Research Assistant - Natural Resources

About the position

Duties
The successful candidate will oversee technical operations related to molecular biology research and plant biotechnology in the scientific team working on crop plants (cereals, oilseed and other crops)

The individual will perform a variety of laboratory and field work, as well as computer-based data analysis tasks.Under the supervision of research scientists, tasks may include, but are not limited to, sampling (plants, soil, environmental parameters, etc.), designing or adapting procedures, techniques, or methods to conduct laboratory research, analyzing samples using various laboratory equipment, data recording, data management and analysis, and working closely with student staff.

Intent of the process
A pool of qualified and partially qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar positions with various employment tenures.

Positions to be filled
1

Important messages
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. We also have various employee diversity networks dedicated to ensuring that our department continues to grow as an inclusive employer.

Conditions of employment

Conditions of Employment:
Reliability and Security: Reliability Status
Possession of a valid class 5 Alberta driver’s license or other provincial/territorial equivalency.
Ability and willingness to travel.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and this must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse and field environment, with appropriate safety precautions in place.
Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials.

You need (essential for the job)

Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following

Education:
Diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution in one of the following fields: Plant Biology; Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Agriculture, or in another field related to the position OR an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

At a later stage in the selection process, you will be required to provide documentation verifying your educational credentials.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).

Learn more about degree equivalency.

Experience:
Experience in planning and conducting laboratory or field experiments in molecular biology and plant sciences.
Experience in designing, developing, or testing research methods.
Experience in managing resources, such as samples, equipment, materials and supplies.
Experience in writing scientific reports and posters and contributing to scientific communications.
Experience in coaching and training students or colleagues.
Experience in working with DNA and RNA.

Applied / assessed at a later date

Knowledge:
Knowledge of principles used in a research laboratory.
Knowledge of molecular biology methodologies.
Knowledge of plant cell biology.

Competencies:
Planning and Organizing
Concern for Safety
Initiative
Teamwork
Interactive Communication

Abilities:
Ability to use scientific instruments and tools and to apply scientific techniques and methodologies.
Ability to make observations, collect and record data accurately and interpret and analyze results.

Language requirements (essential for the job)

Applied / assessed at a later date

English essential - You are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of your choice.

Learn more about language requirements.

You may need (asset qualifications)

May be applied / assessed at a later date

Education:
Graduation with a Master’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in biological sciences with a specialization in a field relevant to the position (e.g. Plant Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Plant Sciences, Biology) or in a related program in agriculture.

Learn more about degree equivalency.

Experience:
Extensive* lab work experience in plant molecular biology, including experience performing molecular or biochemical analyses on DNA, RNA and proteins.
Extensive* experience in plant cell/tissue culture.
Experience maintaining plants in growth cabinets or greenhouses.
Experience working with plant microspores or doubled haploid production.

*Extensive is defined as at least 5-year experience in that area.

Knowledge:
Knowledge of genetic engineering.
Knowledge of plant tissue culture techniques.

Supporting employment continuity by prioritizing AAFC employees impacted by workforce adjustment for job opportunities.

Our commitment

We're 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 contact the hiring organization below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Learn more about assessment accommodation.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. We promote employment equity and encourage you to self-declare if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.

Learn more about diversity and inclusion in the public service.

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.

Learn more about employment equity.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first, followed by Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of jobs located in Nunavut or Yukon. For positions located in Nunavut, qualified Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement will be appointed first. For positions located in Yukon, qualified Yukon First Nations will be appointed first, followed by qualified Indigenous persons.

Learn more about preference to veterans.

How to apply

Learn more about applying for Government of Canada jobs.

Information you must provide

• Your résumé

We'd like to thank all those who apply. However, only the people selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Additional links

Discover the interesting work we do at Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada Videos

Hiring organization contact

Name: Adriana Azzi / Human Resources Advisor
Email address: [email protected]

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