Research and Extension Associate – Grants and Projects Development

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

This role reports to Institute for Sustainable Food Systems Director – Kent Mullinix.

The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (ISFS) is seeking applications for a Research and Extension Associate who will be responsible for supporting ISFS staff in developing project ideas and preparing grant applications.

The ISFS is an applied research and extension unit at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). We investigate and support regional food systems as key elements of sustainable communities, focusing predominantly on British Columbia but also extending our programming to other regions. Our applied research focuses on the potential of regional food systems and encompasses agriculture and food, economics, community development, community health, policy, and environmental stewardship.

Our extension programming provides information and support for farmers, communities, businesses, policy makers, and others. Community collaboration is central to our approach.

ISFS is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in food systems, agriculture, economics, farm business management, ecology, public health, extension education and other disciplines. Our office is on KPU’s Richmond campus, located at 8771 Lansdowne Road, Richmond BC. The campus is served by rapid transit (Canada Line – Lansdowne Station), by which downtown Vancouver can be reached in about 30 minutes.

The Associate, Grants and Projects Development will work with ISFS Research and Extension Associates to conceptualize ideas for new research and extension projects. This position also will be responsible for leading the preparation of grant applications. The Associate may also, from time to time, contribute to other ISFS sustainable food system initiatives such as facilitating workshops and meetings. The primary responsibilities of this position include:

• Conceptualization and design of research and extension projects, independently or with project leads/collaborators.
• Lead or contribute to preparation and submission of grant applications.
• Contribute to the preparation of reports to granting agencies.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, manuscripts and presentation materials.
• Collaboration and coordination with other ISFS staff and research staff from collaborating institutions/organizations.
• Assure a safe, inclusive, amicable work environment.
• Build effective, meaningful relationships with sector organizations and actors.

The successful applicant for this position must:

• Hold a Master’s degree in food systems studies, policy studies, planning, economics, Indigenous studies, geography, or related field.
• Have knowledge of the agriculture and food system landscape of BC.
• Have grant writing experience and/or training.
• Have experience conceptualizing and designing research (and extension) projects.
• Have strong writing skills demonstrated by their technical and/or academic publication record.
• Have strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Have demonstrated ability to work with a high degree of autonomy and with a multi-disciplinary team.

The following will be considered assets:

• Experience with project development and management.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize a complex project and effectively plan and execute steps to complete it.

Anticipated hourly pay rate: $35.09