Research Scientist – Sustainable Cereals Crop Genomics Breeding

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

Tips when applying:
-Only applications submitted through www.gc.jobs.ca will be considered.
-Set aside approximately 40 to 60 minutes to complete the application form including the screening questions.
-Every candidate's profile is unique, to help us better assess your qualifications, the system will prompt you with screening questions, ensure you are providing detailed answers.
-Selection of applications will be based on the information provided in your profile, when answering the screening questions, ensure your examples contain the following information: timelines, position title and detailed examples of how you demonstrated the requested qualification. Keep in mind the reviewer may not have any knowledge of your work history.
-Your résumé is required however will be reviewed and used to validate the experiences described in your online profile.

Duties

We are seeking a research scientist with expertise and experience to provide leadership in sustainable cereals crop genomic breeding. Sustainable cereals crop genomic breeding relates to the development of perennial cereals (wheat, rye and triticale), winter rye, winter triticale and winter durum wheat for the Canadian agricultural sector using most recent knowledge and technologies deriving from genomic studies. The science program has broken grounds in genomics of flowering time genes and perennial trait in wild relative species vs domesticated crops. The individual will strengthen that genomic approach to building perennial trait in cereals (ABDR gene pools). The successful candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary group of scientists across Canada and internationally, including plant breeders, molecular geneticists, plant pathologists, soil scientists and agronomists to develop a complete sustainable grain production system for Canada.

The individual is expected to have a strong ability to understand sustainable crop production as a complete system. The research program is expected to combine variety development and agronomy to create a sustainable production system, while keeping the Canadian agriculture industry objectives as a key driver of program objectives. Variety development for perennial cereals is not straightforward. The individual must have the knowledge and ability to carry out and work with a multidisciplinary group of researchers in the field of molecular genetics and genomics to understand the basis of perennial habit with the goal of using traditional or new technology methods to develop a repeatable and stable perennial cereals breeding program. The individual must be able to prepare grant proposals; establish research protocols; and plan, design, and implement various research studies to solve current problems and potential issues that will impact western Canada agriculture.

The successful candidate will provide scientific advice and transfer technology to partners and clients that will assist the agriculture industry in developing a new sustainable production system for Canada.

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 position is located in Lethbridge, Alberta, and is part of a relatively new, competitively-funded research program. The position is part of the AAFC research network with access to research facilities and scientific expertise across Canada and is supported by technical staff to conduct laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments.

Intent of the process

A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for to fill similar permanent or temporary positions for the location referenced in this process or any other AAFC research center.

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)

ESSENTIAL EDUCATION:
Doctoral degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in plant genetics or in another discipline related to the duties of this position, or an employer approved alternative for the SE classification (See Alternative).

Employer approved alternative : for the SE classification an acceptable alternative is a 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.

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 implementation of scientific research as it relates to plant genetics or breeding.

Experience in cereal crops breeding.

Experience in crop genomics applied for selection of specific traits in plant breeding.

Demonstrated 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)

Experience in working on large datasets.

Experience writing grant application.

Experience working on a multi-disciplinary team.

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

Experience interacting with government, 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 perennial grain crops breeding.

Knowledge of current farming practices and cropping systems in western Canada.

Knowledge of agronomic management strategies for enhanced crop yield, reduced environmental impact and increasing persistence of perennial plant stands.

Knowledge of statistical design and methods.

Knowledge of prevalent diseases in cereals relevant to western Canada.

Demonstrated competencies in Interactive Communication, Teamwork, Intellectual Leadership, Effective Interpersonal Skills and Adaptability

Ability to conceptualize, design, plan, successfully implement, conduct, complete, and report on research projects.

Ability to interact with sector stakeholders to garner support and research directions.

Ability to anticipate changes in farming practices as it relates to the implementation of perennial grains in the production system and structure research towards those changes.

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

Ability to effectively lead a team.

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.

Ability and willingness to travel.

Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Ability and willingness to work in various environmental and weather conditions.

Ability and willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field environments for extended periods at a time.

Ability and willingness to work with chemicals and pesticides.

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

Research Scientist salary levels and pay ranges are commensurate with the successful candidate`s experience, see grid below:
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 selection 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. As a candidate, ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required; ensure that email address provided accepts email from unknown users as some email systems block unknown sources.

All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence may be used in the assessment of qualifications.

All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence, may be used in the assessment of qualifications.

As part of the selection process, you may be asked to complete assessments, an interview and reference checks may be sought.

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.