Research Scientist, genomics and/or bioinformatics of enteric bacterial pathogens

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

Duties

The successful candidate will work in the Innovation and Application Development Section within the Division of Enteric Diseases, and lead the development of genomic and bioinformatics tools and platforms to support the Agency’s programs on surveillance and outbreak detection of foodborne bacterial enteric pathogens. The incumbent will report to the Chief of the Section and will contribute to understanding the molecular epidemiology, population genomics and transmission dynamics of the target organisms.

Work environment

The Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) provides scientific expertise and laboratory capacity for infectious disease monitoring, detection, investigation and outbreak response to support national and international public health action. NML strives to be the employer of choice for Canadian and international scientific and non-scientific staff. Our employees contribute leadership, ingenuity, expertise and innovation to safeguard the health of Canadians and the global community.

Intent of the process

This process will be initially used to staff one indeterminate position in Guelph ON. The selection process may be used to staff similar positions at these groups and levels with various linguistic profiles and security requirements, conditions of employment for various future permanent and/or temporary vacancies within the Public Health Agency of Canada National Microbiology Laboratory sites across Canada.

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 biological sciences with specialization related to duties of the position, such as Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Genomics or Microbiology.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
1. *Significant experience with scientific research in the area of human, foodborne enteric pathogens.
2. *Significant experience in scientific research related to comparative genomics or bioinformatics.
3. *Significant experience with collaborative research with universities and/or government organizations.
4. Experience with writing and publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals and delivering presentations at scientific meetings (Productivity/Recognition).

*Significant experience refers to an acceptable combination of breadth, depth and complexity of tasks that can normally be acquired over a period of three (3) years or more

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
1. Knowledge of microbial genomics and molecular biology.
2. Knowledge of bioinformatics methods, software and databases used to study bacterial pathogens.
3. Knowledge of laboratory safety regulations and procedures.
4. Knowledge of trends and emerging issues relating to human illnesses in the One-health context.
5. Knowledge of PHAC’s mandate, surveillance and outbreak detection and response systems.

Competencies:
1. Demonstrating integrity and respect
2. Thinking things through
3. Working effectively with others
4. Showing initiative and being action-oriented
5. Leadership
6. Communication – oral and in writing

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

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:
1. Experience in developing algorithms and software tools for the analysis of bacterial genomes.
2. Experience in performing/interpreting phylogenetic and phylogenomic analysis of bacterial enteric pathogens.
3. Experience in developing successful scientific research proposals for funding opportunities.
4. Experience in mentoring and training staff.

Knowledge:
1. Knowledge of laboratory methods and techniques for sequencing genomes.
2. Knowledge of computational techniques as applied to the analysis of bacterial genomes and bioinformatics.
3. Knowledge of current principles, techniques and procedures used in molecular epidemiology of bacterial enteric pathogens of public health significance.

Competencies:
1. Knowledge transfer and exchange
2. Development and innovation
3. Collaboration and partnerships

ORGANIZATIONAL NEEDS

Selection for appointment may take into consideration employees who have been or will be impacted by organizational restructuring of the division.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is committed to Employment Equity. In order to ensure a diversified workforce, preference may be given to candidates self-identifying as belonging to one or more of the following Employment Equity groups: aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minority groups provided the candidate meets all essential qualifications listed on the job opportunity notice and any applicable asset qualification(s).

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Willingness and ability to work full time and five days a week.
2. Willingness and ability to provide assistance with outbreak and emergency laboratory response situations, which may require working overtime and/or weekends.
3. Willingness and ability to travel across Canada in order to participate in meetings, training and potential outbreak and emergency response.

Conditions of employment

Secret/reliability security clearance (depending on the position, the current position in Guelph requires reliability security clearance).
Medical clearance (depending on position)

Candidates must meet and maintain the above condition(s) of employment throughout their employment.

Note: Candidates must meet each essential qualification to be appointed to the position. A candidate may be appointed to the position even though he/she does not meet any or all of the asset qualifications, operational requirements or organizational needs. However, meeting these criteria is desirable and may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. In the event that there are as many candidates who meet the essential qualifications as there are vacancies, the manager may decide not to assess some or all of the asset qualifications, operational requirements or organizational needs.

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

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line. To submit an application on-line, please click on the button "Apply online" below. Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact 1-800-645-5605.

All communication received from candidates throughout the staffing process may be used to assess qualifications on the Statement of Merit Criteria.

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

Please note: SE-RES staffing is considered “incumbent based staffing”. Therefore, the level of the successful candidate will not be determined until the advertised process is complete and a successful candidate is chosen.

For the purpose of this staffing process, only candidates selected for further assessment will be contacted.

// Screening //

■ Screening criteria is established to determine which candidates will qualify for further consideration and assessment. During the screening stage, the screening board will review your application to determine if you meet the essential education and essential experiences. However, some managers may opt to use asset education and asset experiences as well. This is why it is essential to provide concrete examples when answering the experience questionnaire section in your application.

■ If you are a candidate that has been “screened-in,” this means that you may undergo further assessment to determine if you meet the other essential and/or asset criteria (i.e. knowledge, abilities, competencies, etc.).

// Assessment //

■ Managers can use a combination of assessment methods they deem relevant. Some common assessment methods are written exams, interviews, and reference checks. However, managers have the flexibility to use role-play, simulations, and performance / talent management considerations as part of their assessment.

■ When candidates are invited to the assessment stage, they will be notified of the qualifications being assessed and the assessment method (interview, written take home test, etc.). To help you prepare for assessment, you should think about examples that will best highlight how you meet the qualifications being assessed. During the assessment, use the “STAR” method to best explain your example. STAR stands for the following:

▪ Situation: Think of a situation in which you are/were involved.
▪ Task: Describe the tasks involved in the situation.
▪ Action: Specify what actions you took to achieve your results.
▪ Results: What results followed due to your actions? List them and describe each one briefly.

■ In assessing candidates, assessment boards may use a variety of tools and methods including, but not limited to, reviews of past performance and accomplishments, written tests, interviews, simulations, PSC tests, reference checks, board member knowledge etc. In addition, all information obtained throughout the selection process, from the time of application to close of process, may be used to evaluate the candidates.

■ You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

■ Depending on the number of applicants, needs and/or plans, volume management strategies such as, but not limited to, top-down approach, cut-off scores, asset selection, random selection and/or assessment may be used for the purpose of managing applications/candidates and/or determining which candidates will continue in the staffing process. Should a volume management strategy be used, communication regarding the application of the strategy will be provided to those candidates who are impacted.

■ 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.

■ 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.
- The organizational need of restructuring/budgetary constraints

■ Candidates from outside the federal public service may be required to pay for travel and relocation costs associated with this selection process.

■ Proof of education will be required. 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.

// Important Notes //

▪ Acknowledgment of receipt of applications will not be sent.

▪ Candidates will be contacted by email and it is imperative that you provide a current email address that accepts e-mail from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email). It is also the candidate's responsibility to ensure accurate information is provided and updated as required.

▪ Candidates are strongly encouraged to check their email on a regular basis. It is your entire responsibility to inform us at all times of any changes regarding your contact information.

▪ All information obtained throughout the selection process, from the time of application to close of process, may be used to evaluate the candidates.

▪ Proof of citizenship will be requested if you are considered for a position.

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.