory safety) or willing to obtain this training.

10. Experience supervising students and/or direct reports in a professional setting.

11. Demonstrates valuing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Candidates are asked to highlight their area of specialization in energy in their cover letter, and outline its practical application to supporting sustainability and energy security in Saskatchewan. We particularly invite applications from candidates with background in bioenergy, geothermal, solar or wind energy, and/or an interest in rural, remote and northern energy security; however, we are open to any technical area of energy alternative specialization.