Innovation Saskatchewan is the innovation agency for the Government of Saskatchewan. We fuel economic growth by empowering innovators and supporting Saskatchewan’s vibrant tech sector and research community. Our robust portfolio of grant programs, tax incentives, research funding and the Innovation Saskatchewan Research and Technology Parks help accelerate technologies and advance research. Innovation Saskatchewan works closely with industry, academia and other stakeholders to provide strong foundations that allow the province’s ecosystem to thrive and make Saskatchewan a world leader in innovation.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Director, Research Investments & Policy, the Senior Policy Analyst plays a key role in advancing Saskatchewan’s Research Strategy with a specific focus on growing and strengthening the life sciences sector. This position is responsible for identifying opportunities, anticipating emerging issues and evaluating programs, policies and strategies that impact the province’s innovation ecosystem in alignment with stakeholder feedback.

Additionally, the Senior Policy Analyst will help develop a life sciences strategy and a federal engagement plan that will strengthen Saskatchewan’s global competitiveness and support academic, industry and agency-funded Research Partners in the province.

The ideal candidate brings expertise in public policy development, stakeholder engagement and strategic analysis, particularly within the research, innovation and/or life sciences sector. They must be proactive, analytical and skilled at conducting in-depth research, anticipating emerging trends and translating complex data into clear, actionable policy recommendations.

If you’re a strategic thinker with a passion for driving innovation through policy, we’d love to hear from you!

Primary Responsibilities

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Providing leadership, expertise and direction in the conceptualization, development, planning and evaluation of Innovation Saskatchewan strategies, investments and policies.
• Initiating policy renewal and development through research, environmental scans, data analysis and stakeholder engagement.
• Synthesizing research findings and developing original recommendations to inform strategic policy for research commercialization and life sciences growth and create performance and evaluation frameworks for institutes.
• Supporting the Executive Director in the development of a federal engagement plan and provincial life sciences strategy aligned with the Government of Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan and Research Strategy.
• Building and maintaining relationships with research institutions and federal partners.
• Preparing Cabinet and Treasury Board submissions and developing proposals, briefing materials and discussion papers that require cross-ministry collaboration and coordination.
• Establishing and managing intra- and inter-governmental initiatives to develop policy solutions, while providing strategic leadership, setting timelines and ensuring timely, high-quality outcomes.
• Other duties as assigned.

What We Want from You

• Minimum 5 years of experience.
• Degree in administration, business, economics or an equivalent education and experience in a related field.
• Expertise in public policy analysis, development and implementation, particularly within research and innovation or life sciences sectors.
• Strong understanding of government processes, policy changes and intergovernmental relations.
• Skilled at conducting environmental scans, jurisdictional comparisons and translating data into actionable policy insights.
• Experience engaging and managing relationships with partners across the public, private, academic and research sectors.
• Ability to think strategically and anticipate emerging trends and opportunities in the innovation ecosystem and life sciences sector.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, capable of completing in-depth research on complex issues and evaluating program outcomes to produce evidence-based recommendations.
• Excellent verbal, written and listening skills to comprehend and communicate complex content clearly and persuasively.
• High degree of accountability, with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and ensure the accuracy and quality of deliverables.
• Familiarity with performance measurement, program evaluation and impact assessment frameworks.
• Understanding of innovation funding mechanisms, research commercialization pathways and economic development principles is an asset.

What we Offer

We offer more than a position. We provide a pathway to growth and well-being.

• Comprehensive suite of benefits, including extended health, dental and vision care as well as comprehensive life and protection insurance.
• Public Employees Pension Plan with generous employer contribution.
• Work-life balance with paid Scheduled Days Off each year, alongside a starting vacation entitlement of three weeks (with acknowledgment of prior service within the Saskatchewan Government or universities).
• Added office amenities and perks like free parking and gym access.

How to Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to careers@innovationsask.ca by July 25, 2025.