Chemistry Research Technician

Duties

Under the direction of a research scientist, plan and undertake independent research projects primarily requiring chromatography (HPLC, UPLC, size exclusion, ion exchange) and mass spectrometry. The duties include method development for particular application of these techniques, data analysis and independent research as well as the maintenance and troubleshooting of a high resolution mass spectrometer. Ancillary duties include maintenance of all sample preparative and purification equipment. The incumbent will be required to generate and maintain searchable database archives and accurate laboratory records of samples and projects and to communicate these directly to clients. The position will involve direct interaction with a wide variety of AAFC scientists, visiting scientists, students and industry representatives to assist in the interpretation of results, to train others and to contribute directly in the preparation of scientific publications and in the purchase of equipment.

Work environment

As one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, AAFC is proud to celebrate our achievement in creating a diverse, respectful, and positive workplace where all employees are valued and recognized for their unique qualities, ideas, voices and perspectives.

The site of work is situated on the fourth floor of the Neatby Bldg. at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, Ontario. Work will be done in a chemistry lab working in the field of metabolomics and mycotoxin research. The lab is a communal environment, where work will be carried out both alone and in teams and space may be shared between research groups.

Intent of the process

The immediate need for this appointment process is to staff 1 position indeterminately.

A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar permanent and temporary employment for the location indicated for this process.

Positions to be filled: 1

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)

Graduation with a degree from a recognised post-secondary institution with a specialization in Chemistry or a related program

Degree equivalency

Experience in planning and executing research projects in a laboratory environment
Experience in report writing, data presentation, and participation in the drafting of scientific papers
Experience in developing solvent extraction and purification methodologies/protocols from biological materials
Experience in the operation, routine maintenance, and trouble shooting of a high resolution mass spectrometer
Experience in the interpretation of HRMS data obtained from complex matrices to achieve science project goals
Experience in the use of semi-preparative (and/or preparative) chromatography for the isolation, purification and characterization of natural products

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

Graduation with a Master’s or doctorate degree from a recognised post-secondary institution with a specialization in Chemistry or a related program

Degree equivalency

Experience in preprocessing, alignment, and deconvolution of mass spectrometry data
Experience in natural products structure elucidation using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
Experience in handling and maintaining microbial cultures
Experience in providing technical information, advice and training within or outside the organization
Experience in routine synthetic organic chemistry procedures used to modify natural products in order to determine activity, stereochemistry

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of theory and principles of chromatography.
Knowledge of theory and principles of mass spectrometry and interpretation of mass spectrometry data.
Knowledge of theory and principles of natural products chemistry
Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting and repair of basic and complex lab equipment (HPLC, UPLC, mass spectrometer, diode array detector, evaporative light scattering detector, etc.).

Creativity and innovation
Problem Solving
Concern for safety
Interactive Communication

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

Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women

Information on employment equity

Preference may be given to AAFC employees affected by workforce adjustment.

Ability and willingness to perform concentrated tasks, involving precise eye/hand coordination occasionally for extended periods.
Ability and willingness to work overtime.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

With appropriate safety precautions in place:

Ability and willingness to work in laboratory environment for extended periods of time and under normal safety precautions
Ability and willingness to work with chemicals and other hazardous materials.
Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and must not impinge upon duties to be performed.

Other information

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through www.jobs.gc.ca.

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact 1-800-645-5605.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence, may be used in the assessment of qualifications.

Appointment decisions may be based on one or more of the following criteria:
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the strengths and weaknesses of the work team.
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the specific duties of the position being staffed.
- Depth, breadth, type of work-specific experience.
- Level/degree of one or more competencies/qualifications.

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.