Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) is recruiting for a Research Scientist, Plant Production to work in an industry-driven research environment. Vineland is a uniquely Canadian results-oriented organization dedicated to horticulture science and innovation.

Vineland is situated on treaty lands. These lands are steeped in the rich history of the First Nations such as the Hatiwendaronk, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabe and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Many First Nations, Métis and Inuit people from across Turtle Island live and work in Niagara today. Vineland stands with all Indigenous people, past and present, in promoting the wise stewardship of the lands on which we live. As treaty people, residents and caretakers, we are committed to continuous learning and a deep respect for Indigenous people, culture and history.

Vineland’s mission is to deliver innovative products and production solutions addressing the needs of the horticulture industry and... advancing Canada’s research and commercialization agenda. We are an independent, not-for-profit organization, funded in part by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

Our people are the most important asset in achieving our goals and are known in the world for excellence in science and entrepreneurship. Our staff enjoys an exciting and challenging work environment noted for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Vineland is committed to employment equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates including women, Indigenous peoples, members of visible minorities and racialized groups, persons with disabilities, persons of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and others. In accordance with all applicable provincial accessibility standards, accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process.

Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online below. We appreciate all applications received; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Duties & Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, Plant Responses and the Environment, the Research Scientist, Plant Production will apply an industry-focused, economic and sustainable lens to the development and uptake of high quality scientific research that advances Vineland’s Innovation Goals. Working in a matrix organization, the Research Scientist will promote cross-functional collaboration in the areas of technology development, performance evaluation of new plant varieties or helping to implement new practices to recognize efficiencies in operations.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(*A more comprehensive position outline is available upon request.)
• Prepare and execute experiments with cross-functional teams to support the goals of Vineland’s programs
• Work collaboratively on multi-disciplinary teams that may include other researchers, business development, marketing staff, clients and industry stakeholders
• Take direction from program leaders and be accountable for assigned research targets
• Develop and manage research trials with detailed project schedule and work plans
• Manage day‐to‐day activities associated with research projects, including monitoring and documenting progress, managing and interpreting data
• Advise Vineland’s science, farm and greenhouse staff on the implementation of specialty crop, orchard and vineyard practices
• Prepare agronomic and financial reports to support the commercialization of new crops and direct market applications from research findings
• Communicate research findings and other technical developments to stakeholders
• Secure external funds from granting agencies and industry partners to support research activities
• Lead, train and manage permanent and contract staff, co-op and graduate students

Qualifications
• Five or more years of research experience in areas of plant science and/or biological science or environmental horticulture science
• PhD in horticulture, plant biology, plant sciences or plant physiology
• Four or more years interacting with cross-functional teams
• Experience managing and overseeing multiple on-going initiatives simultaneously
• Certification in agronomy and/or as a crop advisor
• Experience with field horticulture, tree nurseries, turf, vineyards and orchard crops
• Experience working/collaborating on cross-disciplinary teams
• Experience doing research to support the commercialization of products
• Demonstrated ability to manage a small team
• Strong communication skills that facilitate clear, confident interactions and knowledge exchange with technical and non-technical teams
• Passionate about the intersection of plant, product, technology and experience

Include:
• A cover letter stating how your experience qualifies you for the position
• Résumé
• Contact information of three references

Full Time Position

Closing date: May 12, 2023

Location: 4890 Victoria Avenue North, Vineland Station, ON L0R 2E0
Canada

Salary Criteria