Research Scientist – Novel Trait Development

Duties

We are seeking a Research Scientist with expertise and experience to develop and lead a new research program on crop novel traits. The program will leverage recent efforts to develop new technologies and transformative traits in cereals, which will further increase yield and sustainability of Canadian crops. The novel trait will contribute to addressing climate change (e.g. biological nitrogen fixation to reduce N input, enhanced photosynthesis), and traits and products that enhance sustainable production systems. Traits and new products could be deployed in minor or major crops, mainly cereals and oilseeds, and support other programs such as the perennial cereal program.

The successful candidate will provide scientific advice and transfer technology to partners and clients that will assist the agriculture industry in increasing economic viability of crop production and the environmental health of prairie agro-ecosystems. The successful applicant will work closely with a multidisciplinary group of scientists, including breeders, agronomists and plant physiologists. The successful candidate should be knowledgeable of the impact of climate change on the sustainability of the crop and livestock sectors in Canada.

Work environment

The position, located at Lethbridge, Alberta, is part of a competitively-funded research program in novel trait development. The position is part of a research network with access to research facilities and scientific expertise across Canada, is supported by technical staff to conduct laboratory and field experiments.

Intent of the process

The intent of this process is to fill 1 indeterminate full time position. 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 an acceptable doctoral degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a field of Plant Science, Plant Biotechnology or related discipline.

NOTE: Applications will be accepted from candidates enrolled in, but who have not yet completed, a Ph.D. program. However, the thesis defence will have to be completed and the Ph.D. degree awarded before being appointed.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be advised that if you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. You are encouraged to begin this process as soon as possible. For more details, please click on the link "Degree equivalency" below.

Degree equivalency

Experience working with plant cell systems
Experience working in metabolic and developmental engineering of crops
Experience in plant gene regulation
Experience in plant genome analyses
Documented scientific productivity/recognition in the form of authorship/editorship of research results in recognized scientific journals, and published reports, books, papers, or other communications resulting from scientific research

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of plant development
Knowledge of cereal crop physiology
Knowledge of new plant breeding techniques
Knowledge of the metabolic pathway for biological nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis

Competencies: Interactive Communication, Teamwork, Adaptability, Intellectual Leadership

Ability to design and implement biotechnology research in commercial crops for trait development relevant to Canadian breeding programs and agriculture.
Ability to interact with industry and other stakeholders to garner support and research direction.

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

Experience writing grant applications.
Experience managing multi-year projects with associated human resource, budgetary, and planning functions.
Experience conducting experimental plot and field research in commercial crops.

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

Information on employment equity

Placement of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) employees affected by work force adjustment.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Possession of a valid driver's license.

Ability and willingness to travel.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
Ability and willingness to work in various environmental and weather conditions.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field environments for extended periods at a time.
Ability and willingness to work with chemicals and pesticides.

Other information

The classification level and rate of pay on appointment is commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications.

Salary ranges (under review):
SE-RES-01 - $53,161 - $69,942
SE-RES-02 - $66,010 - $98,880
SE-RES-03 - $83,421 - $109,760
SE-RES-04 - $99,904 - $121,834
SE-RES-05 - $109,390 - $133,410

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.

Reference checks may be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test may be administered.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada thanks all those who apply.

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.