Research Scientist – Biological Control

About the position

Duties
We are seeking a Research Scientist with expertise in weed biological control and a demonstrated ability to translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions for invasive plant management. This individual will lead a research program focused on the development, evaluation, and implementation of biological control strategies for invasive weeds in natural and managed ecosystems.

The incumbent will contribute to a working environment that fosters collegiality, diversity, and teamwork. The Research Scientist will be part of a multidisciplinary team of science professionals at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Lethbridge Research and Development Centre (RDC), that includes expertise ranging from plant and soil science, agronomy, weed science, entomology, plant pathology, microbiology, genomics, animal science, and rangeland ecology to agricultural engineering and data science research. This role involves active collaboration with AAFC scientists and academic professionals, along with other federal and provincial departments. The incumbent will participate in the transfer of scientific knowledge and technology to partners, clients and the general public. The Research Scientist will supervise technical staff and may serve on graduate student committees and potentially co-supervise graduate students.

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.

Operational Requirements

Operational Requirements:
Ability and willingness to travel.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
Ability and willingness to control allergies, through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication without impinging on the duties to be performed.
Ability and willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and/or field environments for extended periods of time.

You need (essential for the job)

Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following

Education:
Graduation with an acceptable doctoral degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a field of natural sciences with a specialization related to the duties of the position, such as, but not limited to:
● Entomology (specialization in biological control of weeds or insect-plant interactions)
● Ecology

Productivity or recognition includes developmental work leading to the issue of patents, copyrights, or the creation of improved varieties, functions, or designs, and/or recognition by the professional community of the research environment. It also refers to recognized achievement in the form of authorship and editorship of published or unpublished reports, books, papers, or other communications resulting from:
a) Research, experimental development, or tasking associated with operational equipment and problems; OR
b) Operational research and scientific analysis; OR
c) Planning, analysis and evaluation of Canadian and foreign programs in research and development; OR

Applications from persons enrolled in a doctoral program but who have yet to complete it will be considered. However, the thesis must have been defended and the doctoral degree awarded before appointment.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 conducting biological control including the evaluation, implementation, and monitoring of biological control agents.
Experience in plant ecology and population dynamics.
Experience in host-specificity testing, environmental risk assessment, and the evaluation of non-target impact evaluation of biological control agents.
Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team.

Applied / assessed at a later date

Knowledge:
Knowledge of weed biological control principles, including the ecology, biology and management of invasive plant species.
Knowledge of regulatory requirements governing the containment, import, and environmental release of non-indigenous agents.
Knowledge of ecosystem dynamics, plant-insect interactions and integrated weed management approaches.

Competencies:
Creativity and Innovation
Team Leadership
Integrity and Respect
Interactive communication
Written communication

Abilities:
Ability to design and implement an innovative research program.
Ability to make scientific presentations to a scientific audience.

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

Experience:
Experience managing multi-year projects with associated human resource, budgetary, and planning functions.
Experience interacting with industry and other stakeholders to garner support and research direction .
Experience applying for research grants.

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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