Research Scientist, Water Resources

Employment Status: Full-time – Permanent

Location: Calgary Research Park

Work Model: Hybrid

The Opportunity

As a Researcher, you will be responsible for the development and execution of applied research projects within the Environmental Services Division of InnoTech Alberta. This role leverages and coordinates technical expertise to analyze and interpret water resource and stable isotope datasets, synthesize findings with complementary data sources, and translate results into practical applications that support industry-sponsored projects, inform public policy, and advance environmental management. The position also contributes to the development of codes, standards, and best practices to support client requirements, while providing technical consultation to the Environmental Services Division, other InnoTech divisions, and external collaborators and partners. In addition, they provide technical coaching and mentorship to team members, supporting capacity building and knowledge transfer within the organization.

You will join a team of applied scientists and technologists that strive to be the preferred industry and government partners for solving complex environmental, natural resource and energy management challenges. This role leads a portfolio of applied research projects, including project design, business development, stakeholder engagement, and management of contracts and field activities, along with reporting and knowledge dissemination. As part of the Environmental Impacts Team, the focus is on water quality and quantity assessments related to environmental, climatic and industrial impacts using advanced tools such as stable isotopes, geochemical tracers, geospatial datasets, and numerical modeling. Strong or emerging technical leadership is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Ability to apply technical expertise and creativity in business development efforts, including:
  
  
  
  • Engaging with external clients, stakeholders, and collaborators to identify high priority challenges for solution development.
  
  
  • Monitoring and analyzing industry market intelligence, industry best practices, and emerging trends and championing targeted business opportunities.
  
  
  • Preparing program and project proposals and budgets to secure external client contracts and to leverage internal funding support.
  
  
  • Support for market positioning initiatives, including representing InnoTech Alberta at tradeshows, conferences, and workshops.
  
  
  • Prepare technical reports and proposals, and develop presentations to communicate research outcomes.
  
  
  
  


• Ability to develop, manage and execute applied research studies including:
  
  
  
  • Study design and implementation to ensure timely delivery of high-quality outcomes.
  
  
  • Project management responsibilities, including time and budget forecasting, workforce and asset allocation to ensure optimal scheduling and delegation of tasks.
  
  
  • Coordination and completion of field and laboratory workplans.
  
  
  • Preparation and presentation of client reports and publication of results, as appropriate.
  
  
  • Interaction with clients and project stakeholders to validate scope of work, provide progress updates, and manage expectations.
  
  
  • Motivation and desire to enhance the team’s capabilities and capacity through training, professional development, and contributions to development of specialized facilities and infrastructure.
  
  
  
  

Required

Qualifications and Skills

• MSc or PhD in Earth Sciences or related discipline, or equivalent experience.


• Current membership or eligibility for membership with APEGA (P. Geo. or P. Eng). Candidates with other professional designations may be considered if appropriate.


• 4 - 6 years of experience working in the field of water resources (e.g., environmental science, hydrology, hydrogeology, geochemistry).


• Demonstrated expertise in the application of stable isotopes (e.g., d18O, d2H, d13C, d34S, d15N) for environmental and water resource assessments.


• Hands-on experience with application of numerical modelling (e.g., isotope-based mixing models, groundwater flow, or solute transport) and geospatial data analysis to real-world environmental systems.


• Experience designing and implementing field sampling programs for water, soil, or related environmental media, including quality assurance/quality control protocols.


• Familiarity with programs such as PHREEQC, NETPATH, Geochemistry Workbench (GWB), AQUACHEM, HydroGeoSphere, FEFLOW, MODFLOW or similar software.


• Knowledge of the major environmental issues, challenges, and technical solutions enabling sustainable development in Alberta.


• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to apply technical solutions from multiple industries and sectors to address client needs.


• Strong decision-making and organizational skills with attention to detail that reflects ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks, competing agendas and heavy client demands.


• Flexibility to work and conduct research independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary collaborative team.


• Strong verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated through technical reports and proposals and presentations of research outcomes.

Who We Are

Alberta Innovates is the province’s most comprehensive research and innovation agency. From funding to commercialization, we are Alberta’s innovation engine. We foster and accelerate research and innovation to support entrepreneurs and drive economic growth for the benefit of Albertans.

InnoTech Alberta is Alberta's leading research and technology organization providing innovative solutions to global challenges facing industry, business and the public sector. With world-class researchers, leading-edge facilities, and strategic investments, InnoTech paves the path of innovation that grows Alberta's economy.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation aligned with internal classification and pay bands


• Comprehensive benefits, including health and dental coverage and pension benefits


• Vacation starting at three weeks, plus paid time-off programs that support balance


• Opportunities for learning and professional development


• A respectful, inclusive work environment that values collaboration and diverse perspectives


• Flexible work arrangements, where operationally feasible

(Benefits do not apply to casual roles.)

You will work in a professional, collaborative environment where accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement are valued, and where your work supports outcomes that matter to Albertans.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a security clearance and provide credible references.

Privacy Statement

The personal information collected in the application process is for recruitment and hiring purposes only. This collection is authorized under section4(c) of the Protection of Privacy Act.

Employment Equity

InnoTech Alberta is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Additional Information

This recruitment process does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select candidates. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.

If you are selected for an interview, please note that recording the interview or using AI tools or assistance during the interview is not permitted.

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