Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to May 9, 2024 - 23:59, Pacific Time.
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.
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.
We are seeking a Research Scientist with expertise and experience in industrial automation and robotics. This individual will lead a research program focused on developing an innovative research program in automation and robotics in livestock and meat processing.
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) Lacombe Research and Development Centre (RDC), that includes expertise ranging from livestock, carcass merit, and meat evaluation to automation of these production systems. This role involves active collaboration with AAFC scientists and academic professionals, as well as establishing partnerships with the livestock and meat industry, 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.
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.
The immediate need is to staff one position on an indeterminate basis. A pool of qualified and partially qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar positions with various tenures as well as various linguistic requirements.
Positions to be filled: 1
Your résumé.
EDUCATION:
An acceptable doctorate degree from a recognized post-secondary educational institution in a field of science with a specialization in mechatronics, automation, robotics or any other field related to the duties of the position.
Applications will be accepted from candidates enrolled in their final year, but who have not yet completed a Ph.D. program. Completion of the Ph.D. thesis must occur before the date of appointment.
Recognized achievement in the form of authorship and editorship of published or unpublished reports, books, papers, peer-reviewed scientific journals, 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
d) 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.
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).
EXPERIENCE:
• Experience conceptualizing, planning and implementing research or development projects in automation or robotics.
• Experience implementing solutions related to automation or robotics.
• Experience conceptualizing, designing, planning and completing research projects in a team environment.
Asset Qualifications - Experience:
• Experience in managing multi-year projects with associated human resource, budgetary and planning functions.
• Experience interacting with industry and other stakeholders to garner support and guide research initiatives.
• Postdoctoral research or industry experience in at least one of the following fields: automation, robotics, or their application to livestock and food processing.
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team.
English essential
Information on language requirements
KNOWLEDGE:
• Knowledge of automation or robotics use in agriculture and agri-food sectors in Canada.
• Knowledge of concepts associated with automation and robotics in Farming 4.0, including artificial intelligence, intelligent automation, sensing, Internet of Things, and visualization.
COMPETENCIES:
• Teamwork
• Planning and Organization
• Interactive communication
• Initiative
• Concern for safety
ABILITY:
• Ability to design and implement an innovative research program in livestock and meat production systems related to automation and robotics.
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
Reliability Status security clearance
• 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, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability and willingness to handle livestock when required.
• Ability and willingness to work at research and commercial livestock facilities, abattoirs and meat processing plants (e.g., coolers, slaughter and carcass processing floors).
• Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials, under challenging conditions (temperature extremes in abattoir and coolers, equipment noise and slippery floors in the processing areas, and malodorous conditions in the offal collection area) and handling large animals, beef and pork carcasses.
• Known allergies must be controlled through the use of personal protective equipment and/or medication and must not impinge upon the duties to be performed.
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
ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.
Various assessment tools may be used, such as standardized tests, interviews, references, board member knowledge, etc.
All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence may be used in the assessment of qualifications.
A random or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.
Appointment decisions may be based on one or more of the following criteria:
• Matching the individual's experience or qualifications to the strengths and weaknesses of the work team.
• Matching the individual's experience or qualifications to the specific duties of the position being staffed.
• Depth, breadth, and type of work-specific experience.
• Level/degree of one or more competencies/qualifications.
A test may be administered.
An interview may be administered.
Reference checks may be sought.
You must provide proof of your educational credentials.
Asset qualifications may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.
APPLICATION & CORRESPONDENCE INFORMATION
Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs.html.
Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact the email referenced below under "Contact Information."
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.
Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts emails from unknown users (some email systems block these types of emails).
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.