Research Scientist - Entomology

Update: **AMENDMENT TO CLOSING DATE**

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 CLOSING DATE


Apply online : only applications submitted through our portal will be considered.

Tips when applying :
-The application process, including the screening questions, may take approximately 40 to 60 minutes.
-Every candidate profile is unique, to help us better understand your qualifications, the system will prompt you with screening questions, ensure you are providing detailed answers.
-In order to help us gain more specific information on your profile, the system will prompt you with questions for each qualification, ensure you are providing detailed answers.
-When answering the online screening questions, ensure your examples are specific, and they include timelines, role title and detailed examples of how you demonstrated the requested qualification, as applications will be selected based on the information provided. Keep in mind the hiring manager may not have any previous knowledge of your background, qualifications, or work history.
-Your résumé will be reviewed and used to validate the qualifications described in your online profile.

Duties

The entomology candidate for the position will require the knowledge and expertise necessary to develop a research program on the ecological interactions between insect pests and communities of beneficial arthropods above and below ground in diverse cropping systems. The research program will focus on the characterization of these communities to develop new knowledge to improve crop protection in the Maritimes. The scientist will identify strategies that can work synergistically to minimize direct plant damage by herbivores while improving the productivity and ecological sustainability of pest management in diverse cropping systems. The scientist will work with colleagues (e.g., taxonomists, plant breeders, agronomists, soil scientists, molecular biologists) in conventional and organic crop production, to capture efficiencies and quantify the benefits of these strategies in crop productivity. The position would be particularly suited for someone with a strong background in herbivore-host plant interactions, integrated pest management and community/food web ecology.

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 Fredericton Research and Development Centre (FRDC) is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's network of 20 research centres. The Centre is located in Fredericton, New Brunswick, on the south bank of the St. John River. Potato research is the Centre's main focus as the province of New Brunswick is a recognized world leader in potato production.
The forces driving the agriculture sector have become more complex and are changing even more quickly in recent years. Market demands, social preferences, global trade, energy costs, water availability, environmental health, and changes in risks associated with crop production (e.g., new pests) due to climatic variation place pressure on the industry for innovative solutions to challenges.
The FRDC is custodian of the Canadian Potato Genetic Resources. It is not only comprised of the main centre in Fredericton but also the Benton Ridge sub-station which supports germplasm enhancement activities.
The main focus of research conducted at the centre is in three areas:
• Potato germplasm enhancement
• Crop protection
• Enhancing the environmental performance of potato production systems

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 or any similar position at any AAFC location.

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 a field of Entomology or another acceptable discipline related to the duties of the position.

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

Recognition of foreign credentials: 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, see link below.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE

Experience in the design and conduct of scientific research as it relates to the identification and control of insect pests or other relevant discipline.

Experience in research related to insect ecology.

Experience in research related to integrated pest management.

Documented scientific productivity or recognition in the specialization related to this position, 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. experience in integrated pest management or other relevant discipline.

Experience in insect identification and/or assessment of insect damage to plants.

Experience in research to develop novel integrated pest management strategies.

Experience in one or more of: molecular, population, community, food web or landscape ecology.

Experience writing grant applications, and technical reports and research papers.

Experience working on a multi-disciplinary team.

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 integrated pest management techniques as applied to agriculture.

Knowledge of traditional and emerging techniques in entomology.

Knowledge of insect ecology.

Knowledge of study design and data analysis.

Interactive Communication

Teamwork

Adaptability

Judgement

Ability to make presentations to varied audiences

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

Knowledge of soil biota

Knowledge of new taxonomic methods (eg. Genomics)

Intellectual Leadership

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.