Research Officer, Food Protein Innovation

The role

We are looking for amid-careerResearch Officer (RO) specializing in food protein innovation to broaden and strengthen NRCs internationally recognized research activities in plant science. The RO would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity Excellence Respect and Creativity.

The primary responsibility of the RO is to support the goals of NRC through research of the highest international calibre and the development and application of advanced technologies in the area of food protein processing. The RO will work in a team environment with researchers and technical experts in world-class facilities. Activities will also include the identification of opportunities development of proposals for new research initiatives project management and providing excellence in service to NRC clients. The RO will provide input into the overall direction and research priorities for the program area within the context of the research centre business plan.

The RO will establish an innovative and productive research program in food protein innovation and processing at NRCs Aquatic and Crop Resource Development (ACRD) Research Centre facilities in Saskatoon Saskatchewan attracting international academic and industrial collaborators and addition the Food Protein Innovation RO will:

• Develop lead and manage research projects supporting ACRD strategic priorities in protein ingredient processing in general and specifically in the development of novel process design and ingredient innovations that meet current trends and future markets.
• Monitor the marketplace for new ideas innovations and points of collaboration and competition.
• Assemble project teams and propose new research initiatives in response to NRC and client R&D needs as they arise.
• Prepare research papers and technical reports present research results and represent NRC and ACRDs strategic priorities at appropriate meetings and conferences.
• Contribute to ACRDs multidisciplinary research environment by supporting research efforts of NRC colleagues and providing guidance leadership and technical training as required.

About ACRD

We perform advanced scientific research and provide research services and technology development for the sustainable transformation of Canadian bio-based resources into higher-value products.

More

Why Work With Us

We collaborate with industry academia and government partners to develop and transform agricultural and marine bioresources into food feed and ingredients and other high value bioproducts.

The services we offer include:

• Collaborative research opportunities
• Access to expert researchers and technicians
• Scientific advice and technical services
• Projects tailored to client needs using our specialized facilities
• Research and development support

Our goal is to help strengthen the economy by growing global markets for Canadian industry.

About Saskatoon

Saskatoon is the perfect city for people who enjoy the natural world a diverse cultural environment and want to find a place they can call home. A wonderful place to raise a family Saskatoon enjoys one of the lowest costs of living among major cities in Canada.

Located in the heart of the prairies the city is home to about 300000 people has one of the most diversified economies in the country producing products and services that are in demand throughout the world. With a solid infrastructure natural resources research and development facilities and a well-educated workforce the Saskatoon region is continually creating new opportunities for business and individuals.
There are six dominant industries within the region including mining/energy manufacturing transportation life sciences construction and agriculture. Wages in the Saskatoon region are competitive when compared with the rest of the province and large part due to low housing costs and good wages people in Saskatoon have a good standard of living compared to more expensive cities.

For more information on living in Saskatoon:Life in Saskatoon

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

PhD in food processing technology food chemistry biochemistry or related field.

A PhD as above with at least 5 years of relevant research experience considered a strong asset for this position.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad please seeDegree equivalency

Experience

• Significant experience in food chemistry biochemistry and ingredient technology.
• Significant experience and knowledge of analytical methods and ability to apply these in appropriate situations to assess processed products.
• Significant experience in testing development and applications of innovative food processing technologies from the bench scale to pilot scale.
• Significant experience in the full spectrum of research activities including identification of research requirements proposal writing project management data processing and analysis and reporting through written documentation presentations and strong track-record of recent and relevant publications in high quality scientific journals.
• Experience working and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams (including engineers original equipment manufacturers etc.)
• Experience overseeing the activities of other researchers students and technicians for the development and advancement of processing technologies.
• Experience in business development marketing activities and/or the development of partnerships and collaborations.
  

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

• Strong knowledge of current industrial food processing and food ingredient production technologies and protein innovation challenges as well as future trends in the food processing and ingredient innovation industry sector.
• Strong knowledge of the chemistry and biochemistry of food matrix and tools and technologies that are applicable for understanding the molecular composition of food ingredients.
• Knowledge of AI/ML tools as it relates to data-driven process design for ingredient innovation and knowledge of assessment tools for sustainability and process economics.
• Excellent oral communication skills ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and present findings at relevant conferences meetings and workshops.
• Strong ability to write high quality research proposals as well as articles and technical reports to communicate findings to collaborators and industrial partners.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s):Research

View all competency profiles

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at theAsRO - AcROlevel which isan mid-careerlevel position with a salary range of$83985to$139608.

NOTE:Please note that the fullRO/RCO salary scalehas five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidates expertise outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the such the initial salary could be within another level of theRO/RCOsalary scale (i.e. aboveor belowthe intended level for this position).

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range ofcompetitive benefitsincluding a robust pension plan comprehensive health and dental coverage disability and life insurance office closure at the end of December and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Discover

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC named in 2025 one of Canadas Top Employers for Young People Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canadas Best Employers!

As Canadas leading research and technology organization our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canadas future and the world.

At the NRC youll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. Youll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly youll discover whats possible within you as you grow make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career discover your possible at the NRC.

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRCs directives.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.