Research Technician – Nematology

Update: UPDATE: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to October 25, 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 Technician (EG-04) for a position in Nematology, that will provide technical support for the isolation, identification and characterization of nematodes present in soil, roots and environmental sources. The candidate will also be involved in research using high end technologies as well as regular molecular techniques to examine nematode of interest and microbial communities as they pertain to soil microbiome. The successful candidate will have the opportunities to conduct research experiments in laboratory, greenhouses, and fields.

Intent of the process

The intent is to staff 1 Research Technician position in Nematology on a permanent basis.

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

In the event that an employee of the public service is qualified through this process, and there is a temporary need, he/she may be considered for acting, deployment, assignment or secondment opportunities.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

EDUCATION
Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in a biological science (e.g.: Bachelor of Science Degree specializing in a field relating to microbiology, bioinformatics, parasitology, molecular biology, soil biology, microbial genomics, or another relevant field).

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE
Experience in basic microbiological and molecular biological techniques.

Experience in planning and conducting laboratory experiments with plant, soil or microorganisms.

Experience in the isolation, identification, characterization, and storage of pathogens/microorganisms associated with soil, plants or environmental samples using traditional and molecular approaches.

Experience analyzing data from molecular sequencing platforms e. g., next generation sequencing.

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

EDUCATION
Master Degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in one of the following fields: Plant Pathology; Plant Biology; Horticulture, Crop Science, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Parasitology, Microbial Ecology or a related agricultural program.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE
Experience working with microorganisms, diseases and plant parasites such as nematodes.

Experience working with Microscope.

Experience working with laboratory and agricultural field or greenhouse experiments.

Experience with molecular and bioinformatics techniques.

Experience in participating in the elaboration of reports and scientific manuscripts.

Experience supervising and mentoring junior staff (e.g., students).

Experience with bioinformatics methods and databases, and using open-source bioinformatics software.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE
• Knowledge of plant and plant pathogens.
• Knowledge in Nematology, collection, culture and biology of Nematodes.
• Knowledge of soil microbial ecology.
• Knowledge of the theories, principles and techniques of microbiology and molecular biology.
• Knowledge of the theories, principles and techniques of microbial genomics and bioinformatics.
• Knowledge of experimental design and statistics.

COMPETENCIES
• Adaptability
• Creativity and innovation
• Teamwork
• Initiative

ABILITIES
• Ability to collect and analyze data, summarize results, make conclusions and prepare reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and oral.
• Ability to plan, design, and set up experiments.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks or project activities.

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

KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of at least one programming language (e.g., R, Python).

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 license or willingness to obtain a driver’s license.
• Ability to work in a laboratory, greenhouse, and field environments (for outdoors in inclement weather if necessary).
• Ability and willingness to follow biosafety procedures and to handle plant and pathogens/microorganisms.
• Ability and willingness to travel (ie; for sample collection, record data).
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends to achieve research goals.

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 first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, 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.