About SEATAC:

SEATAC is Nova Scotia's first Technology Access Centre, affiliated with Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). The Centre has been in operation since 2019 and supports small- and medium-sized companies through applied research, product development, and innovation services with an emphasis on ocean technology.

SEATAC's team of research and technical staff collaborate closely with industry partners to design, build, test, and deploy technology solutions-while ensuring companies retain full ownership of their intellectual property.

Located at both the NSCC Ivany Campus and the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE), SEATAC is embedded in the heart of Canada's ocean innovation ecosystem. SEATAC is committed to helping businesses unlock opportunities in the global ocean economy and driving sustainable, inclusive growth in the sector.

Join SEATAC and play a leadership role in advancing applied research and innovation that positions Nova Scotia as a global leader in technological innovation.

What you will be doing…

Working in a collaborative team and reporting to the Director of Applied Research, you will:

• As a research scientist you will lead NSCC's SEATAC team, advancing applied research and innovation with a focus on the ocean sector. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on project and team management, aligning with NSCC's mission and NSERC TAC funding goals.
• Work closely with various stakeholders including other College campuses, schools and departments; industry; provincial and federal governments; educational institutions; and communities. A significant aspect of the role will be identifying cross-disciplinary applied research projects with business, industry and communities, and collaborating with faculty with relevant expertise to develop and deliver applied research projects
• Conduct applied research in collaboration with faculty, staff, students, and external partners. Apply SEATAC's core capabilities to generate new insights, develop practical solutions, and contribute to research outputs that support industry and community needs.
• Provide direction for SEATAC's service delivery, leveraging its expertise in marine sensing, data analytics, and engineering to deliver high-impact applied research, training, and fee-for-service work that supports regional industry and community needs.
• Oversee SEATAC's daily operations, including revenue targets, marketing objectives, and resource planning. You will manage a multidisciplinary team, ensuring effective project execution, quality assurance, and strong client relationships.
• Develop and lead collaborative research initiatives with industry, government, and community partners. Projects will support experiential student learning, teaching integration, and potential commercialization, while fostering innovation across the College.
• Build strong internal and external partnerships, working with faculty, students, other campuses, government, and industry to identify cross-disciplinary opportunities and strengthen NSCC's role in the broader innovation ecosystem.

In your cover letter, please describe how your education, work experience, or lived experience aligns with SEATAC's mission and areas of focus. The ocean sector is broad, so we encourage you to reflect on how your background connects with SEATAC's unique role within it. How do you see this alignment contributing to your success as a team leader at SEATAC? For more information about the centre, visit https://seatacsolutions.ca/.

Qualifications and Occupational Experience:

• A Masters of Science in Ocean Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Oceanography/Marine Science, Ocean Data Analytics, Marine Data Systems, advanced manufacturing, or an Ocean related discipline.
• A Ph.D would be considered an asset
• Minimum of seven to ten years of recent (time enrolled in Doctoral studies is considered eligible experience), directly related research experience, including supporting small- and medium-sized ocean tech businesses through R&D services such as prototyping, product testing, data analytics, and mechanical/electrical design.
• Demonstrated project development and management skills in SEATAC's areas of specialization, with proven ability to develop, monitor, and report on research and service-based budgets.
• You have experience developing and submitting research grants, executing fee-for-service contracts, and securing research funding.
• Solid understanding of applied research and related contractual agreements, funding parameters, proposal writing, reporting requirements, legal implications (e.g., intellectual property) and documents will be considered an asset
• Experience in building and maintaining professional networks and collaborations with industry partners, academic institutions, and government.
• Previous experience overseeing and supervising, managing, or leading teams in an unionized environment.
• You are familiar with and comfortable using computer applications such as the Microsoft Office Suite, E-mail
• You are comfortable working in a digital environment; you take responsibility for acquiring knowledge about advancing technology; and you are committed to using technology to create an exceptional student experience.
• Experience in preparing, delivering, and evaluating research training and facilitation, along with strong public speaking and communication skills for presenting research findings at conferences, workshops, and to stakeholders

Relevant Skills and Knowledge:

• You demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion
• You possess excellent interpersonal skills that enable you to interact at all levels of an organization
• You are known for your superior customer service skills and can create a relationship of trust beyond immediate interaction
• Your superb team working skills enable you to contribute positively to a team environment
• You are known for your problem solving and critical thinking skills, as well as are a strong communicator both written and oral
• You have strong project management skills as it related to the research and development sector, and possess knowledge of local stakeholders and funding mechanisms
• You possess excellent coordination skills specifically related to project management of ocean research (e.g. coordinating services, work, events, logistics, etc.)
• Strong understanding and commitment to ethical research practices, ensuring integrity and compliance in all research activities.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing research priorities, technologies, and methodologies.
• You are known for your superior customer service skills and are able to create a relationship of trust beyond the immediate interaction.
• Supervisory experience and the ability to inspire and motivate others
• Excellent organizational, administrative and problem-solving skills
• You have experience with applied research in a college environment and teaching at a college level will be considered an asset.

Additional Duties:

• Assume and lead other responsibilities, tasks, or projects as assigned by the Director of Applied Research related to the support of research activities at the College

Travel:

• Regular travel throughout the Province of Nova Scotia
• Occasional national/international travel may be required

Candidates selected for interviews will be expected to provide at least three recent, occupational references. The successful candidate will be expected to provide official transcripts to show proof of academic achievements.

NSCC is committed to the full inclusion of all applicants. As part of this commitment, NSCC will ensure that applicants are provided reasonable accommodations, as required. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact Nikki Berrigan, HR Generalist at nikki.berrigan@nscc.ca. Our Employee Workplace Accommodation Policy can be found here.