Research Chair, Scientific Lead

SAIT

Job Location:

Calgary - Canada

Hourly Salary: $ 145000 - 160000

Posted on: 11 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

SAITs Applied Research and Innovation Services department helps partners conceptualize prototype and deliver products to market. Join one of Canadas top applied research colleges innovate for the future and bring industry-generated ideas and game-changing technologies to life.

The Opportunity

Job classification: M1115 - Scientific Lead

Salary range: $145000 - $160000

Hours per week: 37.5

Paid leave: 4 Weeks Vacation / 14 Flex Days per year

Deadline to apply: 4:00PM May 18 2025

SAIT is seeking a Scientific Lead (SL) to lead the Centre for Energy Research and Clean Unconventional Technology Solutions (CERCUTS). This centre focuses on advancing environmentally responsible sustainable and efficient clean energy technologies including unconventional and integrated energy systems.

The Scientific Lead is responsible for defining and executing the centres applied research strategy building strong industry and funding partnerships and overseeing the successful delivery of research programs and projects. This role integrates scientific leadership business development operational oversight and financial accountability.

How youll contribute

Strategic Leadership & Partner Engagement

Develop and implement the applied research strategy for CERCUTS aligned with SAITs institutional and ARIS strategic plans
Build and maintain strong relationships with industry government and funding partners
Identify and pursue new business opportunities including fee-for-service and grant-funded projects
Position CERCUTS as a leader in clean energy innovation through external engagement and partnerships
Maintain relationships with granting agencies and ensure compliance with funding requirements

Research Program & Project Management

Lead the full lifecycle of applied research projects: opportunity identification proposal development budgeting execution and closure
Oversee project delivery ensuring quality timelines and financial accountability
Act as Principal Investigator (PI) or Subject Matter Expert (SME) where required
Ensure alignment with sponsor requirements including reporting documentation and outcomes dissemination
Support contract negotiations including scope timelines and resource planning

Proposal Development & Funding

Develop and execute a research and technical services business plan in collaboration with industry advisory boards and internal stakeholders
Lead the development and submission of funding proposals (e.g. Tri-Agency CFI Alberta Innovates Mitacs NRCan and others)
Secure funding for infrastructure research programs and personnel
Maintain and grow a sustainable portfolio of research projects and funding sources

Team Leadership & Mentorship

Provide leadership to an Operations Lead and a multidisciplinary research team including Principal Investigators research associates technicians and students
Recruit mentor and manage performance of research staff
Foster a collaborative and inclusive research environment
Create opportunities for student engagement and integration with industry and academic partners

Quality Compliance & Operational Management

Ensure the scientific integrity quality and successful delivery of all research activities
Oversee research data management security and intellectual property protection
Ensure compliance with SAIT policies funding requirements and applicable regulatory standards
Maintain safe efficient and compliant laboratory environments in accordance with HSE protocols
Lead financial management of the research program including budgeting forecasting and reporting
Manage grant and contract finances ensuring alignment with funding agency requirements
Approve expenditures and ensure adherence to procurement and financial policies
Oversee infrastructure equipment and capital investments across facilities
Support knowledge dissemination through publications conferences and industry engagement

What you bring

Doctorate in Engineering Science or a related field is required
10 years in industry and/or academia with a focus on applied research technology development or innovation
3-5 years Demonstrated leadership in clean technology development and prototyping
3-5 years in a Supervisory role
5-7 years in a Senior Leadership role
Proven experience managing research programs across Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 18)

Skills

Strong track record in securing research funding and managing grants
Experience building and managing research labs and infrastructure
Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership development skills
Strong project management expertise across scope schedule budget and risk
Business acumen in managing a sustainable research portfolio
Energy systems expertise with strong knowledge of energy systems and integration hydrogen technologies energy storage and battery systems
Process and water engineering with strong understanding of water treatment processes and process engineering principles
Scientific foundations with deep understanding of electrochemistry thermodynamics fluid mechanics and process design
Research and project tools with familiarity using Microsoft 365 CRM systems and Smartsheet
Funding knowledge with understanding of Canadian funding agencies and related programs

We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity. We understand how important communication is and we are committed to following up with every candidate. Please know that each application is thoughtfully reviewed and you will hear from us either way.

Together we build bold futures

At SAIT we equip you with the resources you need to shape bold futures for yourself and our communities. We offer a comprehensive package including:

- Defined Benefit pension through LAPP to help you retire with confidence

- Generous time off to pursue other passions and support your wellbeing

- SAIT paid premiums for medical dental and vision benefits so you and your family are well supported

- Access to a Health Spending or Taxable Spending Account

- Benefits supporting mental health and access to Greenshield for virtual therapy at a reduced rate

- Professional development opportunities through our Free Seat Program tuition support access to LinkedIn Learning and discounted Continuing Education & Professional Studies courses

- Excellent dining options on campus

- Free access to our fitness facilities and group fitness classes

And the perks keep on coming!

About SAIT

At SAIT were building bold futures. Were a community of tenacious problem-solvers inventive thinkers and passionate collaborators who believe in doing work that matters.

Named one of Albertas Top Employers were driven by a desire to create an impact in our community. If youre looking for a place where purpose meets possibility youve found it here.

Were committed to community and belonging

Community and belonging is essential to achieving SAITs vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women Indigenous people racialized people people with disabilities people from gender and sexually diverse communities and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about Community and Belonging at SAIT.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed please contact us.

SAITs Applied Research and Innovation Services department helps partners conceptualize prototype and deliver products to market. Join one of Canadas top applied research colleges innovate for the future and bring industry-generated ideas and game-changing technologies to life.The OpportunityJob clas...