Research Technician – Plant Physiology (woody perennials)

Duties
The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting in the overall operations of a plant physiology program focusing on the primary and sustainable production and storage of horticultural crops. Current and proposed projects prominently feature woody perennial plants such as wine-grape (including the care of two, small research vineyards) and apple production and storage. Duties will include a healthy and engaging mix of computer, desk work, field and lab work. Under the direction of the lead researcher, the incumbent's duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Computer and desk work: literature reviews; input into experimental design; data inputting and analyses; ordering of materials; and helping to onboard, train and organize students and incoming lab employees;
- Lab work: tissue cultures; grafting; conducting of experiments in controlled growth environments; data gathering; competitive assays; work with biologicals and microbiome studies; operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of scientific equipment, including sensors, gas chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatography;
- Field work: gathering and processing of soil and tissue samples from commercial research plots; data gathering; and maintenance of field plots, including on-site research vineyards. In particular, this position will provide the successful candidate with opportunities to apply their skills and expertise developed in the course of their post-secondary education, as well as to acquire valuable experience and learn new skills.

Work environment
The Kentville Research and Development Centre (KRDC) was established in Kentville, Nova Scotia in 1911. One of 20 research and development centres in the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) nationwide network, the KRDC conducts research in the areas of germplasm development, sustainable and environmentally resilient primary production, postharvest handling and storage, and food attributes and safety. KRDC research addresses predominant horticultural crops in the region, such as tree fruits, berry crops, wine grapes and vegetables. Working at the KRDC is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, continually changing research environment dedicated to the acquisition of new knowledge and the creation of a sustainable food network.

Intent of the process
Immediate need: 1 full-time permanent position*PLEASE NOTE* The position is located in Kentville, Nova Scotia, and on site presence in Kentville, Nova Scotia is required.A pool of qualified or partially qualified candidates may be established and used to fill similar positions on a temporary or permanent basis.In the event that an employee of the public service is qualified through this process, they may be considered for acting, deployment, indeterminate, assignment or secondment opportunities.

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.

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Reliability Status security clearance

Able and willing to work overtime during peak periods (e.g., harvest time)
Possession of a valid, class 5 Nova Scotia driver’s licence or other provincial/territorial equivalent
Possession of a valid pesticide applicator’s licence, or able and willing to obtain one within six months of appointment
Able and willing to travel
Able and willing to work in laboratory, greenhouse and field environments for extended periods of time with appropriate safety precautions in place
Able and willing to work outdoors under variable weather conditions
Able and willing to work with hazardous materials while following regular safety precautions
Able and willing to lift boxes and equipment weighing up to 25 kg
Able and willing to stand for extended periods of time on concrete floors and to walk over uneven ground in orchards, vineyards and fields
Able and willing to work in fields where it is necessary to bend over or squat to gather samples from plants or from the ground

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Education:
Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in plant physiology, plant biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or other specialization relevant to the position.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).

Experience:
Experience in operating and maintaining lab equipment
Experience in maintaining plants, managing crops (field and controlled conditions) and in collecting plant or soil samples
Experience in conducting research activities in a laboratory (e.g., basic chemistry, titrations, acids and bases, DNA extraction)
Experience with experimental design and statistical data analyses

Knowledge of lab safety procedures
Knowledge of basic lab techniques (e.g., pipetting, chromatography, molecular, sensors)
Knowledge of methods used in horticultural production and physiological mechanisms and traits that influence plant growth

Concern for safety
Initiative
Planning and organizing
Teamwork

Ability to operate, maintain and troubleshoot equipment

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Applied / assessed at a later date

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

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Asset Education
A Master’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization in plant physiology or in another relevant field.

Asset Experience
Experience with tissue culture or other propagation techniques
Experience with molecular techniques and analyses (e.g., DNA extractions, gel electrophoresis, PCR, sequencing, QIIME2, PICRUSt)
Experience with gas chromatography, spectrophotometry, high-pressure liquid chromatography or microplate readers
Experience with developing new lab protocols
Experience in training and organizing the work of others
Experience with the application of controlled pesticides with valid certificationAsset Ability
Ability to operate, adjust, calibrate and maintain sprayers (e.g., handheld, backpack, boom and air blast sprayers)

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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.

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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.

Learn more about preference to veterans.

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