Research Associate Position in Agronomy at University Of Alberta in Canada

Research Associate – Agronomy; ALES RR General

We are seeking a Research Associate specialization in Agronomy. The purpose of the cereal agronomy research program is to generate knowledge and foster innovation to support the growth of Alberta’s cereal crop industry. The candidate’s primary role is to develop, coordinate, lead, execute and interpret research projects to generate high-quality scientific information for growers and the industry.

The successful candidate will work with the Principle Investigator Dr. Guillermo Hernandez-Ramirez with the department of Renewable Resources within the Faculty of Agricultural Life and Environmental Sciences.  This scientific position contributes to lead and coordinate research programs on cereal agronomy at the provincial scale. This involves developing new research questions, writing research proposals, securing funding, implementing and coordinating research projects, data analysis and interpretation, modelling of cropping systems, developing management recommendations for Alberta farmers, and publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals. 

The incumbent will collaborate with government, applied research associations, university and private industry researchers provincially, nationally and international crop commissions and scientific organizations to develop agronomic advice for cereals in all of Alberta’s major agro-ecological environments.

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement, this research associate appointment will be for 18 months from the start date with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability with an annual salary range of $74,084 – 101,888 per annum commensurate with education and qualifications.

The successful candidate must

• have a Ph.D. in a scientific discipline relevant to the position, plus at least 4 years of closely related experience
• provide high-quality scientific information that helps to shape the cereal cropping industry provincially, nationally and potentially globally.
• demonstrate comprehensive agronomic knowledge and has broad experience on a wide variety of subject matter areas, including major crop species such as wheat, barley, oats, canola and pulse crops (i.e., field pea, faba bean, lentil, chickpea, lupin), soil management, soil fertility and fertilizers, plant nutrition, irrigation management, integrated weed management (including strategic use of herbicides), conventional and direct seed cropping systems, tillage and no-tillage options, crop rotation sequences, environmental monitoring, sustainable cropping systems, grain marketing, grain trade and industry logistics in Alberta and Western Canada as examples. Has an awareness of how agronomic management practices link to related industry challenges and opportunities.
• experience with setting up and maintaining research plots, conducting field sampling and measurements of plants and soils, monitoring of plant and soil attributes, sample processing and analyses.
• conduct research in a diverse scientific background, leading and being part of multi-disciplinary teams
• have knowledge of global trends in agriculture, food and related industries, as well as, relevant research being conducted globally and be able to evaluate the scientific literature and data, so it can be used for developing peer-reviewed publications.
• have the ability to envision innovative, leasing edge scientific hypotheses for research that will aid in provincial crop management decision making
• have extensive scientific knowledge of experimental design, database management, spreadsheets, word processing and statistics to ensure that the data analysis and interpretation are completed correctly and will withstand peer review scrutiny.
• possess proficient and writing skills using the appropriate scientific terminology to prepare research proposals, as well as, the ability to effectively communicate research results from the project to the scientific community through peer-reviewed publications.
• ability to translate technical terminology or research results to non-technical audiences
• have an excellent record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• know and understand the requirements for scientific journal, writing and formats required in various scientific publications such as Agronomy Journal, and Canadian Journal of Plant Science as examples.
• be well experienced in the preparation of data as charts, figures or tables for use in scientific journal article(s) and visual aids for verbal communications at conferences, workshops and industry seminars.
• whether working individually or as a part of a larger team, must ensure that work is completed according to objectives set out by their supervisor
• have strong initiative, leadership, communication and listening skills, coordination, networking, rapport and diplomacy skills. In addition, to be proactive, flexible, dedicated, punctual and responsible.
• contribute to an overall positive work environment, where equitable, diversity and inclusion principles are embedded through affirmative actions.
• enable and share safety awareness at the workplace.
• hold a valid driver’s license (without GDL) and clean driving record/abstract (ư years).
• have advanced knowledge of various computer software including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and statistical software.
• have the ability and willingness to undertake and promote teamwork.

To apply please submit CV including list of publications in peer-reviewed journals, university transcripts, a letter describing research experience and interests (one or two pages), and contact information for three references. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

COVID-19 Vaccination: Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 in compliance with the University’s COVID-19 Vaccination Directive. Fully Vaccinated means a status an individual achieves 14 days after having received the recommended number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada or the World Health Organization, and requires the individual to maintain the recommended number and type of vaccine doses as updated and required by Health Canada thereafter.

How to Apply

Apply Online

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.

The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.