Research Assistant - Molecular Weed Science

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

The weed ecology and cropping systems research program is seeking a research technician (EG-04) for a 4 year term to contribute to scientific expertise in molecular weed genetics and genomics. The technician will work as part of a team to develop rapid molecular diagnostic tests for herbicide resistance. The technician will be responsible for using previously established protocols and for developing and optimizing new protocols to characterize and test weed samples for genetic variants (target-site mutations) associated with resistance to different herbicide groups. The technician will also be responsible for timely communication with project leads about project deliverables. Substantial experience with quantitative PCR (qPCR) data generation and analysis is required. Molecular diagnostics methodology for the project may also incorporate DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, Sanger sequencing, Next Generation Sequencing, agarose gel analysis, restriction enzyme analysis, TaqMan assays, rhAmp assays, KASP assays, and/or other types of SNP genotyping assays. Experience generating transcriptomic data would be an asset. Bioinformatics experience would be beneficial. In addition, the technician will contribute to outreach efforts, and the development of scientific manuscripts.

Responsibilities include:
- Contributing to research projects focused on herbicide resistance in weeds by carrying out research protocols in molecular weed science.
- Contributing to laboratory and greenhouse operations in molecular weed science.
- Contributing to the communication of research results.

Intent of the process

Immediate need: 1 full-time temporary position (end date of March 31, 2025).

A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar permanent and temporary employment.

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)

B.Sc. degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in molecular genetics, genomics, weed science, or other specialization in a field relevant to the duties of the position.

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 providing technical support in a molecular genetics laboratory environment.
Experience performing quantitative PCR (qPCR; real-time PCR).
Experience with molecular genetics procedures, including DNA and/or RNA extraction, PCR, and agarose gel electrophoresis.

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

Experience with Sanger sequencing, Next Generation Sequencing, restriction enzyme analysis, TaqMan assays, rhAmp assays, KASP assays, and/or other types of SNP genotyping assays.
Experience generating transcriptomic data.
Experience training students and co-ordinating their work.
Experience with bioinformatics.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of methods used to develop molecular markers.
Knowledge of plant molecular genetics.

Teamwork
Interactive Communication
Planning and Organizing
Initiative

Ability to collect and record data accurately.
Ability to communicate research progress and results to project leads.

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

Ability to create draft reports, or contribute to the preparation of research communication, publications in peer-reviewed journals, posters, or presentations.

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

Possession of a valid driver’s licence.
Ability and willingness to work overtime including evenings and weekends.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication without impinging upon the duties to be performed.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory and greenhouse environments.
Ability and willingness to work under various environmental and weather conditions.
Ability and willingness to work with chemicals, including pesticides.
Ability and willingness to travel on occasion.
With appropriate safety precautions in place, ability and willingness to work in a laboratory for extended periods at a time, and ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials.
Ability and willingness to do repetitive tasks.

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

ASSESSMENT 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.