Aquatic Science Technician IV & Aquatic Science Biologist II

Important messages

The incumbent will be involved in laboratory based projects that involve the application of molecular biology tools to samples from aquatic species (such as fish and invertebrates).

Intent of the process

This is an anticipatory process which may be used to fill any of the following positions on a temporary or permanent basis in Dartmouth, NS:
- EG-04, Aquatic Science Technician IV
- BI-02, Aquatic Science Biologist II (Streams 1 & 2)

A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar employment (temporary or permanent) within Fisheries and Oceans Canada at the St. Andrews Biological Station, St. Andrews, NB.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Bachelor’s of Science degree from a recognized university with specialisation in biological sciences by July 31, 2017.

Degree equivalency

EG-04, BI-02 (Streams 1 & 2):

• Experience in managing the technical requirements of scientific laboratory projects related to molecular biological analysis.

• Experience in extracting DNA from tissue samples from fish or aquatic invertebrates in a 96-well format.

• Experience with the handling and preservation of research samples (specifically tissue and DNA extracts).

• Experience performing gel electrophoresis and setting up polymerase chain reactions (PCR).

BI-02 (Streams 1 & 2):

• Experience obtained in the past 5 years using polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR), Sanger sequencing, and/or other genotyping techniques (microsatellites, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), etc.) for the detection, identification, and differentiation of aquatic organisms.

• Experience creating and troubleshooting Microsoft Access databases.

• Experience in planning science-related projects.

• Experience in gathering, retrieving and organizing scientific and technical information.

• Experience in analyzing results and data, preparing project reports and summaries.

• Experience coordinating or overseeing science-related projects.

BI-02 (Stream 2):

• Experience in troubleshooting the operation of an Applied Biosystems 3130xl (3130, 3500, 3730 or 3730xl are also acceptable) genetic analyzer and data analysis using GeneMapper software.

• Experience in troubleshooting the operation of a Fluidigm EP1 or BioMark system (including controller and cycler) and data analysis using Fluidigm’s SNP Genotype Analysis software.

• Experience in preparing libraries for Next Generation Sequencing (such as for whole genome sequencing, metagenomics, genotyping-by-sequencing, amplicon sequencing etc.).

• Experience using and troubleshooting the use of an Eppendorf epMotion.

• Experience developing, troubleshooting and applying SNPtype assay panels (up to 96 assays per panel).

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

BI-02 (Streams 1 & 2):

Graduation with a Master’s degree from a recognized university in biological sciences by July 31, 2017.

Degree equivalency

EG-04, BI-02 (Stream 1 & 2):

• Experience in extracting DNA from tissue samples in a 96-well format using the Qiagen DNeasy 96 kit or Qiagen QIAamp 96 DNA kit.

• Experience in the operation and routine maintenance of a Qiagen QIACube HT.

• Experience in the operation and routine maintenance of an Applied Biosystems 3130xl (3130, 3500, 3730 or 3730xl are also acceptable) genetic analyzer and data analysis using GeneMapper software.

• Experience in the operation and routine maintenance of a Fluidigm EP1 or Biomark system (including controller and cycler) and data analysis using Fluidigm’s SNP Genotype Analysis software.

EG-04:

• Experience using an Eppendorf epMotion.

BI-02 (Stream 1):

• Experience in troubleshooting the operation of an Applied Biosystems 3130xl (3130, 3500, 3730 or 3730xl are also acceptable) genetic analyzer and data analysis using GeneMapper software.

• Experience in troubleshooting the operation of a Fluidigm EP1 or BioMark system (including controller and cycler) and data analysis using Fluidigm’s SNP Genotype Analysis software.

• Experience developing, troubleshooting and applying SNPtype assay panels (up to 96 assays per panel)

• Experience using and troubleshooting the use of an Eppendorf epMotion.

• Experience in preparing libraries for Next Generation Sequencing (such as for whole genome sequencing, metagenomics, genotyping-by-sequencing, amplicon sequencing etc.).

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

EG-04, BI-02 (Streams 1 & 2):

• Knowledge of the protocols, practices and methodologies relevant to the:
- Extraction of tissue samples for DNA.
- Preservation of samples going for DNA analysis.
- Molecular biological laboratory analysis of DNA samples.


BI-02 (Streams 1 & 2):

• Knowledge of procedures, techniques, and equipment used in a molecular biology laboratory.
• Knowledge of the theory and principles of molecular biology (including data analysis, data interpretation and troubleshooting).

COMPETENCIES

• Working effectively with others
• Showing initiative and being action-oriented

ABILITIES AND SKILLS

EG-04, BI-02 (Streams 1 & 2):

• Ability to communicate orally
• Ability to record and manipulate data in Microsoft Excel

BI-02 (Streams 1 & 2):

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing

PERSONAL SUITABILITY

• Adaptability
• Dependability
• Attention to detail

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

EG-04:

• Knowledge of the analysis of microsatellite loci.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

• There is a requirement to work in environments such as analytical laboratories, therefore you will be required to work with caustic and toxic chemicals.
• Required to work occasional weekends/overtime

Other information

Acknowledgment of receipt of applications will not be sent; we will contact candidates when the screening process is completed.

As an equal opportunity employer, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is committed to accommodating the needs of persons with disabilities. We therefore encourage persons with disabilities to identify any accommodation needed. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has an Accommodation Policy and will accommodate up to the point of undue hardship for the duration of the selection process, and upon any offer of employment, for the performance of duties in the position.

DFO recognizes and values the important contribution volunteer work offers in developing employees' experience, skills, etc., as well as enriching our organization and communities. Throughout this selection process, you are encouraged to demonstrate how any relevant volunteer work (e.g., working on committees, union activities, employee networks, community work, etc.) has contributed to the development of your experience, skills, personal suitability, etc., as they relate to this position.

Telecommunications device for the deaf: (902) 426-9783
An alternate format of this notice and Statement of Merit Criteria are available upon request.

Vous pouvez obtenir ces renseignements en français.

Reference checks may be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test may be administered.

A situational exercise may be administered.

Please identify clearly for which position(s) you are submitting an application.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

A random and/or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, it promotes employment equity and encourages candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a woman, an Aboriginal person, a person with a disability or a member of a visible minority group.

The Public Service of Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Public Service Commission or the departmental official in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.