Biologist

Important messages

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Information on accommodation for persons with disabilities

Duties

Work with a Research Scientist to develop and deploy genetic technologies in plants with emphasis on Camelina sativa. The research will use transgenic approaches and involve characterisation of lines for expression of system components and novel genotypes and phenotypes.

Work environment

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) helps farmers and industry feed our country. We work to increase Canada’s exports, while providing leadership in the growth and development of a competitive, innovative and sustainable Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.

The Saskatoon Research and Development Centre, located in the heart of the Prairies in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, conducts research on prairie crops to support the agri-food industry in Western Canada. It is located on the campus of the University of Saskatchewan.

The Centre emphasizes collaboration between several private and public research organizations and develops integrated crop management strategies for sustainable cropping systems on the Canadian Prairies through combining research in genetics and germplasm development, plant pathology, entomology, plant physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology.

It is the home of the Plant Gene Resources of Canada, an important international repository of crops.

Leading research focuses on the following five initiatives with a supporting role in agronomy and northern agriculture:
•Integrated crop management for sustainable cropping systems on the Canadian Prairies
•Sustainable management of plant diseases and insect pests
•Integrated strategies for genetic improvement of oilseed, legume, and forage crops
•Genetic resource conservation, characterization and utilization
•Bioproducts and bioresources

We are presently looking for a vibrant and dynamic Biologist to support a Research Scientist to develop and deploy genetic technologies in plants with emphasis on Camelina sativa.

Intent of the process

This is a term position until June 1st, 2019.

A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar positions on a permanent full-time or part-time basis or on a temporary full-time or part-time basis.

In the event that an employee of the public service is qualified through this process, 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 graduate degree from a recognized university with specialisation in plant molecular biology or in plant molecular genetics or in plant protein biochemistry.

Degree equivalency

Experience in generation and characterisation of transgenic plant lines.
Experience in assembly of recombinant DNA constructs and application in plants.
Experience in plant gene expression and characterisation.
Experience in protein expression and characterisation.
Experience in preparation of scientific manuscripts and presentations.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of plant molecular biology and genetics.
Knowledge of gene regulation.
Knowledge of gene editing.

Adaptability
Problem Solving
Teamwork
Interactive Communication

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

Experience generating and characterising transgenic lines of Camelina sativa.
Experience in quantitative and analytical PCR techniques, including ddPCR.
Experience in in planta transient expression methods and analysis.
Experience applying gene editing systems in plants.
Experience in recombinant protein production, purification, characterisation and enzymatic assay.
Experience with DNA and protein sequence analysis.
Experience in fluorescence microscopy of plant tissues.
Experience in next-gen sequencing and data analysis.
Experience in statistical analysis.

Placement of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) employees affected by workforce adjustment.

In support of achieving a diversified workforce, consideration may be given to candidates self-identifying as belonging to one of the following employment equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities; visible minorities, women.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and this must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory and greenhouse environments.
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials, chemicals and pesticides.
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

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.