Food Scientist, Meat

Role Responsibilities

Are you a passionate food scientist with expertise in value-added meat and meat analogue product development? Do you enjoy working collaboratively with industry stakeholders to innovate and commercialize new food products? If so, we are looking for a Food Scientist, Meat to join the Food Science and Development (FSAD) Section within the Food and Bio-Processing Branch.  

This position reports to the FSAD Director and is provincial in scope.  

In this role, you will:  

• Provide scientific and technical leadership to food processors in developing and commercializing market-responsive products, with an emphasis on meat and meat analogue products.  
• Lead innovative projects for new meat products and/or adoption of new processing   technologies.
• Oversee the production of new products by clients utilizing the AFC for manufacturing product for sale.
• Foster partnerships with industry stakeholders, academic researchers, and department colleagues to drive value-added growth.  
• Manage multiple projects while providing expert consultation and advice to clients and FSAD team members.
• Maintain and enhance scientific, technical and competency skills in order to provide leadership to the department and the industry.
• Identify new problems and find timely solutions to resolve them.  

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 related to the position, plus 2 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency:

• Master’s degree, in a scientific discipline related to the position, plus 4 years related experience; or 
• University graduation in a related field, plus 6 years related experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Extensive knowledge and experience in value-added meat product development and processing.  
• Specialized knowledge of analytical techniques and assessment of physiochemical and rhelogical properties (Ex. Must be able to assess texture and taste of final products).

Preference will be given to those with a degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related advanced degrees.

Assets:

• Specialized knowledge of protein functionality and processing technologies utilized in processed meat and meat alternatives. 
• Advanced knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology and scientific research principles.
• Knowledge of policy and regulations for the meat and meat alternative process food sectors. 
• Knowledge of the individual food processors in the province.
• Knowledge of the Canadian Food and Drug Regulations, principles of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), and WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System).

Additional Requirements:

• Operate a wide range of laboratory and commercial processing equipment.
• Possess a current Alberta Driver's License.

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 aligns with the role.
• Final candidates may be required to undergo a written test demonstrating writing skills and abilities pre or post interviews.
• Please indicate employment duration for all roles listed on your resume and whether you worked part-time or full-time. For example, January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three 8 hrs. shifts/week).
• 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 has 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.