Biology Study Leader – Bioinformatics

Duties

The Biology Study Leader manages a Bioinformatics Research Support Unit and establishes priorities; co-develops research techniques and analytical methodologies within a network of similar units and integrates bioinformatics tools to facilitate analyses by members of the different science programs (e.g. Functional Galaxy); actively contributes to the Bioinformatics BI community of practice within AAFC’s Bioinformatics Research Support Network; manages the activities of the members of the Unit, including term employees; supports science leads in adapting experimental designs, and in analysing large data sets in a field of “omics” (e.g. genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics etc.), remote sensing and/or imaging; interprets and presents data to science programs for publication in scientific journals; and advises a broad range of science clients in the centre.

Key Activities
Designing, developing and conducting collaborative science activities in omics, sensing and imaging in support of the science programs; establishing priorities with users’ group representatives for the execution of science studies within the research support unit; providing site management of a Bioinformatics Research Support Unit with the objectives of making omics and large data analysis more accessible to HQP associated with local science programs; leading technology adoption in science programs; and writing scientific reports.

Collecting, compiling, analysing and interpreting research data from research studies.
Coordinating and/or supervising technical assistants, temporary staff and/or students allocated to the studies including monitoring work in progress and evaluating performance, and interpreting results of their scientific efforts.

Actively contributing to AAFC’s network of Bioinformatics Research Support Units; providing expert advice on large data analysis and omics analysis; acting as the scientific authority for contracted bioinformatics services; and reviewing scientific literature to maintain knowledge of current research and new research methodologies.

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.

Intent of the process

The immediate need is to fill three (3) full-time permanent positions at the following locations: one (1) position in Lethbridge (Alberta), one (1) position in Lacombe (Alberta) and one (1) position in Morden (Manitoba).

A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar permanent and temporary employment for the locations indicated for this process as well as for other AAFC research centres across Canada.

In the event that an employee of the public service is qualified through this process, and there is a temporary need, he/she may be considered for acting or assignment/secondment opportunities.

Positions to be filled: 3

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 master’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in the field of bioinformatics, big data analysis, or in a relevant discipline.

Degree equivalency

Experience in the experimental design in biological science and analysis of large data set.
Experience working in a multidisciplinary team.
Experience managing human resources, budgets and planning functions.

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

Experience managing a research support unit in bioinformatics or remote sensing.
Experience educating and coaching.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of omics and bioinformatics, or image analysis.
Knowledge of the scientific method and logical and deductive reasoning required to plan and conduct analysis in the field of bioinformatics.

Ability to provide advice on experimental design and to analyse data.
Ability to communicate research results to science audiences.
Ability to use Linux/Unix operating systems.

Adaptability
Initiative
Interactive communication
Teamwork
Creativity

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

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

In support of achieving a diversified workforce, consideration may be given to candidates self-identifying as belonging to one of the following employment equity groups: aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, visible minorities and women.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Possession of a valid driver’s license or personal mobility to the extent normally associated with the 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 laboratory or office for extended periods at a time.

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.