Research Scientist – Barley Genomics

Important messages

Please note you must apply online, as there is a screening questionnaire that needs to be completed. We will not be accepting applications by email. Thank you.

Tips for candidates who wish to apply:
• The application process will take approximately 40 to 60 minutes to complete.
• When submitting your application, please provide complete and thorough details of your education and experience. The system will prompt you with specific questions for each qualification, so ensure to answer the questions, if applicable.
• When answering the questionnaire, do not assume that the hiring board has any previous knowledge of your background, qualifications, or work history. You must be specific and provide concrete examples and details for each experience and education element, as applications will be screened on the information provided. Your résumé will only be used as a secondary source to validate the qualifications described.

Duties

The successful candidate will lead research in the area of barley genomics and genetics, to improve desirable traits with a particular emphasis in the response to biotic stresses (resistance to fungal pathogens) which will be reflected in improved crop performance, yield and quality. The research will endeavor to enhance traits related to stability of production and resistance to biotic (i.e. fungal diseases) stresses. The incumbent will apply knowledge of genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, pathology, and statistical analysis to the study of genetic diversity and the genetic determinants of a successful barley crop. The successful candidate will work with industry, government and other stakeholders to maintain relevant direction of the barley genomics program. The candidate will also work in a multi-disciplinary team on identifying and understanding pertinent aspects relating to barley responses to biotic stresses and will develop and utilize selection strategies for germplasm improvement. The incumbent will contribute to the deployment of genomic information in barley genetics and conduct research to identify and characterize genes resistance to fungal barley diseases and transfer the genes into locally adapted barley background to develop disease resistant germplasm. In addition to demonstrating a strong capability to lead the application and use of molecular, genetic, bioinformatic, and genomic tools in barley, the candidate will demonstrate a strong capability to lead plant field husbandry.

The position, located in Brandon, Manitoba is part of an internationally-recognized, competitively-funded research program in barley breeding and genetic enhancement that generates field-ready commercial cultivars eligible for plant breeder’s rights. The position is part of a multidisciplinary team with access to research lab, growth cabinets, and greenhouse facilities, field disease nurseries and testing plots across Canada, and is supported by technical staff to conduct lab and field experiments.

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 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 the field of plant breeding, genetics or other relevant discipline, or an acceptable master’s degree coupled with acceptable research, training, and experience. The degree must be from a recognised post-secondary institution and in scientific fields and specialties related to the duties of the position. The training and experience must clearly demonstrate the ability to do personal research of doctoral degree caliber.

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.

Degree equivalency

Experience in the design and conduct of scientific research specifically as it relates to plant genomics, breeding, genetics, or other relevant discipline.

Experience in genetics and genomic approaches to the study of genes that control quantitative traits influencing crop productivity, particularly biotic stresses.

Documented scientific productivity/recognition in the form of authorship/editorship of research results in the area of plant genomics, breeding, genetics, or other relevant discipline, in recognized journals and/or published reports, books, papers, or other communications resulting from scientific research.

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

Experience working on a multi-disciplinary team.
Experience writing grant applications.

Experience interacting with the barley industry in Canada in relation to the production and market environment, and research needs.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of sequencing platforms and status of cereal genomes.

Knowledge of the application of molecular markers and next generation sequencing data for genetic analysis of Canadian cereal crops.

Knowledge of conventional and molecular plant breeding used to perform Canadian cereal crops genetic enhancement including field operations relating to plant research.

Knowledge of biotic stresses that affect Canadian cereal crops and mechanisms for their control.

Adaptability
Interactive Communication
Teamwork
Intellectual Leadership
Effective Interpersonal Skills

Ability to make scientific presentations to varied audiences.

Ability to lead a team.

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

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 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 various environmental and weather conditions.
Ability and willingness to work with whole plants in the field, greenhouse or growth chamber.

Other information

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

Salary ranges:
SE-RES-01 - $55,870 - $75,710
SE-RES-02 - $69,372 - $107,034
SE-RES-03 - $87,671- $118,813
SE-RES-04 - $104,993 - $131,882
SE-RES-05 - $114,962 - $144,413

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.