Biologist – Pulse Pathology (STREAM 1) and Soil Microbial Ecology (STREAM 2)

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request special accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Information on accommodation for persons with disabilities

Duties

The incumbent will work with the research scientist to plan and conduct pulse pathology (stream 1) and soil microbial ecology (stream 2) research in the lab, greenhouse and field as part of their respective research program. The successful candidate will also contribute to writing scientific manuscripts for publication. In addition, the position will involve managing the day-to-day operation of the research laboratory in conjunction with the research scientist, including ordering equipment and consumables and the training and supervision of students and other junior staff.

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

This process will be used to staff the following positions:
Stream 1 - Biologist – Pulse Pathology
Stream 2 - Biologist – Soil Microbial Ecology (anticipatory)

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.

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. The approval of his/her substantive supervisor will be required before acting/assignment/secondment is offered.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Common to both streams:

Graduation with degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in microbiology, plant biology, plant pathology, soil ecology or another specialty relevant to the position to be staffed.

Degree equivalency

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.

Experience working in a microbiology, plant biology, plant pathology or soil ecology research laboratory.
Experience conducting research in a field relevant to the duties of the position, including experimental design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation.
Experience conducting agricultural or field-based scientific research.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Common to both streams:

Knowledge of basic microbiology techniques including quantifying or identifying microorganisms and microscopy.
Knowledge of plant and microbial molecular biology techniques.
Knowledge of statistical methods used in life sciences.

Stream 1 - Biologist – Pulse Pathology:

Knowledge of diseases of pulse crops in Saskatchewan.
Knowledge of disease management and plant inoculation.

Stream 2 - Biologist – Soil Microbial Ecology:

Knowledge of microbial ecology and meta-omics.

Common to both streams:

Ability to design scientific experiments.
Ability to draft scientific reports and manuscripts.

Initiative
Interactive Communication
Planning and Organizing
Teamwork

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

Common to both streams:

Graduation from a recognized post-secondary institution with a Master’s degree in a natural science with specialization in a field relevant to the position to be staffed.

Degree equivalency

Experience with plant and microbial molecular biology techniques.
Experience with sustainable agricultural or ecological restoration practices, such as biocontrol, beneficial microbes or organic agriculture.

Stream 1 - Biologist – Pulse Pathology:

Experience with pulse crops and/or pathogens that can infect pulse crops.
Experience with plant pathology work conducted in the field.

Stream 2 - Biologist – Soil Microbial Ecology

Experience with computational biology related to metagenomics and/or metatranscriptomics analysis.

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

Valid driver’s license.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication without impinging on the duties to be performed.
Ability and willingness to travel regionally, nationally and internationally as required for field studies, liaison with industry and academia, and attendance at scientific or technical meetings.
Ability and willingness to work under challenging conditions (e.g. temperature extremes in the field).

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the targeted groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

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.