Research Scientist - Grain Chemistry/End-use Quality

Update: **AMENDMENT TO WORK ENVIRONMENT AND DUTIES**

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

**AMENDMENT TO WORK ENVIRONMENT AND DUTIES**


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 cereal chemistry to improve the attributes of Canadian cereal grains in current markets, which will be reflected in improved processing, end-product characteristics, nutritional benefits and crop performance. The successful candidate will work with AAFC cereal and soybean breeders, universities, government and industry stakeholders including millers and food processors to explore traits that may lead to market expansion and maintain relevant direction of the program of grain quality for end-use. He or she will also work on a multi-disciplinary team towards understanding the biochemical basis for cereal grain end-use attributes and devising effective and sustainable methods for its improvement including biotechnology. The successful candidate will develop methods to effectively screen for cereal grain quality and work closely with breeders in identifying relevant superior germplasm. The scientist will also carry out research projects aimed at improving the functional characteristics of eastern Canadian wheat, oat, food soybean, as well as other cereals and grains. The position, located in Ottawa, Ontario will lead grain quality/chemistry research as part of a nationally recognized program in cereal and oilseed quality. The position is part of a multidisciplinary team of plant breeders, agronomists, pathologist, molecular biologists with access to research labs and field testing plots across eastern Canada. The position is supported by technical staff to conduct 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.

The Ottawa Research and Development Centre was established in 1886. It is located in Ottawa, Ontario at the Central Experimental Farm. It is one of the original five experimental farms established by the Government of Canada in 1886 under the Experimental Farm Station Act to conduct research in support of Canadian agriculture.

The Centre leads Manitoba to Prince Edward Island in crop development, targeting corn and soy. The Centre is responsible for spring wheat, winter wheat, oats and barley for Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. It also supports research conducted at other research centres in the areas of food safety, mycotoxins, and biocontrol.

The Centre's main research focus lies in three areas:
•Crop genetic enhancement and genomics
•Biodiversity of vascular plant, fungi and bacteria, and invertebrates
•Integrated assessment of long-term environmental effect of agricultural practices

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.

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 agricultural and food sciences, nutrition, plant science or other relevant discipline related to the duties of the position, or the employer-approved alternative for the SE classification. (See Note 1).

Applications will be accepted from candidates enrolled in, but who have not yet completed, a Ph.D. program. Completion of the Ph.D. thesis defense must occur before the appointment date.

Note 1.The employer-approved alternative for the SE classification is an acceptable master’s or bachelor’s degree coupled with acceptable research, training and experience. The degree must be from a recognized 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 calibre.

Degree equivalency

Experience in the design and conduct of scientific research, specifically in one or more of the following areas: grain chemistry, cereal quality analysis, end product processing or nutritional properties of grain.

Experience in the use of specialized analytical techniques and instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, NIR technology, or molecular genetics tools.

Documented scientific productivity/recognition including developmental work leading to the issue of patents, copyrights, or the creation of improved varieties, functions, or designs, and/or recognition by the professional community of the research environment. It also refers to recognized achievement in the form of authorship and editorship of published or unpublished reports, books, papers, or other communications resulting from:
•Research, experimental development, or tasking associated with operational equipment and problems;
•Operational research and scientific analysis;
•Planning, analysis and evaluation of Canadian and foreign programs in research and development.

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

Post Ph.D. training related to crop genetics and/or grain quality.

Degree equivalency

Experience writing grant applications.

Experience working collaboratively with other researchers to develop multi-disciplinary research teams and address difficult problems.

Experience managing multi-year projects with associated human resource, budgetary, and planning functions.

Experience interacting with industry and other stakeholders to garner support and research direction.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of the biochemical basis for traits that define grain end-use quality from the perspective of various members of the agri-food value chain.

Knowledge of methodologies for the study grain chemical components (carbohydrate, proteins, lipids, etc) and their utilization for improvement of cereal grain end products.

Knowledge of nutritional bioactive components from agricultural based resources and their impact on human health.

o Adaptability
o Interactive Communication
o Team Work
o Team Leadership
o Effective interpersonal skills

Ability to present scientific information

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

Knowledge of baking technologies

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.

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

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.

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.