Research Scientist - Microbiology

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 specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

Only applications submitted online using the ‘Apply online’ button above will be considered. Applications submitted by email will not be accepted.

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact 1-800-645-5605.

Work environment

The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) is a federal department responsible to ensure the integrity and marketability of grain for the domestic and international grain trade, from producer to global customer.

The CGC is a significant part of Canada’s dynamic and diverse agricultural sector. We regulate grain handling in Canada, set grain standards and conduct research on grain. At the CGC, we strive to live our values of excellence, integrity, respect and accountability.

We promote work-life balance. We have an Employee and Family Assistance program to support you and your family.

This position is within the Grain Research Laboratory. The program is currently researching and monitoring pathogenic, quarantine and toxigenic microorganisms associated with Canadian grain and products made from Canadian grain. The program develops new tools and employs new technologies for the monitoring, detection, identification and characterization of these microorganisms.

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 indeterminate, specified period employment, acting appointments, secondments or deployments.

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)

Education:
Graduation with an acceptable doctoral degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a field of natural sciences with a specialization related to the duties of the position, such as any of the following:
• Genetics
• Microbiology
• Molecular biology

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be advised that 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. Visit the link below for more information.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
• Recent experience in the design and conduct of scientific research specifically related to environmental microbiology.
• Documented scientific productivity/recognition in the form of authorship/editorship of research results in the area of microbiology, genetics, molecular biology or other relevant disciplines, in recognized journals and/or published reports, books, papers, or other communications resulting from scientific research.
• Recent experience in managing staff, budgets and projects.

Recent is defined as experience obtained within the last 2 years.

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

• Recent experience in the detection, identification and characterization of microorganisms and microbial populations including bacteria and fungi relevant to agriculture.
• Experience working with fungal species relevant for grain.
• Expertise in next generation sequencing and associated equipment and software.
• Experience working on a multi-disciplinary science team.
• Experience in managing multi-year projects with associated human resource, budgetary, and planning functions.
• Experience in collaborating with government, industry and university stakeholders.
• Experience in writing successful grant applications.
• Experience working in biological containment laboratory environments.
• Experience with high-resolution mass spectrometry.
• Knowledge of biological factors affecting seed physical characteristics.

Recent is defined as experience obtained within the last 2 years.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
• Knowledge of microbiology relevant to agriculture, human and animal health, food safety, or environment.
• Knowledge of fungal and bacterial pathogens in agriculture.
• Knowledge of methods to characterize and quantify bacteria and fungi and their byproducts.
• Knowledge of Next Generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics.

Competencies:
• Interactive communication
• Teamwork
• Initiative
• Adaptability
• Managing People

Abilities & Skills:
• Ability to clearly communicate scientific information (including research plans, data, interpretation of results, implications and limitations of results) to various audiences using various formats.

Conditions of employment

• Valid Secret Security clearance;
• Travel as required;
• Work with and be potentially exposed to hazardous chemicals, biological agents and equipment;
• Wear appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment;
• Adhere to laboratory safety standards and procedures.

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 designated 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

You will be asked to complete a screening questionnaire when you apply online. Please clearly demonstrate in your screening questionnaire how you meet the education and experience criteria. You must provide concrete examples that illustrate how you meet the requirement.

A cover letter is not required as the screening questions will be used for screening purposes.

Confirmation of receipt of applications will not be sent by Canadian Grain Commission; only candidates successful in the screening process will be contacted for assessment.

Communication for this process will be sent via 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.

In order to manage the number of applications in the selection process, management may use top-down consideration of scores at various steps in the process, to determine the number of candidates who will be further considered in the process.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.