Research Scientist

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Assessment accommodation

As a science-based department, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) relies on a vibrant science program to provide data and information combined with expert scientific analysis and advice to directly support decision-making as well as policy and program delivery. The Ecosystem and Oceans Science Sector (the "Science" Sector) makes up approximately one-quarter of the workforce of DFO (excluding Canadian Coast Guard) and includes research scientists and biologists with broad range of expertise in ocean and freshwater research, as well as physical scientists, chemists, engineers, hydrographers, a range of technical and other scientific support staff, managers, science advisors, and administrators.

DFO is seeking to fill two scientific positions to replace retiring scientists within the Genetics and Genomics section, with core areas of research including
. Fish population genetics/genomics;
. risk assessments associated with CRISPR/CAS9 and domestication selection in hatcheries;
. environmental DNA and bioinformatics associated with HTS data;
. Molecular tool development in support of fisheries management
The SE-RES-01/02/03/04/05 appointment level is based on the incumbent's qualifications/accomplishments as determined by DFO's Research Scientist Career Progression Committee.

Essential Education and Experience qualifications listed below will be assessed and used for screening purposes through your online application. Candidates are required to clearly demonstrate how they meet the Essential Education and Experience qualifications by providing additional information as part of their application through the screening questions.

Duties

Research Scientists (RES) at in DFO are primarily responsible for conducting original research to contribute scientific knowledge in support of the Department's mandate, programs, and initiatives. This research is often done in collaboration with government colleagues, as well as with academia, industry, and international partners. Research Scientists are expected to contribute to their scientific field by publishing peer-reviewed articles and participating in scientific conferences. RES are also expected to provide scientific advice and guidance to departmental officials and to represent the Department on work committees related to their area of expertise.

Intent of the process

The intent of this process is to staff one position in North Vancouver and one position in Nanaimo, British Columbia.

The pool of candidates established through this process may also be used to fill upcoming vacancies that could arise in any of our Research Facilities and Offices across Canada.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

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 the natural sciences related to the duties of the position.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE
1. Experience conducting independent research in molecular biology in one of the following areas of study: population genetics/genomics, transcriptomics, metabarcoding, genome evolution, genome editing, or high throughput monitoring.
2. Experience in conducting quantitative analyses and interpreting data using statistical analytical techniques or tools associated with biological studies or genome analyses.
3. Experience in presenting research findings at scientific workshops or meetings.
4. Experience in authoring scientific publications in international peer reviewed journals with at least three papers in the last 5 years and at least two that are first author publications.
5. Experience preparing research proposals.

ABILITIES
1. Ability to analyze science issues and provide advice and recommendations.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY
1. Demonstrating Integrity and Respect
2. Showing initiative and being action-oriented
3. Thinking things through
4. Working effectively with others
5. Interactive Communication
6. Leadership

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

Depending on the position to be staffed, any of the following qualifications may also be deemed as an essential qualification and only candidates and persons with a priority entitlement who possess those qualifications will be considered for that specific vacancy.

A candidate may be appointed to a position even though he/she does not meet any or all of the asset qualifications or operational requirements. However, meeting these criteria is desirable and may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed.

EDUCATION
Postdoctoral or work experience doing independent research in a field of natural or physical sciences relevant to the duties of the position.

EXPERIENCES
Note: “Fish” includes finfish and invertebrates, and “aquatic” includes marine and freshwater species.

1. Experience working in scientific studies in freshwater or marine environments.
2. Experience collaborating on research with partners.
3. Experience developing science solutions to address client needs.
4. Experience managing scientific projects and teams.
5. Experience using, maintaining, and troubleshooting specialized laboratory equipment, possibly including robots, high through put sequencers, and microfluidics.
6. Experience using statistical software to analyze data, possibly including multivariate statistical analysis of large ecological data sets, analysis of spatially or temporally variable data, and Bayesian statistics.
7. Experience in scientific data management, database use or design (relational or non-relational), or query programming for the storage, analysis and access of scientific data types.
8. Experience developing and providing science-based advice and recommendations to scientists, managers, or stakeholders.
9. Experience in the development of new instrumentation, methods, technology or quality control/assurance procedures and protocols for the collection and analysis of scientific data.
10. Experience evaluating scientific results and communicating scientific issues, findings or technical information to non-experts.
11. Experience with Matlab, R, SAS, SQL, S+, VB, C++, ADMB, or other scientific programming software.
12. Experience conducting scientific research in one or more of the following:
a) hatchery enhancement and/or impacts
b) risk assessments associated with genetic modifications
c) bioinformatics
d) environmental DNA
e) molecular tool development
f) controlled experimental studies with live organisms
13. Experience with high throughput sequencing, metabarcoding, RNA-seq, genome assembly, RAD- sequencing, and epigenetic research.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

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

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is committed to establishing and maintaining a representative workforce. This organizational need may be identified as part of the appointment decision. In such cases, qualified candidates who self-declare as members of a visible minority group, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, or women (in non-traditional occupations) would be considered.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours and overtime.
• Willingness and ability to travel by various modes of transportation and work from vessels.

Conditions of employment

• Reliability or Secret security clearance (depending on the position being staffed)
• Possession of a valid drivers license

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

Although preference will be given to Canadian citizens, non-Canadians are encouraged to apply. The offer of employment does not ensure foreign nationals Permanent Residency in Canada. Non-Canadian candidates should apply for non-immigrant status (i.e. temporary status) and an employment visa.

Original education credential(s). Candidates with foreign credentials must provide proof of Canadian equivalency. Consult the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for further information at http://www.cicic.ca/.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language(s) of their choice.

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.