Research Scientist – Grain Quality – Pulses and Oilseeds

Duties
The successful candidate will lead research in the area of pulse (e.g., dry beans)and oilseed (e.g., soybeans) quality to improve the attributes of Canadian pulses and oilseeds in current markets, which will be reflected in improved processing, end-product characteristics, and crop performance. The research will have a particular focus on aspects of pulse and oilseed quality related to end use utilizations, such as investigating the effects of protein, starch, fiber, oil and other minor components on functional properties of grains and end-products. The successful candidate will work with AAFC pulse and oilseed breeders, universities, government and industry stakeholders including processors to explore traits that may lead to market expansion and maintain relevant direction of the program of pulse and oilseed quality. He or she will also work on a multi-disciplinary team towards understanding the biochemical basis of pulse and oilseed grain end-use attributes and devising effective and sustainable methods for its improvement including biotechnology. The successful candidate will develop methods to effectively screen for pulse and oilseed grain quality and work closely with breeders in identifying relevant superior germplasm. The pulse and oilseed quality scientist will also carry out research projects aimed at improving the functional characteristics of Canadian pulses and oilseeds. In addition to demonstrating a strong capability to lead the application and use of analytical, molecular and genetic tools in pulse and oilseeds, he or she will demonstrate an understanding of agronomic, statistical and physiological protocols common to crop production biology. The position, located in Morden, Manitoba is part of an internationally recognized, competitively funded research program in grain quality that generates innovative processes and outcomes. The position is also part of a multidisciplinary team of plant breeders, grain end-use quality chemists, molecular biologists and agronomists with access to a research lab and field testing plots across western Canada. The position is supported by technical staff to conduct experiments.

Intent of the process
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 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.Supporting employment continuity by prioritizing AAFC employees impacted by workforce adjustment for job opportunities.

---

Reliability Status security clearance

Possession of a valid, class 5, Manitoba driver’s license, or other provincial/territorial equivalency.
Ability to travel and work flexible hours.
Ability to work safely in laboratory and field environments.

---

Education:
Graduation with an acceptable doctoral degree from a recognized post‑secondary institution in agricultural and food sciences, plant science, chemistry, biochemistry, food science, or another relevant discipline. 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. 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
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. 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 leading and conducting scientific research on grain quality in pulses (e.g., dry beans) or oilseeds (e.g., soybeans), including their chemistry, processing performance, ingredient functionality, and related quality analysis and end-product processing. Experience using specialized analytical techniques and instrumentation relevant to pulse and oilseed quality, such as chromatography (HPLC/UPLC/GC), protein and carbohydrate (e.g., starch, dietary fiber) characterization, oil analysis, spectroscopic or high‑throughput quality assessment tools. Experience working collaboratively as part of multidisciplinary research teams.

Knowledge:
Knowledge of the biochemical and physical basis of pulse and oilseed quality traits that influence their end-use performance across the agri-food value chain. Knowledge of methodologies used to assess processing functionality, quality stability, and ingredient performance (carbohydrates and/or protein, oil and minor components). Knowledge of how quality traits influence crop variety development as well as grain processing efficiency and market suitability.

Competencies:
Concern for Safety
Teamwork
Interactive Communication
Integrity and Respect

Abilities:
Ability to design and implement an innovative research program. Ability to make scientific presentations to varied audiences.

---

Applied / assessed at a later date

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

---

Experience:
Experience in soybean or pulse (e.g. dry beans) fractionation or value‑added processing research. Experience in the use of modern high throughput analysis techniques with proteins, carbohydrates, and oil. Experience managing multi‑year research projects. Experience interacting with plant breeders, crop producers, agri-food processors, and other stakeholders to garner support and research direction.

Knowledge:
Knowledge of modern approaches to assess end‑use quality and processing performance. Knowledge of tools linking quality traits to breeding outcomes. Knowledge of molecular genetics to be able to relate genomic regions to end-use suitability traits and or biochemical traits. Knowledge and ability to determine appropriate approaches for conducting research in grain chemistry and to guide the development of new techniques and procedures.

---

---

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.

---

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.

---

---

---

---