Research Chair - Sustainable Energy Solutions

at  Saskatchewan Polytechnic

JOB DUTIES/QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ABILITIES(QSA)

Job Duties

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (QSA)

1. A graduate degree in a relevant field (such as electrical engineering, architecture, building systems, energy systems). Equivalent professional experience will be considered.
2. Minimum five years professional experience in industry and/or applied research with evidence of career progression to a leadership level.
3. Demonstrated subject matter expertise in a field relevant to Sustainable Energy Solutions.
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, and demonstrated skills in grant-writing.
7. Effective organizational and time management skills.
8. Appropriate safety training (e.g. WHMIS, laboratory safety) or willing to obtain this training.
9. Experience supervising students and/or direct reports in a professional setting.
10. 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.

JOB DUTIES

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.
SLICE is seeking a Research Chair to lead the Energy theme of SLICE applied research, to be based at the Moose Jaw campus of Sask Polytech, with the option to focus on either energy efficient building and construction, or energy resource solutions. Under the building and construction focus, this might include green construction, net-zero buildings, retrofitting for energy efficiency, and sustainable building design and materials. Under the energy resource solutions, this might include maximizing potential for use of wind, solar, geothermal, or biomass energy as part of a circular economy, improving systems for energy storage, and microgrid and smart grid distribution solutions. The area of focus within energy solutions is open to allow applicants to bring their strengths to the role. The Research Chair will have access to the newly-built Energy and Resources Lab in Moose Jaw with state-of-the art training equipment for energy technologies, and a talented pool of students in programs based at Moose Jaw campus such as Electrical Engineering Technology, Architectural Technologies, Civil Engineering Technologies, and the full range of construction trades.
Reporting to the Director of SLICE, the Research Chair will provide leadership in applied research to support sustainable energy solutions 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. Saskatchewan Polytechnic, as part of the college and polytechnic post-secondary sector, engages in applied research, which means finding solutions to challenges that are brought to us by industry and community partners. Success in this position requires strong grant-writing, networking, and project management skills. Working within the supportive and distributed SLICE team environment, we are seeking someone who is creative, self-motivated, and collaborative with the ability to generate enthusiasm among colleagues and mentor 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 sustainable energy solutions within Saskatchewan.
SLICE values diversity and welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, identities, experiences and perspectives. We particularly encourage applications from women, Indigenous applicants, and members of equity-deserving groups.