Molecular Biology 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

Duties

As part of an experienced team, the successful candidate will assist with research related to species conservation, taxonomic identification, and host-pathogen interactions in forest trees. Duties include conducting molecular studies on plants, insects and fungi with an emphasis on DNA sequencing, gene expression, molecular diagnostic, metagenomics among others. The successful candidate will contribute to generating new knowledge by collecting experimental data, conducting data analysis, assisting in the preparation of reports and presentations, and supporting technology transfer activities. Other duties will include training, lab maintenance, and coordinating activities with staff/collaborators.

Work environment

At Natural Resources Canada, a Federal government job means developing leadership skills, fostering teamwork, and supporting creativity and innovation. We know it takes people from diverse pools of talent to make this happen. That is why we are looking for people like you. As an employee at Natural Resources Canada you can enjoy diverse employment opportunities, a range of career development programs, and a learning culture that supports you to learn on an ongoing basis.

Intent of the process

The intent of this process is to staff one (1) indeterminate position.

A pool of fully or partially qualified candidates may be established through this process to staff identical or similar positions within Natural Resources Canada with various tenures (determinate period or indeterminate), various language requirements, various security requirements, various conditions of employment and for various locations.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 3 references.

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

EDUCATION:
Graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in biology, biochemistry, botany, microbiology, or forestry OR an acceptable combination of education, training, and experience.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE:
►Experience in planning and conducting laboratory or field experiments, including in troubleshooting and optimizing methodology.
►Experience in making scientific observations, collecting data, and recording data accurately.
►Experience in performing molecular or biochemical analyses on DNA, RNA and proteins (such as: DNA and RNA purification and analysis, gel electrophoresis, PCR, reverse transcription-PCR, real-time PCR, protein purification and characterization, Western blot).

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE:
►Knowledge of data analysis using basic statistics.
►Knowledge of laboratory safe work practices.
►Knowledge in one or more areas including basic plant biology, or genetics, or microbiology or forest pathology.
►Knowledge of laboratory or field practices related to research in biological and forest sciences.

COMPETENCIES:
►Interactive communication
►Planning and Organization
►Problem Solving
►Teamwork
►Initiative

ABILITY:
►Ability to prepare chemical solutions and perform mathematical calculations.
►Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

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

ASSET-EDUCATION:
Graduation from a recognized post-secondary institution with a Master of Science degree in Genetics, Plant Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular biology or some other science discipline relevant to the position.

Degree equivalency

ASSET-EXPERIENCE:
►Experience in molecular marker genotyping and analysis.
►Experience using advanced methods for plant/insect chemical profiling (LC/MS, GC/MS).
►Experience using microscopy for taxonomic identification (fungal, insect).

ASSET-KNOWLEDGE:
►Knowledge of plant conservation, including species at risk
►Knowledge of plant pathology, including disease screening for fungal pathogens.
►Knowledge of soil/water microbiology and metagenomics.
►Knowledge of plant genomics, including whole genome sequencing.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

OTHER CONDITIONS:
• Valid driver’s licence
• Able and willing to travel.
• Able to perform physically demanding work activities, including moderate manual work such as lifting objectives up to 10 kg.
• Following safety protocols, able and willing to work with hazardous materials.
• Able and willing to work in laboratory, greenhouse and field environments for extended periods at a time.
• Able and willing to work overtime including evenings and weekends.
• Agree to work on site daily. The position(s) will not have the ability to work remotely.

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

For this selection process, it is our intention to communicate with candidates via email. To that end, candidates must include a valid email address in their application. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that this address is functional and that it accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email). It is also the candidate’s responsibility to ensure accurate information is provided and updated as required.

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.

Candidates must meet the essential qualifications to be appointed to a position.
Candidates may be required to meet the other qualifications.
All information obtained throughout the selection process, from the time of application to close of process, may be used to evaluate the candidates.

Candidates must meet the conditions of employment and continue to meet these same conditions during their employment.

Reference checks may be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test may be administered.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language(s) of their choice.

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.