Chemist

Important messages

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Assessment accommodation

We want you to succeed! Our objective is to identify qualified candidates by fairly assessing their abilities. Assessment accommodations are intended to remove obstacles without altering the criteria being assessed so that all candidates can showcase their capabilities.

Please help us meet our commitment of providing an inclusive and barrier-free environment by letting us know if you require assessment accommodations, including assistance with the application process. Additional information on the assessment format(s) (for example: exam, interview) will be provided at each assessment stage.

As one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is proud to celebrate our achievement in creating a diverse, respectful, and positive workplace where all employees are valued and recognized for their unique qualities, ideas, voices and perspectives. We are dedicated to building and promoting a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, representative of all Canadians regardless of race, ethnicity, colour, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socio-economic background or lived experience. By embracing diversity and inclusion, our department ensures broader discussions, better decisions, and a more positive workplace.

Duties

The incumbent:
- will be responsible for the development and execution of methods for the analysis of peptides and/or metabolites in crop, fruit and food samples;
- will analyse, assess and interpret data using specialized methods and equipment;
- will review and evaluate a broad range of scientific and technical literature to maintain an awareness of technological advances in chemistry and analytical equipment; and
- will assist with the training of scientific and technical staff and supervising students.

Work environment

The Science and Technology Branch (STB) undertakes agricultural research, development and knowledge transfer activities to support and contribute to the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. We work with industry, academia, Provincial governments and other partners to generate new knowledge, foster innovation and increase adoption and commercialization of agricultural, agri-food, and agri-based products, process and practices. Together, we will work to support a resilient and innovative agriculture sector. The strategic objectives for the Branch include: increasing agricultural productivity; improving environmental performance; improving attributes for food and non-food uses; and addressing threats to the agriculture and agri-food value chain.

The STB is organized into three agriculture regions, each with unique ecological environments to tailor delivery of national priorities to regional needs: Coastal Region; Prairie Region; and Ontario-Quebec Region. Our science and technology transfer capacity is distributed across the country in an extensive network of Research Centres, farms, labs, and offices.

Research at the Summerland RDC addresses the mitigation of environmental pressures, control of biological threats and integration of sustainable production and processing systems for the delivery of high quality, value-added horticultural and agri-food products. Research activities focus on high value horticultural crops, particularly wine grapes and tree fruits, and the development of environmentally and economically sustainable methodologies and strategies including the study of pathogen- and pest-crop systems at population, macro and molecular levels, to ensure the success of our agricultural industries locally, nationally and internationally. Summerland RDC is one of seven sites where field trials on potential pest management tools and technology trials are conducted for AAFC’s Minor Use Pesticides Program. The centre also houses the Canadian National Collection of Plant Viruses.

At the centre, the incumbent will organize and conduct in-depth chemical analyses of materials and interpret results using unique methods and software; collaborates in problem identification and project objectives with scientists, managers and clients; selects and uses specialized analytical equipment and methods to carry out analyses; provides expert advice and interpretations on the results of the studies; prepares analytical and interpretive reports for clients; provides training to technical staff and students; and maintains an awareness of current technological advances in adapting methodologies.

AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion. We have several networks dedicated to ensuring that the department continues to grow as an inclusive, accessible, respectful and diverse workplace. All employees are encouraged and welcomed to join the networks and participate in their activities and events.

• The Gender and Sexual Diversity Inclusiveness Network
• The Indigenous Network Circle
• The Managers' Community
• The Persons with Disabilities Network
• The Student Panel of Representatives for Orientation, Unity and Training
• The Visible Minorities Network
• The Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network
• The Young Professional's Network

Intent of the process

The immediate need is to fill one (1) indeterminate position in Summerland, British Columbia.

A pool of qualified and partially qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar positions at other research centres across Canada with various tenures, security or 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)

EDUCATION:
Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in chemistry.

Note: The courses for the specialization must be acceptable and must have been taken at a recognized post-secondary institution, but not necessarily within a degree program in the required specialization.

If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. Click on the link below to contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC).

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE:
Experience working in an analytical chemistry laboratory conducting analytical testing methods and results validation.
Experience in the operation and maintenance of a range of analytical instruments including liquid chromatographs and mass spectrometers.
Experience with internal laboratory quality control procedures.
Experience in the analysis, collection and interpretation of data, in a laboratory environment and the preparation of reports.
Experience with supervising or training of students or junior staff.

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

ASSET EDUCATION:
A master’s level degree in analytical chemistry.

Degree equivalency

ASSET EXPERIENCE:
Significant* experience in the development or adaptation, evaluation and implementation of analytical methodologies for proteomic or metabolomic analyses in the area of plant science.
Experience in operation and maintenance of a LC-MS/MS.
Experience in operation and maintenance of gas chromatographs.
Significant* experience in using mass spectrometry methods for analytical chemistry applications.
Experience in performing sample preparation and analysis from plant, fruit and food samples.

Significant* is defined as the depth and breadth of experience normally associated with full-time duties for a minimum of 2 years.

Ability and willingness to travel.
Ability and willingness to work overtime occasionally.
Ability and willingness to work in a laboratory environment for extended periods of time.
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE:
Knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of mass spectrometry and chromatography, including HPLC, GC, LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS.
Knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of analytical chemistry, as applied to the analysis of plants, fruit, and food using chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques.
Knowledge of analytical method development and validation techniques and practices.

COMPETENCIES:
Adaptability
Initiative
Teamwork and Supervision
Interactive communications
Planning and Organizing
Concern for Safety

ABILITIES:
Ability to develop, execute and assess analytical methods and/or procedures for the chemical analysis of biological material.
Ability to interpret and critically review scientific data, prepare reports and provide constructive feedback to others.
Ability to provide scientific advice to management and/or clients on projects, analytical methods and instrumentation.

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

ASSET KNOWLEDGE:
Knowledge of analytical methodologies and data analysis for proteomics and metabolomics in the area of plant science.
Knowledge of theories, principles and practices of analytical chemistry, as applied to elemental analysis using ICP-OES.

ASSET ABILITY:
Ability to troubleshoot common problems arising during routine chromatography analyses.

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

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

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.