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π Why work at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada?
β’ Work-life balance
β’ Benefits - extended medical and dental plan, paid vacation and statutory holidays
β’ Pension Plan
β’ Guaranteed full time hours β 37.5 hour work week!
β’ Opportunity to grow and apply to internal positions across the Public Service
β’ Please consult the following link for information regarding the Public Service comprehensive medical and dental coverage: https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/benefit-plans/health-care-plan/public-service-health-care-plan-glance.html
β’ Please consult the following link for information for information regarding the Public Service Pension Plan: https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/pension-plan/prospective-members.html
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πΈ Your π₯ππ¦π¨π π must include your education, professional certification, current and past jobs and associated duties.
πΈ Your π₯ππ¦π¨π π will be used as the primary tool in the screening process. The resume may be used to substantiate the information provided.
πΈ Communication for this process will be sent via email. Candidates who apply to this selection process should monitor their email inbox including their junk/spam folders.
π’ Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada: π π¦π ππ₯π§ πππ₯πππ₯ π π’π©π! π’
The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting research and development in molecular biology to support the Small Fruit Germplasm Development Program and Soil Health and Microbiome Program at AAFC Kentville Research and Development Centre.
The Small Fruit Program is focused on breeding and evaluating new varieties of strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, and grapevine for production in Canada. The program also performs genetics studies, germplasm development, and special projects related to small fruit diversity and production. The successful candidate will develop and implement a platform for DNA marker-assisted selection in support of plant breeding and germplasm development within the Small Fruit Program.
The Soil Heath Program is focused on a holistic approach to evaluating the effects of soil management practices on soil biochemical and physical properties and biological processes that maintain and enhance soil productivity and sustainability, thus enhancing its resilience to climate change. The program also performs molecular studies to understand how the soil management practices affect microbial communities and their activities involved in nutrient cycles. The successful candidate will develop and implement molecular methods to identify and quantify soil microbial groups and quantify genes involved in nutrient cycling in support of biological processes that maintain and enhance soil productivity within the Soil Health Program.
Laboratory and administrative responsibilities represent 90% of the work load for this position, while greenhouse and field sampling represent the remainder. The willingness and ability to work independently and apply problem solving skills to develop and improve upon workflows and processes is essential. The successful candidate must also have the ability and willingness to: conduct technically detailed repetitive tasks in a laboratory environment; install, operate, maintain and troubleshoot sensitive laboratory equipment; consult with internal and external experts to obtain training and guidance for laboratory equipment and processes; and work in greenhouse and field environments for extended periods of time.
Under the direction of the Program Leads, the incumbent's duties may include, but are not limited to: development and implementation of molecular biology laboratory processes, leading sampling and data collection in the field and greenhouse, analysing genomic and phenomic data, conducting bioinformatics and statistical analyses, writing reports, and contributing to scientific papers.
The incumbent will also be responsible for administrative tasks such as completing forms, emails, meetings, mandatory and job-specific trainings, purchasing materials and supplies, securing quotes for equipment purchasing and service, and performing occupational health and safety duties.
This is a fully on-site position at the AAFC Kentville Research and Development Centre. It is located in the town of Kentville, in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia.
The Kentville Research and Development Centre was established in Kentville, Nova Scotia in 1911. It is one of 20 research centres in the AAFC nationwide network. The Centre conducts research in the areas of germplasm development, sustainable and environmentally resilient primary production, postharvest handling and storage, and food attributes and safety, with a focus on small fruits, tree fruits, and vegetables. Joining the KRDC is an opportunity to work in a dynamic research environment dedicated to innovation and discovery for the benefit of Canadian agriculture.
The immediate need is to fill one (1) indeterminate position in Kentville, Nova Scotia.
A pool of qualified or partially qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar permanent or temporary positions with different language and security requirements in research centers across Canada
Positions to be filled: 1
Your rΓ©sumΓ©.
Contact information for 2 references.
π EDUCATION
β’ Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in a biological science.
β
EXPERIENCE
β’ Experience conducting molecular biology laboratory analyses including: DNA isolation, molecular marker development, PCR genotyping, and qPCR analyses.
β’ Experience in conducting bioinformatics analyses.
β’ Experience in writing research reports, interpreting research findings, or presenting research findings to targeted audiences.
π ASSET EDUCATION π
β’ Graduation with a Master of Science or Doctorate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a natural, physical or applied science with specialization in a field relevant to the duties of the position.
β
ASSET EXPERIENCE β
β’ Experience in conducting DNA marker-assisted selection for plant breeding.
β’ Experience in conducting qPCR analyses to quantify soil microbial groups at different taxonomic levels and quantify genes involved in soil nutrient cycling.
β’ Experience in conducting bioinformatics analyses, including statistical analysis of data.
β’ Experience in contributing to peer-reviewed research publication(s) in the field of plant breeding or soil microbiology; this can include authorship or acknowledgement of technical contributions.
English essential
Information on language requirements
β
KNOWLEDGE
β’ Knowledge of marker systems and methods used in DNA marker-assisted selection for plant breeding.
β’ Knowledge of methods to optimize PCR and qPCR results, including designing primers.
β’ Knowledge of specialized scientific software for the interpretation, analysis, storage and dissemination of DNA sequences and metadata.
β
COMPETENCIES
β’ Interactive Communication
β’ Planning and Organizing
β’ Analytical Thinking
β’ Problem Solving
β’ Initiative
Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women
Information on employment equity
Reliability Status security clearance
β’ Valid Class 5 Nova Scotia driverβs license, or other provincial/territorial equivalent.
β’ Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials while following regular safety precautions.
β’ Ability and willingness to lift materials and equipment weighing up to 20 kg.
β’ Ability and willingness to work in laboratory, greenhouse and field environments for extended periods of time.
β’ Ability and willingness to use Personal Protective Equipment as necessary for the performance of duties.
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
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.