Senior Laboratory Technician

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

EVERYONE IS WELCOME
Health Canada is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce with a diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds that represents Canada now and in the future. We are passionate about fostering a workplace where all people feel welcome, can reach their full potential, and contribute their unique perspectives and experience to the success of the team.

We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex (including gender identity and/or expression), national origin, sexual orientation, civil union or relationship status, disability, age, parental status, military service, or other status protected under federal law.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR RESUME MAY BE USED TO EVALUATE YOUR ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY IN WRITING.

Work environment

Are you interested in working at a cutting-edge organization that values both your physical and psychological health and wellness, provides rich career development opportunities and rewards innovation? Health Canada has been recognized as one of the Top Employers for Young People for five years running and as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for the past ten years! Don’t miss your opportunity to not only enjoy the unparalleled benefits of the public service, but to get so much more on our award-winning team!

Intent of the process

The immediate intent of this process is to staff 1 English Essential position. In addition, applicants should be aware that this selection process may be used to staff similar positions at this group and level across Health Canada. As a result of the potential and possible use of the selection process and subsequent pool by hiring managers, we encourage all employees seeking this type of position/workstream and/or group and level to apply.

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:

EED1. Successful completion of an acceptable post-secondary educational program with specialization in analytical chemistry or chemical/biochemical technology OR an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience related to the duties of the position.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE:

EEX1. Significant* experience in method development in a research laboratory environment related to the analysis of trace amounts of organic contaminants in complex matrices.

EEX2. Experience in the operation and maintenance of computerized gas chromatograph/mass spectrometers, their data acquisition and data analysis systems.

EEX3. Experience in the preparation of samples (e.g., extraction, clean up) for trace level analysis.

EEX4. Experience in planning, organizing, carrying out experiments and reporting results related to trace analytical research projects.

EEX5. Experience in maintaining records associated with the development and maintenance activities in a laboratory environment, including method descriptions and data.

*For the purpose of this process, significant experience is defined as the depth and breadth of experience that would 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)

Various language requirements
- English Essential
- Bilingual Imperative BBB/BBB, CBC/CBC

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE:
EK1. Knowledge of the chemistry of organic compounds, including their characterization.
EK2. Knowledge of analytical methods to determine trace amounts of organic contaminants in complex matrices (e.g., biological matrices, food).
EK3. Knowledge of the theory and practical application of gas and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry related to the analysis of trace chemical contaminants.
EK4. Knowledge of quality control procedures used to ensure reliable data in trace analysis.

ABILITIES:
EA1. Ability to conduct research experiments independently, with oversight by the supervisor.
EA2. Ability to maintain and troubleshoot gas chromatograph / mass spectrometers.
EA3. Ability to carry out detailed calculations associated with quantification of chemical contaminants.
EA4. Ability to prepare reports and effectively communicate results in tabulated and descriptive formats.
EA5. Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
EA6. Ability to communicate effectively orally.

PERSONAL SUITABILITIES:
EPS1. Effective interpersonal relationships.
EPS2. Judgement.
EPS3. Dependability.
EPS4. Initiative.
EPS5. Respectful of diversity.

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

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able and willing to work with various substances, including hazardous chemicals.
- Must be able and willing to stand while performing certain procedures for portions of the day.
- Must be able to move and handle various size gas cylinders
- Must be able for prolonged periods to maintain attention and perform dextrous tasks during all aspects of analytical work to prevent contamination and produce accurate results.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

VACCINATION STATUS:
All employees of the core public administration are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and attest to their vaccination status unless accommodated based on a medical contraindication, religion, or another prohibited ground for discrimination as defined under the Canadian Human Rights Act.

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

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.

For this process, emails are the most efficient way to communicate with you. Candidates who apply to this selection process must include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email). If you do not wish to receive results by email or if you change your email address during the process, it is your responsibility to inform us.

Please note that candidates are responsible for submitting their application by the closing date in order to be considered. ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE THROUGH THE PSRS SYSTEM. No applications will be accepted once the deadline has passed. Candidates will not be solicited for incomplete or possibly missing information.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: The PSRS system will time out after 60 minutes of inactivity which may result in your inability to save your work or loss of data. It is recommended that you draft ALL RESPONSES in another document on your PC which may be saved (e.g. in MS Word or WordPerfect) and copy/paste into the PSRS system when completed. HEALTH CANADA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SYSTEM PROBLEMS WHICH MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF DATA AND/OR INCOMPLETE OR NON SUBMITTED APPLICATIONS.

As per the Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Core Public Administration Including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=32694), federal public servants in the Core Public Administration and members of the RCMP must attest to their vaccination status. The requirement for employees to be fully vaccinated applies whether they are teleworking, working remotely or working on-site. This is a condition of employment and it applies to indeterminate (permanent), determinate (temporary), casual, and student hiring. Should you reach the point in the selection process where it is necessary to verify terms and conditions of employment then the hiring manager or a human resources representative will contact you in order to complete an attestation.

Please note that volume management strategies, such as random selection, top-down approach, invoking any asset(s) and/or cut-off scores, MAY be used at any point in the staffing process for the purpose of managing volumes of applications/candidates.

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.