Agriculture Extension Specialist, Simpson Centre Food and Agricultural Policy

The Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Agriculture Extension Specialist. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Reporting to the Centre Director, this position is a senior researcher role contributing to the research and translation of the Simpson Centre's Agricultural Literacy Program for Healthier People and Planet. The Research Associate will collaborate with The Simpson Centre's Project Coordinator, Data Analyst, Marketing and Communications Coordinator as well as part-time Research Assistants to work towards the goals of the program and deliver on planned outputs.

We are seeking a candidate who is skilled in agriculture extension. The research associate will be responsible for coordinating and executing activities focused on the conversion of research findings into plain language material while maintaining technical accuracy and scientific rigor, including the development of public-facing and educational materials for a wide range of stakeholders and scientific literacy levels.

• Provide input into the long-term research direction of the program including advising on multi-year research objectives
• Provide agricultural expertise to support research on a range of agri-food topics
• Contribute to and lead aspects of data collection and analysis across a range of agri-food topics, including supervising data collection and analysis supported by undergrads
• Contribute to designing research protocols and contribute to mixed methods work alongside The Simpson Centre Data Analyst
• Contribute to and lead aspects of developing written research outputs including academic articles, reports, policy briefs, as well as public facing deliverables for general audiences
• Maintain familiarity with the University of Calgary's Research Ethics Board (CFREB) guidelines and ensure compliance with TCPS
• Maintain research data management practices including secure storage, documentation, and version control of qualitative datasets

• Contribute to the translation and adaptation of research content across various public-facing deliverables
• Support initiatives to mobilize research findings for a range of public audiences including policymakers, journalists, consumers, and through schools
• Contribute to the development of educational agri-food resources aligned with the Alberta K-12 curriculum in collaboration with internal and external partners
• Support research preparations for and participate in public-facing agricultural engagement events including, but not limited to, Aggie Days and Stampede
• Collaborate with internal UCVM researchers, staff, and faculty within the context of the program objectives
• Collaborate with external partners within the context of the program objectives

• A minimum credential of a Masters degree in a field related to veterinary medicine, agricultural sciences, agricultural extension, agricultural education, science and technology studies, science communication, or public policy, or acceptable combination of education and experience
• 5 years of experience in agricultural extension and stakeholder engagement within Canada's agricultural sector. Graduate research, internships and comparable work may contribute to this experience
• A strong working knowledge of the Canadian agricultural sector
• Familiarity with social science research and experience investigating technical topics from a societal or-multistakeholder perspective
• Experience translating technical or scientific content for non-specialist audiences, such as through extension materials, presentations, or media interviews
• Experience in qualitative research including methodologies such as but not limited to structured reviews, thematic analysis, and data visualization, will be considered an asset
• Experience related to computer programming will be considered an asset (e.g., python, R)
• Experience in curriculum or program development will be considered an asset
• Experience with long-term research planning and supporting the objectives of multi-year research programs
• Experience supervising and providing mentorship early career researchers such as undergraduate students
• Ability to collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team
• Ability to demonstrate…