Research Assistant – Soil Microbiology

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to March 5, 2021 - 23:59, Pacific Time.

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

AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion and is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s best diversity employers. We welcome all applicants and strongly encourage candidates to self-declare if they belong to an Employment Equity designated group (i.e. Aboriginal Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Visible Minorities or Women).

Duties

We are seeking a highly qualified and motivated Research Assistant (EG-04) for a position in Soil Microbiology that will provide greenhouse, field and laboratory technical support for soil health and microbial ecology research projects. Under the direction of the research scientist, the successful candidate will be required to coordinate research activities and employ various methods and tools to use in field, greenhouse and laboratory experiments.

Intent of the process

A pool of qualified and partially qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar positions with various tenures as well as various linguistic requirements.

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)

Bachelor’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in biochemistry, microbiology, soil science, agronomy or a related discipline; OR an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

IF YOU HAVE FOREIGN CREDENTIALS, please follow the link below for information on how to obtain a degree equivalency. You must obtain an equivalency, at your own expense, in order to be considered for appointment into the public service.

Degree equivalency

Experience in conducting greenhouse, field and laboratory research in agronomy, horticulture or forestry;
Experience in soil sample preparation and physio-chemical analyses;
Experience in basic microbiological and molecular biological techniques;
Experience in the use of computer software for statistical analysis of data.

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

Masters degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in biochemistry, microbiology, soil science, microbial ecology or another relevant field.

Degree equivalency

Experience writing adapted protocols for use by coworkers or collaborators;
Experience with bioinformatics methods and databases and using open-source bioinformatics software (i.e. Linux-command line);
Experience participating in the preparation of writen reports and scientific manuscripts;
Experience supervising and mentoring junior staff (e.g., students).

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of concepts and principles applied to sustainable approaches to soil health in agriculture;
Knowledge of soil microbiology techniques and principles;
Knowledge of plant germination and growth requirements;
Knowledge of soil sampling techniques.

Initiative
Adaptability
Attention to detail
Analytical thinking
Planning and organizing
Teamwork

Ability to plan and execute experimental protocols and compile data;
Ability to conduct basic data analysis, statistical analysis and summarize results.

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

Agriculture and Agri-food Canada recognizes that the diversity of its employee population contributes to its strength and integrity. We are committed to achieving employment equity and developing a highly capable workforce that is representative of Canadian Society. We encourage women (especially in non-traditional occupations), Indigenous peoples (Aboriginal peoples), persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups to apply and declare themselves as part of one or more of the Employment Equity groups as selection may be limited to candidates belonging to one or more of the groups.

Information on employment equity

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Valid driver's license required or personal mobility to a degree normally associated with the procession of a driver’s license;
Willingness and ability to work overtime, including evenings and weekends;
Willingness and ability to have flexible operational work hours;
Willingness and ability to work in harsh environments (outdoors, cold, hot, dust and noise);
Physical effort is required for activities such as soil sampling and grinding, and carrying tools, equipment and samples in the field over long distances;
Willingness and ability to work in an aseptic environment;
Willingness and ability to work for long periods in laboratory, greenhouse or in the field;
With proper safety precautions in place, willingness and ability to work with pesticides and hazardous laboratory chemicals and equipment;
Willingness and ability to work at a computer for extended periods;
Willingness and ability to travel (e.g.: sample collection and record data);
Willingness and ability to use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and control of allergies through necessary means, and this should not prevent the performance of the duties.

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

ASSESSEMENT INFORMATION

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.

Various assessment tools may be used, such as, standardized tests, interviews, references, board member knowledge, etc.

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

A random or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

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.

A test may be administered.

An interview may be administered.

Reference checks may be sought.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Asset qualifications may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

APPLICATION & CORRESPONDENCE INFORMATION

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs.html.

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact the email referenced below under "Contact Information".

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.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

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.