Research Technician, Food Science

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

Please note that you must apply online as there is a screening questionnaire that must be completed as part of your application. We will not accept applications received 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.
• Please note that written communication may also be assessed through your application submission.

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 Research Technician position is located at the Morden Research and Development Centre, within the Science and Technology Branch.

The incumbent will work in mycotoxin research laboratory supporting research activities under the direction of research scientist. He/she will obtain samples (cereal grain, plant/crop residues, soil residues, etc.) and process and analyze samples. The Research Technician will also support laboratory activities related to research on the development of more rapid techniques for screening mycotoxins in cereal grains and pulses and on activities related to research on threats to food safety and security because of mycotoxins. The incumbent will support multidisciplinary work conducted in mycotoxin research program, communicate and consult with collaborators, write technical reports, and contribute to the preparation of scientific publications and presentations. He/she will provide technical training to students, post-doctoral fellows, and other staff. In addition, she/he will also conduct other tasks as identified by the supervisor including activities related to procuring laboratory supplies and equipment. Some other duties include (but not limited to):

- To operate and maintain an immunochemistry and analytical chemistry research laboratory and instrumentation and adhere to standard laboratory safety procedures and SOPs;
- To carry out experiments as per protocols established by the supervisor, screening of high number of samples using high throughput assays, developing and modifying experimental procedures under the guidance of the supervisor;
- To maintain accurate laboratory records of experiments performed and results obtained and communicating these to other members of the research team as recognized by the research scientist; interact with other researchers across the country to coordinate field research and laboratory analyses.

Intent of the process

The immediate intent of this process is to fill one (1) indeterminate full time position in Morden, MB.

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

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)

Graduation with a degree in science from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in food science, biochemistry, toxicology, analytical chemistry, microbiology, environmental chemistry OR an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience related to the duties of the position.

Degree equivalency

Experience providing technical support and leading projects in a laboratory, greenhouse, or field environments;
Experience in the operation, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting of instrumentation related to chemical analyses;
Experience managing and performing quality assurance and quality control on instrument performance and analytical data;
Experience in experimental design;
Experience in collecting, compiling, and analyzing experimental data;
Experience in statistical analysis and interpreting experimental results;
Experience in report writing, data presentation, and participating in drafting of scientific papers.

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

Experience working with UHPLC, Orbitrap, and/or LC-MS-MS.
Experience in assay development (extraction methodologies for biological material such as cereal grains, food, soil, and/or plant material) and/or high throughput screening of cereal grains for mycotoxins.
Experience in supervising and training others.

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 immunochemistry, analytical chemistry, and toxicology;
Knowledge of fungal mycotoxins in small grain cereals;
Knowledge of statistical analysis and quality control;
Knowledge of instruments used in analytical chemistry such as but limited to pH meters, Elisa readers, centrifuge, liquid chromatography (HPLC/UHPLC), mass spectrometers, and near infrared analyzers.

Creativity
Adaptability
Interactive communication
Teamwork
Planning and organizing
Problem solving
Concern for safety

Ability to establish and conduct trials.
Ability to compile and analyze data and summarize results.

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

Graduation with a degree from a Master’s or Ph.D. program from a recognized post-secondary university with specialization in food science, biochemistry, toxicology, or biological sciences.

Degree equivalency

Knowledge of agricultural production systems in Canada.

Ability to use complex software for instrument operation or for the analysis of experimental data in the context of specialized instruments (HPLC, UHPLC, Orbitrap, LC-MS-MS).

Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women

Information on employment equity

Preference may be given to AAFC employees affected by workforce adjustment.

Ability and willingness to conduct fieldwork and travel to field sites across Canada
Ability to lift equipment and samples (20 kg max), walking in rough terrain, and be exposed to the environmental conditions (eg., insects, sun, rain)

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - .
Valid Driver’s Licence
Ability and willingness to work overtime including evenings and weekends
Ability and willingness to travel
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).

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.