Research Assistant - Wet Chemistry Analyses

Important messages

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Information on accommodation for persons with disabilities

Duties

Under the general direction of the Associate Director – Research, Development and Technology, supports research programs requiring analysis of (but not limited to) soil, plant, and manure extracts, rumen fluid, surface water and groundwater samples for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, soluble Carbon, pH and EC. Duties include: conducting routine operation and maintenance of autoanalyzers, spectrophotometers, soluble carbon analyzer, and pH meters; method development for particular applications of these techniques and data analysis. The incumbent will be required to develop quality control and assurance programs and standard operating procedures for each analytical instrument. Ancillary duties include maintenance of all extraction and digestion equipment and ensuring standard operating procedures are followed by users. The incumbent will be required to supervise and train staff, manage resources and ensure proper inventory is kept on chemicals and supplies. The incumbent will follow all appropriate health and safety protocols including implementation of risk assessments and safe working procedures. The incumbent will be required to generate and maintain searchable database archives and accurate laboratory records of samples and projects and to communicate these directly to clients. The position will involve direct interaction with AAFC scientists, visiting scientists, students and industry representatives to assist in the interpretation of results, to train others and to contribute directly in the preparation of scientific publications and in the purchase of equipment.

Work environment

The Lethbridge Research and Development Centre (RDC) is one of the largest facilities within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's national network of 20 research centres. Located in southern Alberta, the centre was established in 1906. The Lethbridge RDC leads research on beef cattle production systems and finishing (health and welfare, food safety, microbiology); crop production (agronomy, breeding, genetics, pathology) and sustainable production systems under dryland and irrigated conditions associated with farming in a semi-arid climate. Research activities focus on supporting the long-term competitiveness of the sector while reducing the environmental footprint of agricultural practices and maintaining the health and productivity of the agro-ecosystem.

The Lethbridge RDC supports innovative research, development, and technology and knowledge transfer activities related to numerous AAFC Sector Science Strategies which include: Agro-Ecosystem Resilience; Cereals and Pulses; Dairy, Pork, Poultry and Other Livestock; Forages and Beef; Horticulture; and Oilseeds.

Intent of the process

Immediate need: 1 permanent full time position.

A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar permanent and temporary opportunities 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, deployment, assignment or secondment opportunities.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

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

Graduation with a diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in chemistry or a related program.

Degree equivalency

Experience in the operation, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting of instrumentation related to chemical analysis of aqueous samples (i.e. automated colorimetry).
Experience developing analytical methods for specific research requirements.
Experience managing and performing quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) on instrument performance and analytical data.
Experience managing an analytical laboratory, including purchasing, training personnel, and ensuring safety.
Experience providing technical information and guidance to researchers.

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

Bachelor’s or master’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in chemistry or a related field.

Degree equivalency

Experience in the operation, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting of pH meters, soluble carbon analyzers, and related instruments for analysis of environmental samples.
Experience in handling and storage of environmental samples.
Experience in report writing, data presentation, and drafting of scientific papers.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of principles and practices of analytical chemistry.
Knowledge of statistical analysis and quality control.
Knowledge of instruments used for wet chemistry analyses.

Creativity
Problem solving
Concern for safety
Dependability
Planning and organizing
Interactive communication

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

Ability and willingness to work overtime
Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and must not impinge upon duties to be performed.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory environment for extended periods of time and under normal safety precautions
Ability and willingness to work with chemicals and other hazardous materials.

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

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.

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.