Research Associate - Honey Bee Health

at  Northwestern Polytechnic

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

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 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.

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 identity 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 a robust research relationships with internal and external partners; developing and delivering outreach activities and specialized training; and producing and contributing 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 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