Food Scientist, Crops

Role Responsibilities

Are you ready to use your expertise in food science and crop-based product and/or process development to advance Alberta’s value-added agriculture industry? Join us as a Crops Scientist, where you will provide leadership in the development and commercialization of innovative, market-responsive ingredients, food and beverage products, and processes.

This role focuses on crop-based value-added products, including grains, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, and small fruits grown in Alberta. You will collaborate with industry partners, academic researchers, and government colleagues to translate scientific knowledge into commercial success while supporting the growth of Alberta’s food processing industry.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Leading the development of innovative, value-added food and beverage products, with a focus on processed crops and plant-based food ingredients like proteins, starches, fibers, and oils.
• Designing and conducting food product and process development projects in labs, a pilot plant, and commercial facilities.
• Identifying market opportunities and consumer trends through market intelligence and industry collaboration.
• Providing technical consultation and training to food processors and stakeholders.
• Supporting industry-led research by planning and executing provincial-scale projects that promote economic development and competitiveness in Alberta’s agri-food sector.
• Establishing partnerships with processors, suppliers, research institutions, and other stakeholders to foster innovation and value chain opportunities.
• Staying current on global trends, technologies, and regulatory standards to ensure Alberta’s agri-food industry remains competitive.
• Participating in occupational health and safety activities to ensure a safe work environment.

Join us in driving innovation and growth in Alberta's food processing sector. Together, we’ll shape the future of value-added agriculture!

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

• Systems Thinking: Takes a long-term view towards organization objectives and how to achieve them:
  • Takes holistic long-term view of challenges and opportunities.
  • Anticipates outcomes and potential impacts, seeks stakeholder perspectives.
  • Works towards actions and plans aligned with APS values.
  • Works with others to identify areas for collaboration.
• Creative Problem Solving: Works in open teams to share ideas and process issues:
  • Uses wide range of techniques to break down problems.
  • Allows others to think creatively and voice ideas.
  • Brings the right people together to solve issues.
  • Identifies new solutions for the organization.
• Agility: Identifies and manages required change and the associated risks:
  • Identifies alternative approaches and supports others to do the same.
  • Proactively explains impact of changes.
  • Anticipates and mitigates emotions of others.
  • Anticipates obstacles and stays focused on goals.
  • Makes decisions and takes action in uncertain situations and creates a backup plan.

• Drive for Results: Works to remove barriers to outcomes, sticking to principles:
  • Forecasts and proactively addresses project challenges.
  • Removes barriers to collaboration and achievement of outcomes.
  • Upholds principles and confronts problems directly.
  • Considers complex factors and aligns solutions with broader organization mission.

• Develop Self and Others: Seeks out learning and knowledge-sharing opportunities:
  • Reflects on performance and identifies development opportunities.
  • Takes initiative to stay current.
  • Shares with the team even when not asked.
  • Actively coaches and mentors direct reports.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards:

• Ph.D. in a scientific discipline such as Food Science, Food and Nutrition, Chemistry, Processing Engineering or related, plus 2 years progressively responsible related experience in value added processing related to crops; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency:

• Master’s degree, in a scientific discipline related to the position such as Food Science, Food and Nutrition, Chemistry, or Processing Engineering, plus 4 years related experience in value added processing related to crops; or
• University graduation in Food Science, Food and Nutrition, Chemistry, or Processing Engineering, plus 6 years related experience in value added processing related to crops.

 
Additional Requirements: 

• Advanced knowledge of crop processing technologies and value-added food processing for grains, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, and fruits grown in Canada.
• Expertise in plant-based ingredient extraction, fractionation, and functionality, including plant proteins, starches, and fibers.
• Strong background in food chemistry, microbiology, food engineering, and scientific research principles.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques for assessing physicochemical, functional, and rheological properties of ingredients.
• Operate a wide range of laboratory and commercial processing equipment.
• Possess a current Alberta Driver's License.

Assets:

• Familiarity with food policy, regulations (e.g., Safe Food for Canadians Regulations), and principles of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).
• Awareness of global trends in agriculture and food industries, as well as ongoing research worldwide.
• Understanding of Alberta’s food processing industry and individual processors operating within the province. 

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

Position Information:

• Office located in Leduc at the Alberta Food Center (6309 - 45 Street, Leduc, AB T9E 7C5).
• Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week (permanent full time).
• Monday to Friday (08:15 am-16:30 pm).

Other Application Information:

• A cover letter is required with your application, outlining how your education and experience align with the role.
• Final candidates may be required to undergo a written test demonstrating writing skills and abilities pre or post interviews.
• This position may require final candidates to undergo a security clearance.
• Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca..
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.