Research Assistant

Duties

To provide technical support in a laboratory and field research environment.
Participate in planning of laboratory and field research work.
Participate in studies linking soil fertilization, plant nutrition and water and air quality.
To conduct field and greenhouse research activities.
To conduct laboratory research activities.

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 Quebec Research and Development Centre opened in 1967 in Quebec City, Quebec. The Centre has a satellite location, the Normandin Research Farm, which supports research into northern or boreal agriculture.

The Quebec Research and Development Centre’s main research is in the following areas:
•perennial crop production systems and bioproducts
•the environmental performance of perennial and short-season crops and cropping systems

Intent of the process

The immediate need is to fill a position on a full time indeterminate basis in Normandin, Québec.

The position in Québec, Québec is anticipatory.

A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar permanent and temporary employment for the locations (Québec and Normandin) 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)

College diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in one of the following fields:
agronomy,
soil science,
plant biology,
chemistry,
biochemistry,
biology,
OR in a field related to the position

Degree equivalency

Experience in providing technical support in a research environment in the laboratory and in the field.

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

French essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of procedures related to implementation of experimental protocols.
Knowledge of the research techniques and tools used in laboratory experiments and in the field.

Interactive communication
Planning and organizing
Teamwork
Adaptability
Initiative

Ability to make observations and to accurately collect, record and manage data.
Ability to maintain and calibrate scientific equipment.

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

Bachelor degree from a recognized university with specialization in one of the following fields:
agronomy,
chemistry,
biology,
biochemistry,
Or in a field related to the position.

Degree equivalency

Significant experience* (minimum of 2 years) in providing technical support in a research environment in a laboratory and in the field.

Experience in planning and conducting analysis of laboratory and field work in a research environment.

Experience assisting in the drafting of scientific posters and contributing to the production of scientific communications.

Experience in the interpretation and statistical analysis of the results.

Significant experience* (minimum of 2 years) working in an agri-environmental science research environment, specifically in the areas of soil science, chemistry and soil fertility, air quality, water quality and/or agro-meteorology.

Significant experience* (minimum of 2 years) working in a biochemistry and/or molecular biology research environment.

Significant experience* (minimum of 2 years) working in a research environment related to genetics, agronomy, eco-physiology, agricultural systems modelling and/or the nutritive value of plants.

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 workforce adjustment.

Operational Requirements:

Ability and willingness to work overtime, including evenings and weekends.
Ability and willingness to travel.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Valid driver’s license.
Ability and willingness to work outdoors (field).
Ability and willingness to work with chemicals.
Ability and willingness to work in the laboratory and in the field and to carry loads of less than 25 kg.

Known allergies must be controlled through a protective mask or an appropriate medication and must not interfere with the performance of duties.

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.